The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has invested $1.44 billion to support around 70,000 students over the last decade, demonstrating a significant commitment of taxpayer funds to Fiji’s education system.
This funding has played a crucial role in enhancing tertiary education and training programs, underscoring the Government’s focus on higher education.
Aseri Radrodro, the Minister for Education, informed Parliament that while all students who met the academic criteria for any tertiary institution used to be eligible for loans, this is no longer the case.
He mentioned that many students have been accepted into various university programs but are studying privately because they did not qualify for scholarships or loans, with approximately 19,000 students affected by this change.
Radrodro elaborated that the previous government had put in place a sustainable funding model for tertiary education that included a revolving fund to assist future students pursuing higher studies.
However, he criticized the current government’s approach, describing it as an unsustainable financial model. He noted that taxpayers are now contributing about $150 million each year for tertiary education.
He also highlighted the government’s decision to impose a 50 percent penalty on students who choose to forfeit their bonds to take up opportunities abroad.