Fiji’s Education Dilemma: Bridging the Tertiary Gap

In Fiji, a significant educational challenge has emerged as only about 30 percent of the approximately 15,000 students exiting the schooling system advance to tertiary education. This concern was highlighted by Steve Chand, chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji (HECF), during a meeting with a delegation from the United Arab Emirates in Suva.

Mr. Chand emphasized the need to re-engage the 70 percent of students who do not pursue higher education, particularly through vocational training programs. He stated that creating a safety net for these students is paramount, indicating that large-scale training initiatives at vocational centers are vital for this purpose.

The discussions also touched on skill gaps and training requirements, with Mr. Chand and HECF CEO Dr. Rohit Kishore updating the UAE delegation, headed by Special Envoy to the Pacific Omar Shehadeh, on ongoing reforms within Fiji’s education sector.

Notably, Mr. Chand introduced the concept of “education tourism,” which he described as a burgeoning opportunity. He noted that as New Zealand mimics Australia in potentially limiting the intake of international students, many of those students may turn to Fiji for their education. The country is positioning itself as a regional education hub, particularly through the University of the South Pacific (USP), which serves students from 14 Forum Island countries.

The meeting also explored prospective partnerships and investment opportunities between Fiji and the UAE, alongside ongoing improvements to HECF’s accreditation system.

This proactive approach illustrates Fiji’s commitment to enhancing its education sector while creating opportunities for both local and international students, making the nation a more attractive destination for education in the Pacific region.

In summary, as Fiji navigates the challenges of its educational landscape, it is taking strategic steps to retain students through vocational training and to attract international scholars, promising a brighter future for both its education sector and its students.