The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has invested $1.44 billion to support around 70,000 students in the last decade, underscoring a significant commitment of taxpayer funds to Fiji’s education system. This investment has played a vital role in enhancing tertiary education and training programs, demonstrating the Government’s focus on advancing higher education.
During a parliamentary session, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro stated 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 revealed that many students are now enrolled in various university programs but are studying independently because they do not qualify for scholarships or loans, which affects about 19,000 students.
The minister elaborated that the previous government had set up a sustainable funding framework for tertiary education, which included the creation of a revolving fund to assist future students pursuing higher education. However, he criticized the current administration for adopting an unsustainable financial model, highlighting that taxpayers are currently investing around $150 million each year into tertiary education.
Additionally, he noted that the Government has imposed a 50 percent penalty on students who forfeit their bonds to seek opportunities abroad.