The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has invested $1.44 billion to support around 70,000 students in Fiji over the last decade, showcasing a major commitment of taxpayer funds to the country’s education system.
This investment has greatly aided tertiary education and training programs, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to higher education.
In a recent statement to Parliament, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro indicated that the eligibility criteria for loans have changed, and not all students who previously met the academic standards at any tertiary institution can access them anymore.
Radrodro mentioned that many students are now enrolled in various university programs as private students because they did not qualify for scholarships or loans, with around 19,000 students affected by this situation.
He noted that the former administration had introduced a sustainable funding model for tertiary education, which established a revolving fund to assist future students aiming to pursue higher studies.
However, according to the minister, the current Government has adopted a financially unsustainable model, leading taxpayers to spend approximately $150 million each year on tertiary education.
Additionally, he highlighted that the Government has imposed a 50 percent penalty on students who terminate their bonds to pursue opportunities abroad.