The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has allocated $1.44 billion to support approximately 70,000 students over the last decade, showcasing a notable investment of taxpayer funds in Fiji’s education system. This financial backing has significantly enhanced tertiary education and training initiatives, reflecting the Government’s commitment to higher education.
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, informed Parliament that the eligibility criteria for loans have changed; previously, all students who met academic standards at any tertiary institution qualified for financial support, a situation that is no longer applicable. He highlighted that many students are attending various university programs privately, as they did not meet the requirements for scholarships or loans, with around 19,000 students affected.
Radrodro noted that the prior government had established a sustainable funding model for tertiary education, creating a revolving fund intended to support future students pursuing higher education. However, he criticized the current government for adopting an unsustainable financial model, stating that taxpayers are now contributing about $150 million annually to tertiary education.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government has instituted a 50 percent penalty for students who break their bonds to pursue opportunities abroad.