The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has invested $1.44 billion over the last decade to support around 70,000 students, indicating a substantial commitment of taxpayer funds into Fiji’s education system. This financial assistance has played a crucial role in advancing tertiary education and training programs, underscoring the government’s focus on higher education.
During a parliamentary session, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro stated that while all students who met academic criteria at any tertiary institution were previously eligible for loans, that is no longer the case. He noted that many students are currently enrolled in various university programs but are studying independently because they have not qualified for scholarships or loans, a situation affecting roughly 19,000 students.
Radrodro explained that the previous government had implemented a sustainable funding model for tertiary education, establishing a revolving fund to aid future students. However, he criticized the current government for adopting an unsustainable financial model, which requires taxpayers to contribute approximately $150 million annually for tertiary education.
Additionally, he highlighted a new regulation where the government has imposed a 50 percent penalty on students who breach their bond agreements to take up opportunities abroad.