The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has established a new cost-sharing sponsorship partnership with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University, aimed at funding Ph.D. programs for Fijian citizens in Australia.
As part of this collaboration, TSLS will manage expenses such as health insurance, airfare, stipends, and other ancillary costs. Monash University will fully cover tuition fees for 15 students, while both Swinburne and Griffith Universities will each fund 5 students.
This new agreement builds on prior collaborations with four Australian universities, bringing the total number of cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships available to 39. Additionally, there are 10 Ph.D. scholarships available under a Masters by Ph.D. program at local institutions and New Zealand universities, resulting in a combined total of 49 scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Applications for these Ph.D. programs are accepted throughout the year.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Monash University, underscored the importance of this partnership, noting that it will make Monash one of the largest hosts of Fijian students in Australia. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with TSLS to enhance the capacity building efforts in Fiji.
“This agreement signifies Monash University’s commitment to hosting a substantial number of Fijian students among Australian universities. We are committed to strengthening our partnership with TSLS and contributing to the development of Fiji’s human capacity through our co-funded Ph.D. program. Together, we aim to foster a brighter future,” he stated.
TSLS CEO Dr Hasmukh Lal described this allocation of scholarships as historic, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance Fiji’s intellectual capital. He highlighted that the cost-sharing model saves an average of $270,000 per student, amounting to a total savings of $10.5 million for taxpayers.
“This cost-sharing Ph.D. scheme not only saves taxpayers money, but it also showcases the successful negotiations and the positive outlook that Australian universities have toward Fiji and the Pacific region,” Dr. Lal remarked.
In summary, this partnership not only opens doors for Fijian scholars to pursue advanced education in Australia, but it also signifies a commitment to mutual growth and development, promising a brighter future for students and the greater Fijian community. The initiative exemplifies cooperation between nations, aiming to build a robust educational foundation while ensuring financial efficacy.
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