Fijian students looking to pursue PhD programs now have several options available in Australia, following a newly formed cost-sharing sponsorship initiative between the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) and multiple Australian universities, including Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon, Griffith University.
Under this partnership, the Fijian government will finance essential expenses such as overseas health insurance, travel costs, stipends, and other necessary expenditures. Monash University has committed to covering the full tuition fees for 15 students, while both Swinburne and Griffith University will sponsor five students each. The application process for these scholarships will remain open throughout the year.
Previously, four other Australian universities joined this cost-sharing initiative, which includes the University of Newcastle (offering five scholarships), the University of New South Wales (one scholarship), Queensland University of Technology (five scholarships), and Western Sydney University (three scholarships). Altogether, this initiative offers 39 scholarships under the cost-sharing PhD scheme.
As per TSLS, students must first complete their Master’s degree before advancing to PhD programs, which can also be pursued at local universities or in New Zealand under different arrangements. For the upcoming academic year, TSLS has confirmed that 49 scholarships will be available.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) at Monash University, highlighted the institution’s commitment to being a leading host for Fijian students in Australia. Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, added that this collaboration is expected to greatly enrich Fiji’s intellectual capital, estimating an average savings of $270,000 per student, culminating in total savings of $10.5 million across 39 scholarships.
This initiative reflects successful negotiations and a proactive approach from Australian universities, showing a strong interest in fostering educational capacity in Fiji and the Pacific region, which is a promising development for the academic future of Fijian students.
In summary, this partnership not only opens doors for many Fijian students but also strengthens academic ties between Fiji and Australia, emphasizing a collaborative effort to enhance education and develop a skilled workforce. The long-term benefits for Fiji could be substantial, leading to a more knowledgeable and capable population.
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