Fijian students now have an exciting opportunity to pursue PhD programs at several prestigious Australian universities, thanks to a new sponsorship initiative. This collaboration includes the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University.
Under this cost-sharing sponsorship, the Fijian government will cover essential costs such as overseas health insurance, airfare, and living stipends. Monash University is set to fully fund tuition for 15 students, while Swinburne and Griffith will each sponsor five students. The application process for these PhD scholarships will remain open year-round, offering Fijian students the flexibility to apply at their convenience.
Previously, four other Australian universities had entered into similar cost-sharing agreements, increasing the total number of scholarships available under this initiative to 39. Students will be required to complete a Master’s program before applying for a PhD, which can also be pursued at local universities or in New Zealand through a different scheme.
With 49 scholarships on offer for the upcoming academic year, this initiative is poised to significantly enhance the academic landscape for Fiji. Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Monash University, noted that this agreement positions the university as a primary destination for Fijian students seeking higher education in Australia. Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, emphasized that the program not only benefits individual students but also has the potential to significantly bolster Fiji’s intellectual capital and workforce.
Moreover, Dr. Lal highlighted the financial efficiency of the program, where taxpayers will save an average of $270,000 per student, resulting in total projected savings of around $10.5 million for the scheme, due to successful negotiations with the participating universities.
This initiative represents a strong commitment to educational development, offering Fijians brighter futures through increased access to advanced scholarly opportunities in a collaborative environment.
Overall, this partnership showcases both the investment in education and the potential to transform Fiji’s workforce, underlining the significant benefits of international collaboration in higher education.
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