Fiji’s citizens now have an exciting array of options for pursuing PhD programs at several Australian universities, thanks to a newly established cost-sharing sponsorship partnership. This initiative involves the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon, Griffith University.
Through this partnership, the TSLS will cover essential costs such as overseas health insurance, airfare, stipends, and other expenses for students. Monash University will sponsor tuition fees for 15 students, while Swinburne University and Griffith University will each fund five students. This collaboration significantly expands opportunities for Fijian students.
TSLS announced that the application period for PhD scholarships will be open year-round, allowing students to plan accordingly. Previously, four other Australian universities—University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, Queensland University of Technology, and Western Sydney University—also signed similar agreements, bringing the total number of scholarships available under this scheme to 39.
Students will be required to complete a Master’s program before advancing to their PhD studies, which can take place either at a local university or in New Zealand through a separate initiative. For the upcoming academic year, 49 scholarships will be available under this program.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) at Monash University, highlighted that this agreement positions Monash as one of the primary hosts for Fijian students among Australian institutions. TSLS CEO Dr. Hasmukh Lal emphasized the program’s potential to enhance Fiji’s intellectual capital, suggesting that the initiative will not only provide individual opportunities but also contribute to the broader workforce development in Fiji.
Dr. Lal noted that through this cost-sharing scheme, taxpayers will save approximately $270,000 per student, culminating in total savings of about $10.5 million across 39 scholarships. He credited successful negotiations and a commitment from the Australian universities to improve prospects for Fiji and the Pacific region.
This development marks a significant step toward bolstering educational ties between Fiji and Australia, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the country’s growth and development.
Overall, the partnership between Fiji’s TSLS and these Australian universities signals a promising future for Fijian students seeking advanced education and professional opportunities abroad, ultimately enriching the local workforce and contributing to national growth.
Leave a comment