This year, the government has seen a remarkable increase in scholarship awards, particularly within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), reflecting its commitment to aligning educational policies with workforce demands. Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, announced in Parliament that a total of 8,700 new scholarships were awarded in 2025, compared to 7,662 in the previous year.
This increased number of scholarships emphasizes the Coalition Government’s effective scholarship policies aimed at expanding access and promoting equity in tertiary education. Breaking down the statistics, Radrodro highlighted that the majority of awards were granted to iTaukei students, who received 6,181 scholarships (71%). Fijians of Indian descent obtained 2,278 scholarships (26%), while 74 scholarships (0.85%) were awarded to Rotumans and minor numbers to Chinese and other ethnic groups.
In addition to these positive strides in accessibility, Radrodro noted a significant development in gender empowerment, with 55% of new scholarship recipients being female. This aligns with ongoing efforts to eliminate gender disparities in education, promoting a more inclusive environment.
The Minister encouraged eligible applicants to seize current opportunities, citing the opening of applications for the Skills Qualification Scheme in Quarter 2 and for Semester 2, set to start in mid-May.
This trend reflects an ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in Fiji, which is crucial for fostering a skilled workforce and supporting economic growth. Continued investments in education signify a hopeful outlook for the future, empowering students to meet labor market demands while contributing to their communities.
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