The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has allocated $1.44 billion over the last decade to support around 70,000 students, showcasing a considerable use of taxpayer funds in Fiji’s educational sector. This financial commitment has played a vital role in enhancing tertiary education and training programs, underscoring the Government’s focus on higher education.
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, informed Parliament that the eligibility criteria for student loans have changed, and not all students who meet academic requirements at any tertiary institution can access these loans anymore. He highlighted that many students are now privately enrolled in various university programs because they did not qualify for scholarships or loans, with approximately 19,000 students affected by this new situation.
Radrodro elaborated that the previous government had developed a sustainable funding model for tertiary education, establishing a revolving fund aimed at supporting future students pursuing higher studies. However, he criticized the current administration for enforcing an unsustainable financial model, revealing that taxpayers are now contributing around $150 million each year towards tertiary education.
The minister also mentioned that the Government has imposed a 50 percent penalty on students who breach their bonds by seeking opportunities abroad.