A recent audit has uncovered a substantial financial deficit of approximately $160 million in Fiji’s Tertiary Students Loan Scheme (TSLS) over the last ten years.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro revealed this information during a parliamentary session in response to a written inquiry from Opposition MP Alipate Tuicolo.
He pointed out that 21,685 students who enrolled in the program between 2013 and 2023 either left their studies, became inactive, or have yet to graduate, leading to the expiration of their bond terms.
Mr. Tuicolo asked the minister for specifics regarding the number of students in the TSLS who did not finish their education at their designated institutions.
“From 2014 to 2023, there were 21,685 students who have either absconded, are inactive, or are yet to graduate, resulting in about $160 million of investment lost,” Mr. Radrodro stated.
He noted that while a breakdown of the figures by institution cannot be shared, the institutions themselves possess relevant information regarding students on probation, suspension, and non-completion.
Furthermore, he mentioned that between 2014 and 2019, students with very low academic performance were granted TELS loans to pursue degree programs, which has contributed to the elevated non-completion rates.
Technical colleges were also linked to these non-completion statistics, he added.
“The Fijian Parliament has approved amendments to the TSLS Act to gather information on academically ‘at risk’ students. This data will be utilized to develop remedial plans for their respective tertiary institutions, aimed at early detection and providing necessary support to decrease the non-completion rate.”