Fiji has encountered a substantial financial deficit of approximately $160 million in its Tertiary Students Loan Scheme (TSLS) over the last decade, as revealed in a recent audit. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro shared this information during a parliamentary session, responding to a query from Opposition MP Alipate Tuicolo.
Radrodro noted that 21,685 students who signed up for the scheme between 2013 and 2023 either dropped out, became inactive, or have yet to graduate, leading to the expiration of their bond terms. Tuicolo had asked for details regarding the number of students who failed to complete their studies at various higher education institutions under the TSLS.
From 2014 to 2023, nearly 21,685 students fell into categories of absconding, inactivity, or non-graduation, resulting in an investment loss of around $160 million, according to Radrodro. He mentioned that while a breakdown of data by institution cannot be disclosed, the institutions possess relevant information about students on probation, suspension, and those who did not complete their studies.
The Minister pointed out that from 2014 to 2019, students with very low academic performance were granted loans to pursue degree programs, contributing to the elevated non-completion rates. He also noted that technical colleges played a role in these figures.
To address this issue, the Fijian Parliament has approved amendments to the TSLS Act aimed at gathering information on academically ‘at-risk’ students. This data will help institutions develop remedial plans to identify and support these students early on, with the goal of reducing the non-completion rate.