A recent audit has revealed that Fiji’s Tertiary Students Loan Scheme (TSLS) has experienced a substantial financial deficit of approximately $160 million over the last decade.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro shared this information in Parliament in response to a question from Opposition MP Alipate Tuicolo. He noted that 21,685 students who were enrolled in the scheme between 2013 and 2023 have either dropped out, stopped attending classes, or have yet to graduate, leading to the expiration of their bond terms.
Mr. Tuicolo inquired about the number of students who did not complete their studies under the TSLS. Minister Radrodro explained that from 2014 to 2023, the total of 21,685 students who either absconded, became inactive, or have not graduated corresponds to an investment of about $160 million.
He mentioned that while the specific breakdown by institutions cannot be disclosed, those institutions do possess the statistics on students who are on probation, suspended, or have not completed their studies.
Radrodro indicated that between 2014 and 2019, students with very low academic performance were granted TELS loans for degree programs, contributing to the significant rate of non-completion. He also cited technical colleges as a factor in the non-completion statistics.
He added that the Fijian Parliament has approved amendments to the TSLS Act to gather information on students deemed academically “at risk.” This data will be utilized to develop remedial plans in higher education institutions aimed at early detection and support to help decrease the non-completion rate.