The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) emphasizes that gender and ethnicity do not influence scholarship eligibility, according to CEO Dr. Hasmukh Lal. He clarified that scholarships are awarded based on publicly accessible criteria and merit, which vary across the 12 scholarship schemes, one study loan scheme, and three grant schemes.
Dr. Lal highlighted a growing interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships, driven by a workplace demand where approximately 70% of job opportunities are in TVET sectors. He noted that TSLS funds 18 local tertiary institutions, with 12 being TVET-focused. Many of these institutions gained eligibility for TSLS funding in the past three years.
To boost awareness and applications, the Coalition Government increased the TSLS budget, enabling outreach to rural and maritime schools, including areas like Rotuma. This initiative resulted in a significant uptick in TVET scholarship applications, contributing to the government’s strategy to tackle the skills shortage caused by global mobility trends.
TSLS is also aligning its scholarship design and planning with labor market needs rather than relying on population distribution by gender or ethnicity. Dr. Lal emphasized that the selection process is rigorous, ensuring that scholarships go to those who meet all necessary criteria and agree to bond terms.
The growing participation in educational programs, particularly female enrollment—which accounted for 55% of recipients—suggests a positive move towards inclusivity and empowerment. This reflects an effective strategy that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which supports equitable education for all.
Overall, these developments in education and scholarship allocation show a hopeful future for students in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor to meet market demands and offering opportunities for all Fijians to thrive.
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