The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has announced a significant partnership with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University, aimed at funding Ph.D. programs for Fijian citizens studying in Australia.
This initiative will cover various expenses, including health insurance, airfare, stipends, and other associated costs. Monash University is set to fully cover tuition fees for 15 students, while Swinburne and Griffith will each support 5 students. This new arrangement adds to existing partnerships with four Australian universities, resulting in a total of 39 cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships now available.
In addition, there are 10 scholarships available for a Masters by Ph.D. program at local and New Zealand universities, bringing the total to 49 scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Applications for Ph.D. programs are accepted throughout the year.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Monash University, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it solidifies Monash’s position as one of the largest hosts of Fijian students in Australia. He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with TSLS, noting that it aims to strengthen human capacity development in Fiji.
Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, described this as a historic allocation of scholarships that will greatly enhance Fiji’s intellectual capital. He also noted that the cost-sharing scheme results in substantial savings for taxpayers, with an average of $270,000 saved per student, totaling $10.5 million across the 39 scholarships.
This initiative demonstrates a promising investment in education for Fijian citizens, fostering growth, and enabling students to contribute positively to their home country and the broader Pacific region.
In summary, the new cost-sharing partnership marks a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities for Fijians, with the potential to cultivate a well-educated workforce that can drive development in the region. The collaboration reflects a growing commitment from Australian institutions to support Fijian higher education and signifies a hopeful trajectory for future graduates.
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