The Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme (TSLS) has seen a remarkable increase in scholarship applications, with 8,700 new sponsored students enrolled for the first semester of 2025, marking a significant rise from 4,000 in 2023 and exceeding last year’s 6,422 applications. TSLS projects that the total number of new applicants may reach as high as 10,000 as the registration period continues for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships and Semester Two of the current financial year.
CEO Hasmukh Lal noted that the areas of study attracting the most interest include education, business and commerce, medicine and health sciences, automotive and hot plants, tourism, construction, and information technology services, encompassing a diverse range of TVET and higher education programs.
Currently, there are approximately 10,000 ongoing sponsored students. Lal emphasized the inclusive focus of the institution, stating that 1,822 students, primarily unemployed individuals and school dropouts, have received grants in priority fields such as automotive, construction, and tourism. This effort brings the total number of sponsored students to 20,746, the highest level since 2020, and notably, 53 percent of these students are female.
With additional grants for Semester Two and quarter two yet to be distributed, the total number of sponsored students is anticipated to reach 22,000 by the year’s end. Lal remarked that this upward trend indicates the effectiveness of the scholarship policies in expanding access to education for Fijians who previously faced barriers.
This surge in scholarship applications reflects the ongoing commitment to improving education accessibility, which is crucial for fostering a skilled workforce in Fiji and contributing to the country’s economic development.
Additionally, similar efforts to enhance the educational landscape have been noted in previous reports, highlighting significant investments made by the government in the education sector, aiming to provide equitable access to students across various backgrounds. This ongoing investment shows a hopeful trajectory for future educational enhancements in Fiji, indicating a strong focus on nurturing talent and professional growth.
Overall, these developments represent a promising step toward a more educated population capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic labor market.
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