Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma has raised concerns about the challenges faced by students under the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS), who are struggling with the financial pressures of rising living costs. During a recent Budget debate in Parliament, Sharma highlighted that the recent allowance increase from $1,500 to $1,600 per semester—an additional $100—is inadequate to address the growing financial needs of students.
Sharma pointed out that students have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly non-merit students who often work part-time, with the minimal increase in support compared to merit-based scholarship recipients. He noted that merit students now receive an annual increase of $800, while non-merit students have seen just $200. The Hardship Assistance scheme, which offers $1,000 per semester, has not seen any adjustments, leaving students in need without sufficient aid.
Criticizing the Coalition Government for focusing on a TELS debt write-off yet ignoring deeper systemic issues, Sharma remarked, “Debt is cleared, but students remain bound. Education loans should empower students—not entrap them.” He asserted that while instilling responsibility in students is valuable, the current repayment scheme needs to be more flexible to accommodate the present economic hardships.
This debate mirrors discussions initiated by Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, who has similarly voiced concerns regarding the potential increase in university fees amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis in Fiji. Both MPs emphasize the need for educational institutions and the government to ensure that rising costs do not hinder access to education, advocating for cooperative actions that prioritize student welfare.
In a time marked by economic challenges, the calls for tangible support reflect a hopeful plea for solidarity between educational institutions and the government, aiming to protect the future of students and ensure that education remains accessible for all, regardless of economic circumstance.
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