The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Newcastle (UON) in Australia to promote collaboration in funding PhD programs for Fiji citizens enrolling at the university.
The MoU signing is significant, given UON’s esteemed reputation and its research capabilities that align with Fiji’s national priority areas. This partnership aims to enhance human capacity and contribute to socio-economic solutions in Fiji.
TSLS Board Chairperson, Ro Teimumu Kepa, stated that the MoU illustrates UON’s commitment to supporting the Fiji Government through a cost-sharing initiative, aimed at providing research-based solutions to environmental and climate challenges, clean energy, medicine and public health, and inclusive education in Fiji.
She also mentioned that for the 2025 Academic Year, the government has launched a new Scheme for PhD & Masters Cost Sharing with Australian universities, with the University of Newcastle being the first to participate.
Under this PhD & Masters Cost Sharing Scheme, the government will cover overseas health insurance, airfares, stipends, and other costs, while the University of Newcastle will cover full tuition fees for five eligible Fiji citizens.
Ro Teimumu Kepa emphasized that this collaboration would not only strengthen the Pacific partnership and human capacity but also contribute significantly to Fiji’s socio-economic development.
Professor Alex Zelinsky, Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, highlighted that the partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can drive academic and research success. He noted that the ongoing collaboration with TSLS already facilitates more students from Fiji studying at UON and allows staff and students to learn more about Fiji.
Professor Zelinsky further mentioned that the PhD Scholarship program, supported by tuition fee waivers, is a vital part of this partnership, enabling scholars to undertake essential research projects.