The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Newcastle (UON) in Australia to foster collaboration in funding PhD programs for Fijian citizens enrolling at the university.
The MoU is significant given UON’s reputation as a prestigious university with research strengths 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, highlighted the importance of the MoU, noting that UON’s commitment to supporting the Fiji Government through this cost-sharing initiative represents a major step forward. This initiative is expected to provide research-based solutions to Fiji’s pressing challenges in areas such as environment and climate, clean energy, medicine and public health, and inclusive education.
For the 2025 academic year, the Fiji Government has established a new Scheme for PhD and Masters Cost Sharing with Australian universities. The University of Newcastle is the first institution to participate in this scheme.
Under the PhD and Masters Cost Sharing Scheme, the Fiji Government will cover expenses including overseas health insurance, airfares, stipends, and other costs, while the University of Newcastle will cover the full tuition fees for five eligible Fijian citizens.
Ro Teimumu Kepa further stated that this collaboration will strengthen Pacific partnerships, build human capacity, and contribute to socio-economic progress in Fiji.
University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, emphasized that the partnership between UON and TSLS demonstrates how collaborative efforts can drive academic and research excellence. He expressed satisfaction with the active collaboration, which enables more Fijian students to study at UON and allows UON’s staff and students to learn more about Fiji.
Professor Zelinsky also mentioned that the PhD Scholarship program, supported by tuition fee waivers, is a crucial element of this partnership, facilitating scholars in pursuing important research projects.