The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has made it clear that it will not accept “fabricated” claims from graduates regarding difficulties finding employment after graduation. TSLS chief executive Hasmukh Lal expressed concern over some students allegedly manipulating the situation to seek permission for overseas travel.
He emphasized that while TSLS is committed to assisting graduates in securing employment through its Employer Connect portal, those who fabricate stories about their job search challenges in Fiji will not receive help from the agency.
Mr. Lal also highlighted that students enrolled in the scholarship program are allowed to work no more than 20 hours per week in conjunction with their studies. Should students feel the need to take on part-time work, they are required to obtain prior approval from TSLS.
He warned that if students engage in full-time work while also studying full-time, the agency will take action based on the terms of their agreement, especially if a whistleblower complaint is submitted.
Lal reiterated that the scholarship program strictly prohibits full-time employment, stating that any breach of this agreement could lead to immediate termination of the scholarship. He mentioned that there have been no reported cases of such breaches but emphasized the importance of community vigilance and the necessity of approval for any part-time employment.