Shivek Shandil’s hard work has definitely paid off in a big way for Jai Narayan College Year 13 high scorer.

Mr Shandil has been selected as one of the top 20 students to study abroad under the National Toppers Scheme (NTS) scholarship.

“I have worked really hard and only focused on my studies. This scholarship is the cherry on top of the icing and my hard work has paid off,” he said.

The scholarship is funded by the Fijian Government, Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board (TSLB).

He will do a three-year course in the Bachelor of Actuarial Science programme at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, from next month.

“Taking commerce in college was my personal choice because I want to own a business in the future,” he said.

“Actuarial Science is concerned with the construction of models and solutions for financial, business and societal problems involving uncertain future events.”

But the journey was not smooth sailing saying he faced many challenges and distractions.

“My weakness was doubting my abilities to further my studies and to get over the thought that I cannot do it anymore,” he said.

“But my parents were my strength and they kept me on track.”

The scholarship will pay for his accommodation, book allowance, food, tuition and flights.

TSLB chief executive officer Bobby Maharaj said applicants for overseas awards had to follow certain criteria’s.

“Students must apply directly with a university of their choice and upload the university offer letter with the NTS application. Preferences will be given to the most cost-effective countries and universities,” Mr Maharaj said.

Mr Shandil was a commerce student. He scored 383 out of 400 in the Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination last year.

SUBJECT MARKS:

• Maths – 95
• English – 92
• Accounting – 93
• Economics – 97
• Computer  99

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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