Students who do not qualify for the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS) can opt for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or entry mark could be reduced if the quota is not filled.

Minister for Education Premila Kumar, spoke to the media about the options available to students who do not meet the TELS requirements.

“I know there has been a lot of discussions going on about the TELS mark being 280 and what will happen to the children,” she said.

“We all must understand that there is a quota for toppers as well as a loan scheme.

“The regulation says that TELS has to meet the quota, so if 280 is the cut off mark, if they are not able to fill the quota they can reduce the mark.

The second option, she says is they can always opt for TVET.

Change mindset

“It’s just unfortunate that in our community we look at TVET as blue collar, it is a course for someone who is not that bright but in reality world over that is not how they treat TVET.

“But we have created this kind of  thinking around TVET and we need to change that.

“I can continue giving examples of how well TVET graduates have done as compared to academic or university graduates.

“At the end of the day when we study at the university, we want to improve the quality of our life through a job.

“But if you compare the two you will see that TVET graduates who have opened up their businesses are doing far better.”

Feedback:  sheenal.kumar@fijisun.com.fj