Close to 4,200 TSLS applications remain incomplete

More than 4,200 students risk missing out on vital financial support for their studies as thousands of Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Scheme (TSLS) applications remain incomplete.

TSLS chief executive officer Apisalome Movono said close to 9,000 applications had been received this year, with almost half still pending due to missing documents, unaccepted programme offers or a lack of response from applicants.

Mr Movono said some students had failed to check their emails or respond to messages sent by TSLS, slowing the processing of applications.

“While we’ve received around 9,000 applications, about 4,200 are still incomplete,” he said.

“Some students have not submitted documents, some may be stuck in the system, and others have not responded to their preferred programmes. We encourage students to reach out to us. TSLS is here to help.”

He urged students to act quickly and follow up on their applications to avoid delays that could affect their studies.

While some students say the application process is manageable, others have found it challenging without direct assistance.

Eighteen-year-old Tarusila Ting from Macuata, Vanua Levu, a second-year Fiji National University (FNU) student studying for a Certificate in Baking, said applying online was straightforward but encouraged students to visit TSLS offices if they needed help.

“Going to the office makes it easier to communicate with the officers,” she said.

Nineteen-year-old Asenaca Seniloli from Yasawa said her experience applying for TSLS for the first time was more difficult.

A former Year 13 student of Lami High School, Ms Seniloli said the number of requirements and supporting documents made the online process stressful.

She will attend FNU this year to study for a Bachelor of Education (Secondary).

“It’s easier when TSLS staff are there to help you, compared to applying online,” she said.

TSLS continues to urge students with incomplete applications to check their emails regularly, submit all required documents and seek assistance early to secure their education funding.