Restore TELS for students missing out on scholarships: Seruiratu

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called on the Government to reintroduce the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS), saying it would give students who miss out on scholarships a fair opportunity to pursue higher education.

Responding to the 2026-2027 National Budget in Parliament yesterday, Mr Seruiratu said restoring TELS would help create a more level playing field for students seeking tertiary education.

On education, he urged Government to reintroduce the loan scheme to support students who were unable to secure scholarships.

"This is the way forward if we were to provide a level playing field for our students."

Mr Seruiratu also called for Yellow Bus Cards to be extended to rural students travelling to urban centres, saying transport remained a barrier to education for some families.

He further proposed the introduction of a Child Bus Card after concerns were raised about young children paying full bus fares.

"Children must always be children and be accorded the care and service they are entitled to."

Beyond tertiary access, Mr Seruiratu urged Government to introduce civic education into schools and accelerate skills development to address labour shortages.

"We cannot procrastinate skills development in skills crisis."

He said investment in education and workforce development was critical to Fiji's long-term economic growth and ensuring young people had the opportunities needed to succeed.