$1.44 Billion Spent on Tertiary Education
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, told Parliament that while all students previously meeting the academic requirements at any tertiary institution were eligible for loans, this is no longer the case.
Saturday 05 October 2024 | 12:02
Part of the large crowd of students who attended the Fiji National University open day at its Nasinu Campus on October 4, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The Tertiary Scholarship and Loan Services (TSLS) has spent $1.44 billion to assist approximately 70,000 students over the past 10 years, highlighting a significant investment of taxpayers' money into Fiji's education sector.
The funding has contributed substantially to tertiary education and training programmes, reflecting the Government's prioritisation of higher education.
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, told Parliament that while all students previously meeting the academic requirements at any tertiary institution were eligible for loans, this is no longer the case.
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"Many students have been admitted into various university programmes but are studying privately because they did not qualify for scholarships or loans," Mr Radrodro said, noting that approximately 19,000 students are in this situation.
He explained that the previous administration had established a sustainable funding model for tertiary education, creating a revolving fund to support future students intending to pursue tertiary studies.
"Unfortunately, the current Government has implemented an unsustainable financial model, where taxpayers are now spending around $150 million annually for tertiary education," the minister said.
He also pointed out that Government has introduced a 50 per cent penalty on students who forfeit their bonds to seek opportunities overseas.
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