TSLS gives students time to decide, but warns against abuse

The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) is giving students greater flexibility in deciding their tertiary education pathways, but has issued a firm warning that government-funded support must not be taken lightly.

TSLS director, Avneel Kumar said students were being given a two-week window to consult with their families and universities before scholarship and loan offers are processed, to avoid unnecessary panic and rushed decisions.

“Students are still deciding whether to go to University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU) and UniFiji . Some are overseas, some are in villages, some are still finalising their results,” Mr Kumar said.

“We don’t want to start issuing offers when students are not prepared. Even universities are still finalising applications. We want to give students flexibility.”

Mr Kumar said applications would remain open until mid to late January, noting that universities begin classes on February 22, leaving sufficient time for processing.

However, while flexibility is being extended at the application stage, Mr Kumar made it clear that accountability remains non-negotiable once funding is approved.

“We pay allowances, hostel fees, food and rent. If a student is genuinely sick or affected by a family bereavement, we support them. But if a student fails because they didn’t submit assignments or missed exams, we cannot keep paying.”

Mr Kumar said TSLS had observed cases where students misled parents and blamed the system, despite failing to meet basic academic responsibilities.

“If you don’t want to study, just tell us frankly. Don’t waste public money,” he said.

One student applying for TSLS support is 18-year-old Temalesi Togayali of Naduri, Macuata, who shared maternal links to Bua.

A former Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School student, Ms Togayali completed Year 13 with a score of 282 out of 400.

She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Banking at the Fiji National University in 2026, saying TSLS support was crucial due to financial constraints.

Her father, Konisi Togayali, said he was proud to support his daughter and was now waiting for confirmation.

Ms Togayali said she hoped to complete her studies, fulfil her dreams and one day support her parents financially.