Fiji’s government has proposed a scheme requiring students awarded Australian Awards scholarships to serve the country for at least five years after graduation.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro raised the initiative during a recent meeting with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stating, “Fiji has lost approximately 2.5% of its population through permanent and circular migration, with Australia being a preferred destination.”
The proposal aims to address migration issues and skills shortages in Fiji, Radrodro told parliament this week. The delegation also discussed increasing funding for vocational and degree training under the Vuvale partnership.
As part of the new initiatives, the TSLS has introduced a Cost Sharing Overseas PhD Scholarship program, which allows Fijian students to pursue doctoral studies at reduced costs. Radrodro pointed out that funding an undergraduate student overseas costs the Fijian government around $300,000, compared to $30,000 to $40,000 at local universities. As a result, the bond service requirement for these students has been increased to 2.5 times the duration of their studies.
The delegation secured pro bono support from prominent Fijian professors to establish a National Research Council aimed at boosting educational innovations.
While visiting Australia, Radrodro toured several universities, including the University of New South Wales, Western Sydney University, and the University of Canberra. He met with Fijian students who advised him about the mismatch in local curriculum compared to overseas universities, particularly in the STEM field.
