The first is a qualification upgrade that allows those who were never before funded by TSLS, as well as those who have repaid their loans in full to the Bachelor level, to upgrade to the postgraduate diploma level.
The government will introduce two new schemes under TELS.
The first is a qualification upgrade that allows those who were never before funded by TSLS, as well as those who have repaid their loans in full to the Bachelor level, to upgrade to the postgraduate diploma level. In addition, those holding a certificate or diploma –– and who were funded by TSLS and have not yet repaid that loan in full –– will be allowed to complete up to a degree programme to gain a competitive edge for employment if they are not currently working. 400 of these study loans will be available in the next financial year.
The second is a skills qualification for other tertiary education providers, including FNU and others. I’ve already stressed how important these careers are to the Fijian economy. In some cases, we have faced such a serious dearth in professions like tile laying that we’ve had to import skilled labourers. These are jobs that our people should be qualified to do and paid to do. This scheme will fund Skills Qualifications in these ‘blue collar’ areas such as Fitting and Machining, Automotive Body Works, Carpentry, Fabrication and Welding, Joinery and Cabinet Making, Plumbing and Sheet Metal, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Automotive Electrical and Electronics, Construction, and –– yes –– tile laying as well.
100 of these study loans will be available in the next financial year. The eligibility will be a pass in year 12, Certificate I or Certificate II from Fiji Higher Education Commission recognised institutions or an offer letter from the preferred eligible institution. Tertiary education providers, Nadave Centre for Appropriate Technology Development and Montfort Boys Town, who are not eligible for TSLS funding and sponsorship can now apply to be included, provided they meet all TSLS criteria. This criteria will also be published by TSLS in the TELS regulation and online.