Fijians should be aware of false information on various social media platforms - TSLB

The Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board says Fijians should be aware of false information on various social media platforms that the National Toppers Scheme Scholarship has been cancelled or students who have completed Year 13 or Foundation Studies in 2019 are no longer being considered for the scholarships.

TSLB says such false information should be ignored as it lacks any credibility or substance.

The board has reaffirmed and reassured Fijians that there are 970 National Toppers Scheme Scholarships available for students wishing to enroll in programs which are part of the twelve priority areas of the government.

This comprises of 20 scholarships for overseas studies and 950 for studies locally.

TSLB CEO, Bobby Maharaj says in addition to these 970 new National Toppers Scheme Scholarships, there are a total of 2,075 students currently enrolled for their studies at the various eligible higher education institutions locally.

There are also 14 students at various overseas institutions under the National Toppers Overseas Scholarships scheme and will continue to be funded under the terms and conditions of their offer letter and bond form.

Maharaj confirms that all these students will continue to enjoy their award privileges as per the agreement and there will be no changes to the eligibility for tuition and allowances.

He says in the 2019-2020 national budget, the Fijian Government has allocated a total of $41.018 million for these new and existing National Toppers Scheme Scholarships and this is a colossal investment in the education of young Fijians.

TSLB also says students who have successfully completed and attained the necessary marks/GPA in Year 13 or Equivalent Foundation Studies in 2019 in their first attempt are being considered for the 2020 Toppers awards so far.

Maharaj also says that it is important to note that Foundation Studies will not be considered for the National Toppers Scheme Scholarship from 2021 onwards.

This will be applicable to both the National Toppers Local Scholarships and the National Toppers Overseas Scholarships. Only students who complete Year 13 locally and rank as a national topper in their first attempt will be considered for the awards from 2021 onwards.