All USP Pacific TAFE programmes, except the Early Childhood Programme, will cease to be funded under any Fijian Government Scholarship or Loan Schemes from 2020.
This is in line with the 2019-2020 National Budget announcement where Minister For Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stated that they will no longer be allowing students who study in USP’s Technical Colleges to fund their education through the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme.
This is because of the current programme's exclusionary policy of not permitting the cross transfer of credits to and from other universities, and within the University from Certificate to Diploma.
He adds that they will continue to fund FNU Technical Colleges through TELS, as they do allow for cross transfers as this will also strengthen the vocational focus and specialisation of FNU.
However, students who are currently studying at USP's Pacific TAFE programme and under the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme will continue to be sponsored under this programme and not be affected due to the policy changes next year.
Chief Executive Officer of TSLB, Bobby Maharaj has confirmed this when questioned by Fijivillage on the change in policy and the number of students that would be affected by the announcement.
Maharaj says all existing students who are currently enrolled at Pacific TAFE and under TSLB sponsorship will continue to be paid tuition and allowances under the existing terms and conditions.
He says TSLB will continue to fund the certificate and Diploma Level courses offered for the Early Childhood Program.
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