TSLS Reaffirms Merit-Based Scholarships; Gender and Ethnicity Not Criteria

The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has reaffirmed that all scholarships are awarded strictly based on merit, and not on gender or ethnicity.

In a statement released today, TSLS clarified that every scholarship scheme under its administration has defined qualifying criteria that must be met by applicants.

The agency emphasized that race and gender are not considered eligibility factors.

The announcement comes amid the ongoing application process for scholarships for the 2025 academic year, which opened on 2 December 2024.

TSLS is currently offering twelve scholarship schemes, including one student loan scheme and three grant schemes.

The 2025 Community Awareness Handbook, launched in August 2024 by Education Minister Hon. Aseri Radrodro, outlines these criteria and is publicly accessible via the TSLS website.

TSLS revealed that nearly 70% of jobs in Fiji fall within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. To meet this demand, TSLS supports 18 tertiary institutions—12 of which are TVET-focused.

Recent efforts by the Coalition Government have boosted outreach and awareness, especially in rural and maritime areas, including Rotuma.

TSLS added that it aligns its scholarship strategy with Sustainable Development Goal 4, aiming to increase equitable access to education for all Fijians. Scholarship designs are informed by workforce demand and data-driven analysis—not population demographics.

Scholarships were awarded only to those who met eligibility, signed agreements and bonds, and completed confirmation letters. Applicants who failed to fulfill these steps were not granted scholarships.