Eleven full-time first-year local students of the Fiji National University have been assisted with their tuition fees for Semester 2 this year.
The students are enrolled in undergraduate Bachelor’s programs and are not on any form of scholarship or sponsorship.
A statement from the university stated that each student was being assisted with $1000 through its student bursary scheme.
One of the recipients Shazna Begum – pursuing a Bachelor of Education Secondary (English and Geography) – said she was grateful for the assistance because it had lightened her burden of paying the fees and allowed her to focus more on her studies.
“COVID-19 has brought about many challenges, especially impacting employment and earning capacity. This assistance means a lot to me as it not only eased my financial burden but also motivates me to work diligently towards achieving my dreams,” Ms Begum said.
FNU vice-chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson said they were pleased to be able to assist the students through the bursaries.
“We are very proud of the fact that you are selected from a long list of applicants for the bursary and you were the outstanding candidates for those bursaries and that reflects on your academic progress to date and your commitment to your studies,” Prof Wilkinson said.
The university had assisted 19 private students under the same scheme during Semester 1 this year.
The university had also advised students of its Flexible Fee Payment Option and the extension of fee payment dates.
