MINISTER of Finance Esrom Immanuel says 33,070 scholarship recipients have failed to complete their studies or had their awards terminated, with an estimated $235million in public investment associated with the non-completions.
He described the findings as a significant concern while speaking at the opening of the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) Strategic Planning Workshop and launch of its Strategic Plan 2026–2031 in Suva yesterday.
Mr Immanuel said the figures represented more than financial losses, with students’ ambitions disrupted, families’ expectations unfulfilled and public resources failing to achieve their intended outcomes.
“As Minister for Finance, I must emphasise that increasing access without improving completion and employment outcomes is not sufficient.
“Financial responsibility requires us to invest wisely, support students effectively and account for the results of that investment.”
He said the findings reinforced the need for reforms within TSLS to ensure Government funding translated into meaningful results for students and the country.
“This is why the change management program undertaken by TSLS this year is both necessary and timely.
