Students sponsored under the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) may work on a part-time basis for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
This was announced by TSLS chief executive officer Dr Hasmukh Lal who said those 20 hours per week would have to be outside students’ hours of study.
He said the initiative would ensure TSLS sponsored students were able to enrich learning journey by gaining valuable work experience and contribute to Fiji’s workforce needs.
“This is an option but not mandatory and the students must seek approval from TSLS,” Dr Lal said.
He said the provision was in line with TSLS Employer Connect Framework launched by Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh in June.
“With the launch, more and more employers are showing interest in getting connected with sponsored students of TSLS.
“The part-time work initiative will greatly assist students to gain valuable work ethics, attitude and other soft skills required for employability.”
He said the intended value was to ensure students become work ready while also assisting employers to mitigate labour shortages by hiring students on a part-time basis.
“Undoubtedly, through this initiative some students will secure permanent jobs after completion of their studies.
“The student must remain as a full-time student and only seek employment outside the hours of studies and continues to undertake full academic load as per the study period agreed with TSLS.”
He said the student must continue to meet TSLS academic requirements for term-to-term assessment and part-time employment would not be considered as an accepted reason for poor academic performance.
The application for part time employment approval form is available on the TSLS website and social media page.
