The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) has issued a stern warning to student recruitment agencies operating without proper authorisation, licensing or compliance with the law, stating that such activities are unlawful.
In a statement, the Commission said it has become aware that certain agencies are engaging in student recruitment and related services without meeting the requirements of the Higher Education Act 2008 and the Higher Education Amendment Act 2017.
The FHEC said these illegal operations pose risks to students and parents and undermine the integrity of Fiji’s higher education system.
“Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the Higher Education Commission is mandated to safeguard the national interest, protect the rights and welfare of students and parents, and ensure that all education-related service providers operate in full compliance with established legal and regulatory standards,” the Commission said.
The Commission has directed all entities involved in unauthorised student recruitment or related activities to immediately cease and desist from such operations.
This includes, but is not limited to, advertising, promoting or providing student placement services without valid accreditation, registration or licensing, and without full compliance with consumer protection and regulatory requirements.
The FHEC warned that failure to comply with the directive will result in enforcement action.
“Non-compliance may lead to the imposition of fines and penalties, closure of business premises, and referral to law enforcement authorities for prosecution,” the statement said.
The Commission has urged students, parents and the public to exercise caution when dealing with education agents and to verify whether agencies are properly registered and authorised before engaging their services.
The FHEC says it remains committed to upholding standards in the higher education sector and protecting students from misleading or unlawful practices.
