THE Government will increase the number of higher education achievement scholarships from 3000 to 4000 next year, while introducing a separate scheme aimed at ensuring rural, remote and maritime students are not left behind.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the Higher Education Minimum Cutoff Mark Scheme had been rebranded as the National Achievement Scholarship – Higher Education.
The scheme will cover locally offered degree programs in national priority areas for students scoring at least 250 out of 400 in Year 13, or meeting the required foundation studies GPA.
“The discipline-specific quota will be removed, and students may choose a program within the priority area, provided they meet the cutoff mark,” Mr Radrodro said.
He said the increase was based on a four-year trend showing a growing number of Year 13 students achieving 250 marks or higher.
Mr Radrodro said a further 500 scholarships would be available under the National Achievement Scholarship – Higher Education (Rural, Remote and Maritime), for students scoring between 230 and 249.
“This will build equity between rural, remote and maritime schools with urban schools, considering the disparities in resources and remoteness.”
He said skills training would also receive significant support, with 3000 awards available for Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma Level 5 and 6 programs in national priority areas.
“The focus on Skills Qualification remains a priority for the Coalition Government.”
Mr Radrodro said the scheme would play a critical role in addressing Fiji’s national skills gaps.
