AROUND 19,000 private students have lost access to affordable TELS loans and are now struggling to fund their studies, says Opposition MP Premila Kumar.
Speaking during the national budget debate in Parliament earlier last month, Ms Kumar said thousands of graduates remained unemployed despite years of study.
“Many young Fijians cannot even take up overseas jobs because they are bonded or forced to repay loans upfront,” she said.
“Our young people are not leaving for adventure; they are leaving out of frustration, because this government has failed to create pathways for opportunities at home.”
She said the 2025-2026 budget was “glaringly silent” on the plight of unemployed youth and the skilled worker exodus.
“Fijians do not ask for miracles. They ask for stability, security, decent jobs, a lower cost of living, and hope that their children will have a better future.
“Sadly, this budget delivers none of that.”
