THE Government will put its pilot training scholarship intake on hold for 2027, along with several other major tertiary scholarship programs, as it reassesses Fiji’s future workforce needs.
Speaking at the launch of the 2027 TSLS Scholarship Policies Handbook at the TELS office in Suva yesterday, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the pilot training pause was necessary because the current number of scholarship and privately funded students was considered sufficient to meet Fiji Airways’ projected intake requirements for the next few years.
“The intake for pilot training will be placed on hold for the 2027 cycle, considering the significant number of scholarships awarded in recent years,” Mr Radrodro said.
“At present, there are 59 students on active scholarship and more than 70 private students, which is considered sufficient to meet Fiji Airways’ projected intake requirements over the next few years.”
He said the temporary pause would allow Government to work with Fiji Airways to reassess future workforce requirements.
“This temporary pause provides an opportunity to assess future workforce needs in collaboration with Fiji Airways and to recalibrate intake levels accordingly.”
The rebranded National Distinction Scholarship Local Scheme will provide 750 new awards and include pilot training and aircraft maintenance engineering programs.
Mr Radodro said the 2027 intake for the National Distinction Scholarship — overseas scheme would also be paused, after 181 students were sponsored since 2019.
He said Master’s and PhD scholarship intakes would likewise be paused, although PhD students can access a cost-sharing overseas scheme covering tuition and living costs.
