The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) will not tolerate “fabricated” claims from graduates about not finding employment after their graduation.
TSLS chief executive Hasmukh Lal said some students emotionally blackmailed them so that they could be allowed to travel overseas.
He said they were happy to facilitate and help graduates find a job via the Employer Connect portal.
“But if they come up with their built-up stories of how they can’t get a job in Fiji, seeking permission to go overseas, thank you very much, you have come to the wrong agency for help,” he said.
Mr Lal also said students under the scheme must not work more than 20 hours per week, whilst fulfilling their term.
He said if there was a need for students to work part-time, they needed to get approval from TSLS.
“If you’re working full-time and studying full-time, we will investigate and take necessary actions as per the agreement, once a whistleblower complaint comes in.”
Students who are studying under the Tertiary Scholarships and Loan Scheme (TSLS) and working a full-time job have breached their bonding agreement, says TSLS CEO Hasmukh Lal.
Mr Lal says the scheme only permits students to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week, while fulfilling their term.
“Students under the TSLS scheme and working full-time have breached their agreement,” Mr Lal said.
“The bonding agreement is clear that the recipient of the scholarship cannot be in any form of employment, unless the scheme allows.
“One thing we allow for the students who are on our sponsorship, is to work on part-time basis, and that is a maximum of 20 hours per week.
“This way they are getting industry exposure and help increase the number of people in the workforce.
“If they are working full-time and also studying full-time, they have breached the scholarship agreement, and the scholarship will be terminated immediately.”
He says there haven’t been any cases of the said agreement breach so far and will only be aware if concerns have been raised by the public.
“If you have to work part-time, you will need to seek approval from us, and we will allow.
“But if you’re working full-time and studying full-time, we will investigate and take necessary actions as per the agreement, once a whistleblower complaint comes in.
“But so far, we haven’t received any cases or concerns from the members of the public.”
