The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Newcastle in Australia aim to foster collaboration in the funding of the PhD programmes for Fiji citizens enrolling at the university.

The signing of the MoU is noteworthy given UON’s reputation to be known as a prestigious university and the research strengths of the university address Fiji’s national priority areas. 

This collaboration will enhance the human capacity and contribute towards socio-economic solutions in Fiji.

TSLS Board Chairperson, Ro Teimumu Kepa said that the signing of the MoU was a significant step as the UON’s commitment to providing support to the Fiji Government through the cost-sharing initiative, that would be a great advance towards providing research-based solutions to ever-competing challenges that Fiji faces in the areas of environment and climate, clean energy, medicine and public health and inclusive education.

She added that for the 2025 Academic Year, the government has established a new Scheme for PhD & Masters Cost Sharing with the Australian universities.

The University of Newcastle is the first on board. 

Under PhD & Masters Cost Sharing Scheme, the government will cover costs such as overseas insurance health cover, airfares, ttipend, and other costs while the University of Newcastle will cover the full tuition fee for a total of (5) five eligible Fiji citizens.

She further stated that this collaboration will enhance the Pacific partnership and human capacity as well as contribute towards socio-economic solutions in Fiji. 

The University of Newcastle’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky said that the partnership between University of Newcastle and TSLS is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can drive academic and research success.

“Our university is very pleased with the active collaboration already in place with TSLS which enables more students to come study at our university and more of our staff and students, to learn more about Fiji”, said Professor Zelinsky.

He further stated that the PhD Scholarship programme, supported by tuition fee waivers, is a critical component of this partnership, enabling scholars to pursue important research projects.