People’s Alliance Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says its tertiary education policy which entails the removal of the current schemes and consequently, the cancellation of student loan debts will not be based on race but apply to all students equally.
Unlike the FijiFirst Government, he says a PA government will remove the Tertiary Loans Scheme (TELS) and National Stoppers scholarships, and does not intend to impose massive financial burdens on young people.
“This comprehensive scheme will apply to all students equally. It is contained in our manifesto with no reference to race on this issue,” Mr. Rabuka said.
“I have also given details of our intention in a video that has been widely circulated.”
In place of TELS and Toppers, People’s Alliance will put in place full scholarships containing bond conditions, requiring students to serve or work in the country for the same number of years they studied in higher education institutions.
“They will work in Fiji for an average of three to four years in the private or public sectors, or with non-government organisations (NGOs).
“We will fund this initiative from an existing budget allocation of $162.6 million. In forming our new approach we saw no merit or justice in a policy that forces students to start their adult lives with crippling bills.”
