14,409 students on scholarship, student loan

The number of students currently studying under the National Toppers Scheme scholarships and Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) increased last year.

Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy today told Parliament that 14,409 students were studying under both schemes in 2015, up from 12,943 in 2014.

Dr Reddy was responding to a parliamentary question from Opposition MP Hon. Mikaele Leawere.

LEAWERE: “Can the Minister explain as to what scholarships are available to rural students from disadvantaged parents given that Government has taken away the Fijian Affairs and Multi-ethnic Scholarships.”

Dr Reddy said more students were now accessing government funding due to the new schemes.

REDDY: “When the previous scheme was in place, 5434 students were studying under the PSC, Multi-ethnic and Fijian Affairs Scholarships.

Opposition MP Hon. Sela Nanovo asked Dr Reddy how many students were recipients of the Topper’s scholarship since the new system came into place.

REDDY: “In 2014, we had 314 TOPPERS scholarship recipients, 409 recipients in 2015 and the number of scholarships awarded increase to 579 this year.”

More updates from today’s parliamentary session are available from our Live Blog.