The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, providing opportunities for Fijian students to study in Aotearoa, New Zealand in fields critical to Fiji’s development.
The MOU was signed in Dunedin recently and will remain in effect until September 2030, with an option to renew for a further five years.
With this agreement new pathways will be established for Fijians to pursue academic programmes which include Exercise, Sport & Nutrition Science; Aquaculture and Fisheries; Biotechnology; Microbiology; Geographic Information Systems; Software Engineering; Forensic Analytical Science; Rehabilitation and Medical Technology.
The signing of the MOU represents the first time Otago has entered into an agreement with a Fijian government agency to directly support students to study in Dunedin.
A TSLS delegation visited Otago’s Dunedin campus for the MOU signing, led by Executive Chair Ro Teimumu Kepa, highlighted that the partnership is about creating opportunities that align with national development goals while nurturing global citizens who will return home ready to lead.
The TSLS delegation to Dunedin also included Head of Student Services, Avinay Kumar; Manager Legal, Marica Vereakula; and Coordinator Scholarships, Higher Education, Shivon Singh.
The delegation met with University leaders to discuss alignment between Otago’s academic programmes and Fiji’s national human capital priorities.
Dean of Te Tumu, which is the University’s School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, Professor Patrick Vakaoti says the agreement reflects the value the Fijian Government places on educational qualifications offered at Otago.
Otago Director International, Jason Cushen says the agreement represents a deepening of Pacific partnerships that go beyond student numbers.
He says Fiji has always been an important and valued partner for Otago, and they look forward to working closely with Fiji’s Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service to provide life-changing opportunities for a new group of young Fijians.
