The University of Fiji has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd to establish a scholarship programme aimed at expanding access to higher education and supporting deserving Fijian students facing financial barriers.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem describes the partnership as an important milestone for the institution.
She says the agreement shows that the private sector has reached out to support students in achieving a qualification through a scholarship and demonstrates confidence in the university’s academic programmes and its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Professor Shameem says the university will administer and advertise the scholarship, manage the application and selection process through the Office of the Registrar, and monitor the academic progress of the recipient.
She says that annual academic progress reports will be provided to the sponsor as part of the partnership arrangement.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd for its support and expressed confidence that the collaboration would benefit students for years to come.
Director of Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd, Nikul Khatri says the company views education as a vital investment in the country’s future.
He says, as a proudly Fijian company, they believe business must go beyond commerce by creating opportunities, empowering people and investing in Fiji’s future.
Khatri says the scholarship is an investment in talent and potential, supporting students who work hard, show promise and need the opportunity.
Under the partnership, the scholarship will fully fund the tuition fees of selected students and will be awarded once every two academic years, beginning this year.
The scholarship is available to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in selected programmes, including Commerce, Information Technology, Journalism and Media Studies, and related disciplines.
Eligible applicants must be Fiji citizens who have completed Year 13 with strong academic results, or continuing students who maintain satisfactory academic standing.
Applicants must also demonstrate financial need, meet programme entry requirements and not be recipients of any other scholarship.
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for four years, and application details will be announced through the University’s official communication channels.
