The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) has formally committed to supporting nine institutions by signing the 2025–2026 Grant Agreement. This agreement is a continued effort to bolster teaching, research, and workforce training capacities. FHEC Chair, Steve Chand, shared that the coalition government has earmarked $86.5 million in funding for 13 higher education institutions this year. Notably, some institutions will benefit from these grants for the first time.
Chand highlighted that the financial support is intended to enhance teaching and learning experiences, strengthen research initiatives, and improve training that aligns with workforce requirements. He emphasized the importance of timely accountability for these funds, underlining their operational nature and the need for careful stewardship of taxpayer money.
The investment aims to furnish students with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s job market, strengthening Fiji’s competitiveness over the long term. This initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing future labor needs and ensuring that Fijian students can access quality education and training opportunities.
By providing such substantial funding and emphasizing rigorous accountability, FHEC hopes to better prepare its educational institutions to meet the evolving demands of Fiji’s economic landscape. This step is not only a reinforcement of educational infrastructure but also a strategic move to equip the Fijian workforce with relevant skills for future challenges.