The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) has expressed grave concerns regarding the increasing number of institutions operating without proper recognition or approval within the country. As the statutory authority responsible for regulating, verifying, and approving the eligibility of all higher education providers in Fiji, the FHEC has noted a troubling trend.
Chairman Steve Chand highlighted that several unrecognized institutions are connected to foreign entities that aim to recruit local students for overseas study. Unfortunately, many students who enroll through these agencies find themselves lacking adequate academic, welfare, or administrative support when they arrive abroad.
Chand pointed out that these practices not only violate the Higher Education Act of 2008 and the amendments made in 2017, which mandate that all education providers and recruiting agents must be properly registered and compliant with national standards, but they also mislead students. These unregulated institutions often make dubious claims regarding course accreditation, visa arrangements, job prospects, and support services, which can result in significant financial and personal risks for students.
In light of these issues, Chand is urging parents, students, and guardians to be cautious and thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any recruiting agency or education institution in Fiji. He stressed the necessity of confirming whether such institutions are officially recognized by FHEC before making any commitments, in order to protect themselves from potential fraud.
Chand further assured that FHEC remains committed to monitoring and taking stringent actions against these illegal education providers, aiming to uphold the integrity of Fiji’s higher education system and safeguard students’ interests. This proactive stance fosters a safer educational environment and empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures.