The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) and the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) have formalised a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in support of higher education, student success and national development in Fiji.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, and provides a framework for closer cooperation between the two statutory bodies in key areas such as information sharing, monitoring of higher education institutions, student support, and aligning scholarship funding with accredited and quality-assured programmes.

Speaking at the signing, TSLS Chair Ro Teimumu Kepa said the partnership is important in ensuring that government-funded scholarships continue to support accredited courses and programmes that respond to Fiji’s workforce and development priorities.

HECF Chair Ms Rokobua Naiyaga said the MoU reflects a shared commitment by HECF and TSLS to work together in strengthening the quality, relevance and accountability of higher education in Fiji, while keeping the interests of students at the centre of the partnership.

The collaboration is also expected to improve coordination between the two organisations in areas such as policy development, data sharing, learner welfare and sector planning. Through this partnership, HECF and TSLS aim to ensure that public investment in higher education delivers stronger outcomes for students, institutions and the nation.

The signing of the MoU marks an important step in reinforcing cooperation across Fiji’s higher education sector and highlights the commitment of both institutions to supporting a more responsive, accountable and future-focused tertiary education system.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) has successfully concluded its in-house consultation on the review of the Fiji Qualifications Framework (FQF), bringing together HECF staff, Commissioners and representatives of the Fiji Qualifications Council (FQC) for a productive day of discussion, collaboration and strategic reflection.

The consultation was attended by HECF Chair Ms Rokobua Naiyaga and Commission Member Dr Penueli Emi. Representing the Fiji Qualifications Council were Mrs Atelini Koroi, Ms Taraivosa Tuitoga, Mr Eremasi Tamanisau and Mr Pravee Maharaj, whose expertise and contributions added significant value to the consultation process.

Held in a World Café-style format, the interactive session created an open platform for participants to share ideas, experiences and recommendations on a range of key issues that are shaping the future of qualifications in Fiji. Discussions focused on the structure of the Fiji Qualifications Framework, the integration of micro-credentials, the use of artificial intelligence, disability and inclusion, recognition of prior learning and traditional knowledge, and the recognition of secondary school qualifications.

The consultation forms part of HECF’s broader national review of the Fiji Qualifications Framework, which is aimed at ensuring the Framework remains relevant, inclusive, future-focused and responsive to the evolving needs of learners, education providers, industry and the wider community.

HECF Director Dr Eci Naisele thanked the Commissioners, FQC representatives and HECF staff for their active participation and thoughtful contributions throughout the consultation. He emphasised that the review of the Fiji Qualifications Framework is a collaborative national effort and that the insights gathered from stakeholders will help shape a qualifications framework that is internationally recognised and better aligned to Fiji’s current and future education and workforce needs.

HECF acknowledges the valuable support of all participants and remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to strengthen Fiji’s qualifications system and ensure it continues to support quality education, lifelong learning and national development.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) has continued its nationwide review of the Fiji Qualifications Framework (FQF), carrying out a series of stakeholder consultations across Vanua Levu and the Western Division in June 2026. The review is aimed at ensuring that Fiji’s qualifications system remains relevant, responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the changing needs of learners, training providers, employers, industries, and the wider economy.

The consultation process began in Macuata Province, where HECF officially launched the FQF Review. Speaking at the launch, HECF Director Dr Eci Naisele highlighted the need to periodically review the Framework in light of rapid changes in education and the world of work. He noted that developments such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, online learning, micro-credentials, green skills, entrepreneurship, and changing labour market demands require Fiji’s qualifications system to evolve so it can continue to serve learners and employers effectively.

Following the launch in Macuata, HECF held consultations in Bua and Cakaudrove as part of its Vanua Levu outreach. These sessions brought together education providers, industry representatives, employers, government agencies, and community stakeholders to discuss how the Framework can better support quality education, lifelong learning, skills development, and international recognition of Fiji qualifications. HECF acknowledged the support of the Bua Provincial Council, Senior Assistant Roko Tui Mr Ilaitia Sigarara, and Montfort Technical Institute in Savusavu for hosting and supporting the consultations.

The review then moved to the Western Division, with a two-day consultation at Tanoa Skylodge Hotel for stakeholders from Nadroga, Nadi, and Lautoka, followed by a consultation at Tavua College for participants from Tavua, Ba, Vatukoula, and Rakiraki. These sessions recorded strong participation and lively discussions, with stakeholders confidently sharing experiences, raising concerns, and offering practical recommendations to strengthen the Fiji Qualifications Framework. Participants also reported gaining a deeper understanding of the Framework and its role in guiding learning pathways, quality assurance, and workforce readiness.

Across all sessions, a common message emerged: the Fiji Qualifications Framework must remain future-focused and responsive to the realities of a fast-changing world. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of maintaining a qualifications system that is relevant to national development priorities, inclusive of diverse learners, and capable of supporting further education, employment, and lifelong learning.

HECF has thanked all stakeholders who participated in the consultations and contributed their insights and recommendations. The Commission has also acknowledged the support of host institutions and provincial partners who helped make the sessions possible. The review of the FQF will continue through further national consultations as HECF works collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen Fiji’s qualifications system for the future.