This section provides an overview of the quality assurance mechanisms in place and the national education bodies that are involved with higher education along with a brief statement about the role of the national education body.
Fiji Higher Education Commission
The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) is the government-mandated regulatory and quality assurance body for higher education in the country. The FHEC oversees the development and improvement of higher education in Fiji with the aim of ensuring that learners have the best possible opportunity to gain relevant qualifications required to support and sustain Fiji’s economic and social prosperity. The FHEC regulates the registration and operation of all higher education institutions, ensuring they meet quality standards and guidelines that reflect national and international imperatives. It is also responsible for establishing and maintaining the Fiji National Qualifications Framework (FQF) which enable Fiji qualifications to be measured both in Fiji and internationally. The FHEC was established as a statutory body in 2010 under the Higher Education Act 2008. Under the Act, Higher Education refers to all post-secondary school learning opportunities in Fiji.
Fiji Qualifications Council
The Fiji Qualifications Council was established to implement and maintain a Fiji National Qualifications Framework (FQF). The FQF stands as a beacon and reference for socio-economic planning. The Council is guided by the Higher Education (Qualifications) Regulations 2010. The Council is also responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the criteria and processes for the accreditation and registration of qualifications and ensuring that national standards and registered qualifications are internationally compatible.
Industry Standards Advisory Committees
The HEC’s Industry Standards Advisory Committees (ISACs) comprise individuals with professional standing and experience in their various trades and professions who are appointed by the HEC to develop National Qualifications in Levels 1 – 6 on the FQF. Membership is drawn from industry, professional associations, accrediting agencies and Higher Education Institutions. ISAC members are trained and registered by the FHEC and they ensure that training and assessment meet industry requirements and that each qualification outlines the minimum number of unit standards a learner must achieve in any particular field.
Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts
The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts is the Government’s lead advisor on the education system, shaping direction for education agencies and providers and contributing to the Government’s goals for education. The ministry is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating Fiji’s educational legislations, policies, and plans and providing structure, human resources, budget, and administrative and managerial support to ensure that services are maintained at a high level.
Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Services
Tertiary Scholarships and Loan Services (TSLS) is responsible for ensuring transparent and accountable management of Fijian government funding provided for tertiary scholarships and loans.
The TSLS manages the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS), a fund intended to provide finance to Fijian students who have qualified for higher education at approved institutions in a TSLS eligible programme but are unable to support themselves financially. The TELS provides student’s zero or low interest loans to eligible Fijians to enable them access to local Higher Education, and is restricted for up to the first Bachelor’s Degree.
The TSLS also manages the National Toppers Local Scholarship Scheme and Scholarship Scheme for Students with Special Needs.
