TELS a Big Help, National Toppers to be Contacted
Seeto has advised students to avoid last minute rush especially for TELS applicants
For University of the South Pacific second year student, Sheetal Prasad, the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) has been a big help.
She is currently a continuing student under the scheme and is pursuing a Bachelor of Education. So far she said she has been doing well in her studies and grades. Ms Prasad, 20, was bought up by her single mother after her father passed away when she was 13. “My mum works as a nanny and she’s been supporting me since then and the loan scheme was a big help for her,” said Ms Prasad.
Despite losing her dad, her motivation to continue her studies comes from her hardworking mother who is her biggest motivation. Ms Prasad has two more years to graduate and aspires to become a teacher. For second year Lautoka Teachers College student, Joana Qumi, the scheme has been a big help for her parents also. Her father is retired and her mother works in a garment factory. She is the youngest of four siblings. “Moving away from home for the first time last year was quite tough but then I just had to cope with campus life,” Ms Qumi said. She encourages continuing students under the scheme to focus on their studies and to work hard because the sky is the limit. She aspires to become a high school teacher after graduating next year. Tertiary Scholarship Loans Board (TSLB) chairperson, Dixon Seeto has advised students to avoid last minute rush especially for TELS applicants.
Mr Seeto said the successful national toppers applicants will be contacted soon once the process has been done. He said from January to February, the TSLB will be extending working hours to cater for the huge number of application for TELS. “We have a new team in place and we’re now achieving greater efficiency and customer service with students,” said Mr Seeto. Mr Seeto has urged students that as soon as they have decided on a course and have been given an approved place at a tertiary institution, to go to their nearby TSLB office. Offices are based in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa. Online application is also available. The scholarships are under the National Toppers scheme with 630 places available, applications closed at the end of last year. While TELS is open throughout the year, students are required to apply before the commencement of each academic term. Edited by Paula Tuvuki