Maharaj: Choose the alternatives

STUDENTS have been asked to look at other areas of need within the health sector after the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board (TSLB) suspended funding for firstyear Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Dentistry programs.

“Explore other priority areas of the scholarship categories, for example, within the medical and health category, scholarships are still available in nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics, public health, medical lab sciences, pharmacy and medical imaging science,” TSLB chief executive officer Bobby Maharaj said.

“However, students must check directly with the higher education institutions on their eligibility via alternative pathways to the MBBS program.”

Mr Maharaj said it was important for Fijians to note that the funding for certain medical studies were suspended and not totally terminated.

“The programs which are not suspended also provide a pathway for the MBBS program and students completing these programs under National Topper Scholarship (NTS) have an opportunity to pursue their MBBS program postgraduation which they may do so as private students or any other scholarships or loans scheme that may be available in the future.

“In addition to the medical and health category, students can also pursue alternative qualifications such as engineering, teacher training, town and land planning, technology or other programs under NTS or loans scheme provided they meet the qualifying criteria.”

The loan and scholarship has been suspended for first-year medical students, while the current 790 active students under NTS and TELS will continue to be assisted.