Current TSLS recipients’ funding remains secure

The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has defended its decision to halt new scholarship intakes for the second semester, assuring that funding for current recipients remains secure. Chief Executive Apisalome Movono stated that the agency has fully utilized its scholarship allocation for the current financial year, leaving no funds available for new recipients in the upcoming semester.

Movono emphasized the agency's commitment to transparency and responsible management of public funds, noting that this practice of operating within budget thresholds is not new and has been in place since TSLS was established in 2014. A public notice was issued last Friday to inform prospective students and parents about the situation.

“

We have a fiduciary duty to be transparent, and this is not a new practice. Since TSLS was established in 2014, we have always worked within our budget threshold.

Claims circulating on social media suggesting that current TSLS sponsorships would be affected have been dismissed. Movono reassured the public that all currently enrolled and sponsored students will continue to receive support. The decision strictly applies to new intakes for Semester Two and Quarter Three.

Director of the Higher Education Commission, Dr. Eci Naisele, acknowledged the rise in student numbers across institutions at the start of the year. The Coalition Government has proposed an allocation of approximately $160 million for scholarship administration in the 2026-27 financial year, which TSLS believes will support future scholarship intake funding.

“

He reassured the general public that all students who are currently enrolled and currently sponsored by TSLS will continue to be sponsored and added that this decision is strictly for new intakes in Semester Two and Quarter Three.