The University of Fiji has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd to establish a scholarship programme that will support deserving Fijian students to pursue tertiary education.
The agreement, signed on 17 February 2026 at the University’s Saweni Campus, marks a significant collaboration between the University and the private sector to expand access to higher education and assist students facing financial barriers.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, described the partnership as an important milestone for the institution.
“This event represents an important moment for the University because it shows that the private sector has reached out to support students to achieve a qualification through a scholarship,” Professor Shameem said.
She said the agreement demonstrated confidence in the University’s academic programmes and reflected a strong example of corporate social responsibility.
Under the partnership, the Jack’s–UoF Scholarship will fund the full tuition fees of selected students enrolled at the University of Fiji. The scholarship will be awarded once every two academic years beginning in 2026 and forms part of Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd’s corporate social responsibility commitment to education and youth development in Fiji.
The scholarship is available to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in selected programmes including Commerce, Information Technology, Journalism and Media Studies and related disciplines.
Eligible applicants must be Fiji citizens who have completed Year 13 and achieved strong academic performance, or continuing students who maintain satisfactory academic standing at the University. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need, meet programme entry requirements and must not be recipients of any other scholarship.
Director of Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd, Mr. Nikul Khatri, said the company viewed education as a vital investment in the country’s future.
“As a proudly Fijian company, we believe business must go beyond commerce. It must create opportunity, empower people and invest in the future of Fiji,” Mr. Khatri said.
“The Jack’s–University of Fiji Scholarship is an investment in talent, discipline and potential. We want to support students who work hard, show promise and need the opportunity.”
Mr. Khatri added that education strengthens individuals, families, businesses and communities and noted that the partnership reflected shared values between the organisation and the University, including integrity, excellence and service to the nation.
The University of Fiji will administer and advertise the scholarship, manage the application and selection process through the Office of the Registrar, and monitor the academic progress of the recipient. Annual academic progress reports will be provided to the sponsor as part of the partnership arrangement.
Professor Shameem thanked Jack’s Retail Pte Ltd for its support and expressed confidence that the collaboration would benefit students for years to come.
“We hope to see your representatives often at the University, especially when awarding students with your scholarship in the years ahead,” she said.
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for four years, and application details for the scholarship will be announced through the University’s official communication channels.
