The University of Fiji is calling for increased scholarship allocations for Mathematics and Physics Education programmes, warning that the growing shortage of specialist teachers in these critical subjects poses a significant challenge to the country’s education system and future workforce development.
The recommendation comes as the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) prepares to review and develop scholarship allocations for 2027 following the recent National Budget announcement.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the shortage of qualified Mathematics and Physics teachers requires urgent attention and long-term investment.
“National leaders need to find specific ways to encourage students to take up what are seen as difficult subjects and the University’s analysis shows that we need to provide incentives for Maths and Physics learning. There is no better incentive than scholarships.”
The University notes that Mathematics and Physics remain fundamental to national development, underpinning fields such as engineering, medicine, information technology, science and innovation. Ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified teachers in these disciplines is therefore essential for Fiji’s future growth.
The recommendation follows an analysis prepared by University of Fiji Mathematics Adviser, Ms Ayesha Reddy, who highlighted the continuing shortage of Mathematics and Physics teachers and the need for stronger incentives to encourage students to enter the profession.
Ms Reddy noted that teacher migration continues to place pressure on schools throughout the country, contributing to shortages in specialist subject areas. She said this often results in reduced student interest and participation in Mathematics and Physics, creating a cycle that further limits the number of graduates entering the teaching profession.
According to the analysis, Fiji has approximately 181 secondary schools and more than 74,000 secondary school students, yet concerns remain about the availability of specialist Mathematics and Physics teachers. Recent reports have also highlighted the significant number of teachers leaving the country in recent years.
Ms Reddy’s review of the 2026 TSLS Scholarship Policies Handbook found that under the Scholarships for High Achievers Local Scheme, only 35 scholarships are allocated to Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science teaching programmes out of 700 awards available. Under the Scholarships for Higher Education with Minimum Cut-Off Mark Scheme, only 140 awards are allocated to these programmes out of 3,000 scholarships.
She argues that increasing scholarship allocations for Mathematics and Physics Education would encourage more students to pursue teaching careers and help address the ongoing shortage of specialist teachers in secondary schools.
The University further notes that while the 2026–2027 National Budget highlights the expansion of scholarships for high-demand fields such as nursing, medicine and technical skills, there is no specific mention of Mathematics and Physics Education despite longstanding concerns regarding teacher shortages in these areas.
The University of Fiji therefore encourages TSLS, the Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders to consider increasing scholarship allocations for Mathematics and Physics Education programmes as part of the 2027 scholarship framework.
