The Vanuatu Student Association in Fiji (VSA) has clarified that only four students have returned to their country after their scholarship was terminated.
There were reports that ten students from Vanuatu studying at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala campus in Fiji had their scholarships terminated for failing to pass their courses.
President of VSA, Benson Obed said only four have returned home.
“I only drop off three students at the airport while one student left early,” he said.
Mr Obed said some students who were included in the termination appeal for reconsideration while some of them are private sponsored so they are now continuing with their studies.
He attributed the main cause of students failing their courses to culture shock, freedom and negligence of students to do their studies.
Mr Obed said the student association is doing its part by encouraging its students to study hard and make good use of all their opportunities.
He said for the first semester there are 456 students who are studying in Fiji and that includes government sponsored, private and ANZAID sponsored students.
According to the Vanuatu Scholarship Policy and Procedure Guideline an awardee will be allowed to continue on award if his/her performance is at the minimum of 50% or above pass in his/her first year on award.
Performance will be assessed on a semester basis on the following years of study at a 50% pass in all subjects/units.
In cases where an awardee fails to meet the 50% pass in the second or third year of study, his/her award will be terminated.
The National Scholarships Office conveyed that the Training and Scholarships Unit (TSCU) in Vanuatu will review the Continuation Criteria in 2018 (next year).
Photo supplied: Caption: Some of the Vanuatu students studying at USP, Laucala Campus.