A groundbreaking development in higher education has recently taken place, with the introduction of a new tertiary institution that has officially registered under the Higher Education Commission. This exciting addition offers students in Fiji and throughout the Pacific an expanded array of choices for their educational pursuits.
Today marked the launch of Oceania Education and Technology Solutions, which unveiled its three branches: the Oceania Institute of Technology, Pacific Study Hub, and Canterbury Language Academy.
Hasmukh Lal, the founder and CEO of this initiative, expressed that the vision behind this establishment is to transform Fiji into a prominent international destination for education tourism. But here's where it gets controversial—many may not realize just how lucrative education tourism can be.
With an investment totaling $1 million—partially funded by Lal’s own contributions to secure a loan from HFC Bank—this new institution is set to empower students by equipping them with essential skills in both Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as academic disciplines.
"Australia generates approximately $51.5 billion from its international education sector, including education tourism, which translates to around $80 billion Fijian—an astounding figure that is about 19 times greater than our national budget," Lal pointed out. He highlighted Fiji's geographic advantage, being merely two to three hours ahead of Australia, coupled with excellent airline connectivity to numerous countries. This combination presents a significant opportunity for Fiji to harness its potential in education tourism and to serve as a complementary destination linked with Australian universities, thereby attracting international students.
Lal is confident that Fiji's strategic location and robust airline connections position it favorably to become a leading player in education tourism. Following a rigorous five to six months of compliance assessments, this institution is now ready to offer a range of qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, in various fields such as technology, banking, and finance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, who was present as the chief guest at the launch, emphasized that this initiative reflects a growing confidence in Fiji's future. He remarked that it would contribute to the diversification of the economy, enhance educational pathways, and solidify Fiji’s status as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity within the Pacific region.
What do you think about Fiji's potential to become a global leader in education tourism? Can it truly rival established markets like Australia? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
