In country scholarships for Tongan students studying at the University of the South Pacific Tonga Campus, are being supported by a financial contribution of AUD450,000 committed by the Australian Government.

The Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku, and Minister of Finance Hon, Tatafu Moeaki signed the agreement with Australia’s High Commissioner HE Rachael Moore on 10 June, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku extended gratitude to the Australian government for their continued support to local education.

He said students will gain knowledge and skills contributing to Tonga’s human resource development needs.

"We are indeed grateful for the continuous support Australia continues to give us."

The financial contribution of AUD450,000 will support the Ministry of Education and the Government of Tonga to increase the number of in-country scholarship opportunities available to study undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, at the University of the South Pacific Tonga campus.

The grant is expected to cover 82 scholarships for two-years.