GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) will offer a total of 1,445 new scholarships for Solomon Islanders in 2026.

This was announced by Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Tozen Leokana at the official launch of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Plan (SITESP) 2026 in Honiara, Wednesday.

These are new scholarships under the 2026 plan, it was revealed.

Of the total new government funded scholarships 82% of it will be allocated to pre-service applicants and 18% to in-service professionals.

Minister Leokana said, this ambitious and comprehensive roadmap aims to advance education and support national development in this country.

He explained the SITESP 2026 outlines a clear strategy for enhancing access to scholarships, aligning education with priority sectors, and strengthening the country’s institutional training capacity.

“For the 2026 academic year, the SITESP will support a total of 1,445 new scholarships, with 82% allocated to pre-service applicants and 18% to in-service professionals.

“These allocations are based on national workforce needs and the priority training areas identified in the SITESP plan,” he said.

He further highlighted that 88% of the SITESP 2026 scholarships will be delivered locally, while 12% will fund overseas study, particularly in health, maritime, and other specialized sectors.

“This approach reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening local institutions while maintaining essential international partnerships,” he added.

Under the 2026 plan government will introduce a new ‘Tuition-Only Support Model’ designed to assist academically eligible applicants applying only to approved programs offered at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) that are listed in the SITESP 2026.

Additionally, the 2026 plan aims to strengthen strategic partnerships for targeted and specialized training, particularly in sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, the minister highlighted.

“I am proud to note that the plan includes support for maritime engineering training, specifically for Class 3 and Class 2 Marine Engineer certification, to bolster our national maritime workforce,” he stated.

Under the SITESP 2026, the functions of the scholarships and grants have been consolidated into a single strategic national investment plan.

To ensure effective, transparent, and legally compliant implementation, the SITESP Board has established the Joint SITESP Oversight Committee (JSOC). This committee is responsible for all scholarships and skills funding matters, including reviewing, assessing, and recommending scholarship and skills funding awards.

It replaces any informal or parallel decision-making structures and is the only authorized committee empowered to review and recommend awards for SIG scholarships and skills funding.

By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE