More Solomon Islanders will gain practical skills, access jobs and contribute to their communities through 726 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships in 2026. This means more Solomon Islanders have access to quality training opportunities to build a better future and contribute to their country.
The scholarships are delivered under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD). The scholarships cover students’ tuition fees, meals and accommodation at ten Rural Training Centres (RTCs) across Solomon Islands and the tuition fees for ten students at Solomon Islands National University Technical and Further Education (SINU-TAFE).
The scholarships also ensure inclusive access to education and skills development, including for people with disabilities.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, announced the scholarships on Friday 20 March 2026 with Minister of Education, Hon Tozen Leokana, among staff and students at Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre east of Honiara Centre.
High Commissioner Roach said Australia acknowledges economic resilience, jobs and opportunities for young people are a top priority for the Solomon Islands Government.
“Building and improving skills is important for this priority. Through the Solomon Islands Australia partnership, long term cooperation has helped strengthen skills development across the country,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“We will continue to support tertiary education and the TVET sector in Solomon Islands, so young Solomon Islanders get the right skills and knowledge they need to address the challenges of tomorrow.”
Minister of Education, Hon Leokana acknowledged Australia’s commitment to expanding the access to technical and vocational education for Solomon Islanders.
“On this occasion we celebrate an opportunity that will transform the lives of our young people and an investment that will help young Solomon Islanders in the future as they contribute to the development of Solomon Islands.
“Thank you so much to the Government and people of Australia, your support goes beyond financial assistance, you are investing in skills, you are investing in livelihoods, you are investing in the dignity of our people,” Minister Leokana said.
Australia has now funded 1,720 TVET scholarships for Solomon Islanders since 2024 across agribusiness, construction, automotive, tourism and hospitality. Students gain qualifications, some of which are Australian accredited, with work-ready skills and the experience needed to get a job and contribute to the Solomon Islands economy.
The Solomon Islands Australia Partnership has also strengthened the training environment by securing more than 5,000 items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for RTCs, valued over SBD663,000 for training in carpentry. In 2026, the scholarships have expanded to SINU TAFE, to provide more opportunities for students to access quality training.
