Australia funds 726 TVET scholarships in 2026 to boost skills, jobs and training opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
A total of 726 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships will be available to Solomon Islanders in 2026. The initiative aims to support skills development, improve employment opportunities, and contribute to community and national development.
The scholarships are delivered under the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD). They cover tuition fees, meals, and accommodation for students attending ten Rural Training Centres (RTCs) across Solomon Islands, as well as tuition fees for ten students at Solomon Islands National University Technical and Further Education (SINU-TAFE).
The program includes provisions to support inclusive access to education and skills development, including opportunities for people with disabilities.
The scholarships were announced on 20 March 2026 by Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, alongside Minister of Education Tozen Leokana, at Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre near Honiara.
Australia has identified economic resilience, job creation, and youth opportunities as key priorities in its partnership with Solomon Islands. The program supports these priorities through investment in skills development and training.
Since 2024, Australia has funded 1,720 TVET scholarships across sectors including agribusiness, construction, automotive, tourism, and hospitality. The program provides participants with qualifications, including some that are Australian-accredited, and practical skills relevant to employment.
The Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership has also supported improvements in training environments, including the provision of more than 5,000 items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for RTCs, valued at over SBD663,000, to support carpentry training.
In 2026, the scholarship program has expanded to include SINU-TAFE, increasing access to technical and vocational education opportunities.
Source: AHC Press Release
