Fiji’s Parliament has passed the Education Bill 2025, which replaces the Education Act of 1966. Government says the new Education Bill of 2025 is the biggest overhaul of the country’s education system in almost six decades.
In a statement, the Fiji Government said the new law strengthens every Fijian’s right to education and introduces a modern legal framework covering all levels of learning, from Early Childhood Education to higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Government said the reforms are aimed at creating “a more modern, inclusive, accountable and future-focused education system that better prepares students for further education, employment and life in a rapidly changing world”.
Under the new law, a new Education Advisory Council will be set up to provide policy advice and give stakeholders a stronger voice in shaping education in Fiji.
The legislation also establishes a National Curriculum and Assessment Authority to oversee curriculum development, assessment standards and educational research.
The Government said the authority would help ensure students are learning skills relevant to “today’s world and future job markets”.
Teachers are also expected to see major changes, with the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority receiving expanded powers to strengthen professional standards, ethics and ongoing professional development.
The Government said students with disabilities and diverse learning needs would benefit from stronger provisions for special and inclusive education.
The Bill also places greater focus on student welfare, including stronger counselling services, child protection measures and safer school environments.
Schools and educational institutions will also face stricter governance, accountability, financial management and transparency requirements.
According to the Government, the reforms are intended to align Fiji’s education system with national development priorities and international commitments, including Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education.
The Ministry of Education will now move into the implementation phase, including public awareness programmes, development of regulations, institutional strengthening and consultations with education stakeholders to support the transition to the new system.
