Higher Education Commission Fiji HECF

Overview

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (also known as HEC Fiji or FHEC) is a government‑mandated statutory body established by the Higher Education Act 2008. Initiated in 2010, this independent commission oversees all institutions offering post‑secondary certificate, diploma and degree qualifications across Fiji. Its core mandate is to regulate, register and accredit higher education institutions, uphold national quality standards and maintain the Fiji National Qualifications Framework.

According to uniRank, HEC Fiji plays a pivotal role in ensuring that higher education in Fiji meets national and international standards and contributes to human resource development and national prosperity.

1) Historical and Legal Framework

HEC Fiji was created under the Higher Education Act 2008, which defines legal authority for recognition, registration, accreditation and regulation of all higher education institutions and qualifications. Following its enactment, the Higher Education Regulations 2009 (effective January 2010) and the Higher Education (Qualifications) Regulations 2010 provided detailed standards and procedures for institutional recognition, registration and qualification accreditation.

In 2016, amendments expanded the definition of “higher education institution” to include any body operating in Fiji or overseas that offers award-conferring post-secondary learning. Key functions are drawn from section 7 of the Act, including governance oversight, fund allocation and maintaining the national qualifications register.

2) Mission, Vision and Objectives – Role in Higher Education

Vision: Building together an educated and globally competitive Fiji.
Mission: To quality-assure the delivery of higher education that meets the needs of its stakeholders.

HEC Fiji’s objectives in higher education include:

• Ensuring equitable access to quality post-secondary qualifications certified through the national framework.
• Setting and enforcing governance standards for universities, colleges and other providers.
• Supporting economic and social development by aligning programmes with industry, government and community needs.
• Establishing and maintaining the Fiji National Qualifications Framework (FNQF) to standardise comparability across sectors.
• Advising government and institutions on policy development, scholarships and strategic investment in tertiary education.

3) Governance, Structure and Independence

As a statutory body corporate, HEC Fiji is governed by a Commission appointed by the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts. Appointees typically represent academia, professional bodies, student associations and civil society. The Commission holds legal authority to acquire assets, enter contracts and sue or be sued in its own name.

An Executive Secretary heads an internal secretariat located in Suva, supported by teams responsible for recognition, registration, accreditation, quality assurance, data services and stakeholder liaison. While the Commission reports to the Minister, it operates with statutory autonomy to make evidence-based decisions—particularly on recognition, accreditation and enforcement.

4) Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

HEC Fiji oversees a multi-step quality assurance pathway for all higher education providers:

1. Recognition: Preliminary eligibility review based on thirteen criteria (e.g. legal status, academic capacity, financial sustainability).
2. Certificate of Registration: Institutions granted provisional or full registration receive a five-year certificate that must be renewed.
3. Institutional and Programme Accreditation: Qualifications (FNQF Levels 7–10) must be accredited or recorded by FHEC. Institutions with self-accrediting authority still register qualifications with the Commission.
4. Monitoring & Compliance: Registered institutions undergo audits and site visits; failure to meet benchmarks can lead to suspension or revocation of registration by appeal tribunal.
5. Title Control: Only Commission‑approved institutions may use names like “university” or “degree-awarding institute,” with significant penalties for non-compliance.

HEC Fiji supervises the national qualifications register, enforces credit‑transfer policies and regularly revises its technical guidelines to align with global trends and Fiji’s labour market needs.

5) International Cooperation and Network Memberships

HEC Fiji aligns its regulatory framework with regional and global quality assurance standards, including the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) where applicable. The Commission collaborates with:

• UNESCO through Pacific human resource development programmes;
• Pacific Community (SPC) on accreditation policy, digital learning and qualifications reform;
• The Commonwealth Secretariat to support education policy and cultural integration; and
• Officials from the University of the South Pacific and regional counterpart agencies on peer review and benchmarking.

6) Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

Undergoing a legislative review in 2022, HEC Fiji is modernising its processes via an enhanced digital portal for institutional registration and qualification accreditation. New emphasis is on:

• {Integration of micro‑credentials and credit‑transfer tools aligned with the FNQF;
• Greater enforcement of quality control to protect students from unaccredited institutions;
• Expansion of outreach services including a regional office in Labasa for northern campuses;
• Updated funding criteria guiding government subsidy allocations, privileging performance and relevance; and
• Targeted capacity-building efforts to support institutions in meeting evolving education and innovation goals.

7) Summary

The Higher Education Commission Fiji is the principal guardian of institutional and programme quality within Fiji’s tertiary education landscape. Tasked with registration, accreditation, recognition and maintaining a transparent qualifications framework, HEC Fiji operates as an autonomous statutory body delivering policy advice, funding oversight and quality assurance across the country’s higher education sector. Its evolving remit reflects Fiji’s ambition to meet global education benchmarks, foster talent and drive socio-economic growth.

8) FAQs

• What is the Higher Education Commission Fiji?
  HEC Fiji is the statutory regulator of all post‐secondary education providers, responsible for recognition, registration and accreditation of institutions and programmes in Fiji.
• How can an institution become accredited in Fiji?
  Institutions must first gain recognition, then meet a set of governance and infrastructure criteria, apply for registration and finally have specific programmes accredited or recorded under the Qualifications Regulations.
• Is the Commission independent?
  Yes. While appointed by the Minister and funded by government, HEC Fiji functions independently under the Higher Education Act and may issue decisions without ministerial interference.
• What happens if a university loses accreditation?
  The Commission may suspend or revoke its registration. Institutions may appeal through the Higher Education Appeals Tribunal provided by the Act.
• Can I check if a university is legitimate?
  Yes. HEC Fiji maintains a publicly accessible register of all recognised and registered higher education institutions and accredited programmes via its online portal.
• How does HEC Fiji support students?
  By ensuring institutions meet minimum quality standards and by providing information on valid qualifications, credit pathways and adherence to the Fiji National Qualifications Framework.

Organization Name

Higher Education Commission Fiji

Acronym

HECF

Year of Establishment

1/01/2010

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Level 1 Red Cross Building, 22 Gorrie Street
Suva
Central Fiji

Phone

+679 310 0031

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Higher Education Commission Fiji's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

Higher Education Commission Fiji's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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