The Government, through the Scholarship Office, has expanded its annual pre-departure briefing to include both new and ongoing government-sponsored students, following rising concerns around student welfare, health, and social issues while studying overseas.

Principal Scholarship Officer, Joe Gideon, said the decision marks a shift from previous years, where the briefing was limited to new students only.

“Normally, pre-departure briefings are held for new students, but this year we adjusted the program to include ongoing students as well,” Mr Gideon said.

He explained that the aim is to better inform students, particularly as authorities have observed increasing health-related and social challenges affecting students abroad.

As part of the briefing, health officials delivered presentations on HIV awareness, while officers from the Police Crime Prevention Unit addressed social and behavioural issues students may encounter during their studies.

Mr Gideon confirmed that three government-sponsored students will depart for Serbia on 25 January. He added that their travel tickets were officially handed over by the Minister of Education, with visas approved and transit arrangements confirmed.

Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Simil Johnson, urged students to reflect on their responsibilities as scholars of the state.

“In your studies, think about where you come from and the change you can make. Your country needs you. Government wants to ensure that Vanuatu has strong human resources for the future,” the Minister said.

Health officials used the briefing to highlight the importance of responsible behaviour. Dr Sale Tamata Vurobaravu revealed that a second-year student tested positive for HIV earlier this week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases among government-sponsored students to three.

“Two cases were recorded last year, and this year has begun with one additional case,” Dr Vurobaravu said, noting that the student had attended a previous pre-departure briefing.

He reminded students that government sponsorship carries responsibility.

“Students are sent overseas to become assets to Vanuatu, not liabilities. You must return as part of the solution, not the problem,” he said.

The Scholarship Office confirmed that more than 600 students are currently sponsored by the Vanuatu Government. Charter flights to Fiji are scheduled for 30 January and 10 February, with additional flights likely as new students continue to be shortlisted.

Further pre-departure briefings for newly selected students are scheduled to take place between 7 and 10 February.