The Solomon Islands government says it will fund more people to get tertiary qualifications.
The education minister John Moffat Fugui said currently only three percent of the population has had the chance to obtain higher education.
He said the government would this year spend $US37 million on scholarships for students to attend the National University in Honiara and other regional tertiary institutions.
Mr Fugui also said the ministry would set up 500 scholarship Awards for 2018 to be fully and partially funded by the government.
He said the government doesn't always have the money but he believed up to 600 new scholarships needed to be provided yearly to meet the country's growing demand for higher education.
Currently the government sponsors 4000 students.
Photo: RNZI - Koroi Hawkins