Fiji is much more than white beaches, palm trees and spectacular underwater scenery. Its capital city Suva, the largest city in the South Pacific, is home to nearly half its population, with a concentrated mix of ethnicities and cultures from all the surrounding islands. Colonial buildings line its streets, along with modern shopping plazas and breezy esplanades. Enjoy the lifestyle on this fascinating chain of volcanic islands and study alongside a growing number of students from the Pacific region.

Languages Spoken:

English, Fijian, Hindi

Education System

HIGHER EDUCATION OVERVIEW

The educational structure in Fiji is divided into primary, secondary and higher education. The primary language of instruction is English although a number of schools also offer Fijian, Hindi and Chinese language and culture classes as part of their primary school curriculum.

Entry into the secondary school system, which is a total of five years, is determined by internal assessments. Students follow a three-year course that leads to the Fiji School Leaving Certificate and the opportunity to attend senior secondary school or university. At the end of this level, they may take the Form VII examination, which covers four or five subjects. Successful completion of this process gains students access to higher education.

The academic year is based on the Southern Hemisphere calendar and runs from February to November. Semester one normally begins in February and ends with an examination period in June. Semester two normally begins in July and ends with an examination period in November.

STUDYING IN FIJI

Courses

Students can take advantage of Fiji's position in the Pacific with courses in such topics as Marine Studies, Tourism, Geography, Environmental Science and Biology. Courses and exams at the University of the South Pacific are conducted in English.

Registration

Be sure to check USP's online student handbook for registration information and other important dates.

Course Load

Students will take three to four courses per semester. You will spend 16-20 hours in class on average, depending on your year and course of study

Classes are based on the British system of lectures and tutorials. Tutorials allow for question and answer sessions as well as presentations. Nearly all research is done in the library, as there are limited reference materials that can be checked out.

Students need to attend all tutorials as they are assessed and about 5% is contributed towards the final grade. If students do not attend at least 60% of all their tutorials and practicals, they will be deemed ineligible to sit for the final exam.

If a student has not attended up to 80% of each course registered for, it is a breach of Study Permit regulations by Fiji Immigration.

Exams & Grading

Classwork and assignments throughout the semester account for 40-50% towards the final grading and the final examination may count as 50-60% towards student's final grade.

Course grades are assessed continually on the basis of assignments, tests, discussions and a final examination. See the USP website for more information about the grading scale.

Transcripts

Students MUST fill out a 'Request for Academic Transcript' Form and submit it to the Student Services Center (SSC). The Official or first transcript is free. Thereafter, it costs FJD $15 - the same form is to be filled and dropped to SSC, after the payment is made to the University cashier before another copy is issued.

Visa and Residency

Please note that students should ALWAYS check the website of the embassy/consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence first, as the information in this handbook regarding visa application instructions is subject to change without warning. All students are required to obtain a visa to enter Fiji. Visa requirements can vary depending on the country your passport is issued in.

DO NOT apply for your visa through the Fijian consulate. ISEP urges students to apply for their permit through University of the South Pacific (USP) directly. Please see application requirements below so that you can get started on collecting important information while you wait for additional information from USP.

Type of visa: Study Permit

Visa fee: FJD 513

Expected processing time: 10-15 days from the time the application is submitted by USP

When to apply: Immediately after receiving instructions from USP. Deadlines for your study permit are extremely strict. You must abide by all deadlines given to you by USP.

Study Permit Application Deadline:

Semester 1: 3rd Friday of October

Semester 2: 3rd Friday of May

Study Permit Application Fee Payment Deadline:

Semester 1: 4th Friday of October

Semester 2: 4th Friday of May

Documents you will need to provide for study permit include:

- 4 regular passport photos

- A completed Immigration Study Permit Application form

- Medical report – together using the medical report section on pg. 9-10 of the “Study Permit Application form”

- Police Report – together using the police report section on pg. 8 of the “Study Permit Application form”

- Immigration Terms & Condition form

- A certified copy of passport bio-data page of a valid passport

- Acceptance letter from USP (USP will provide this)

- Notarized letter from parents, spouse, bank or other funding source providing evidence of sufficient funds to cover your study period

- Return ticket or Refundable Bond (enquire amount with USP International Office)

- Visa application fee of FJD$513 ($313 – immigration fee and $200 – nonrefundable bond)

Note: All other documents (apart from application forms) can be certified original copies and sent via email. If any document is in a language besides English, please be sure to have it translated and certified as an original copy, then send it together with the non-translated version of that document.

In addition, all international students will be requested to apply for study permits/visas via the International Office after you have received your Offer letter. Please be reminded that it is extremely important for students to work on all the requirements for their Fiji Student Visa/Study Permit BEFORE arrival in Fiji, as required by the Laws of Fiji Immigration.

RESOURCES:

- Contact international@usp.ac.fj or 679 3232 743 for more information

- For more information about your visa from USP, go to USP's Admissions Process information page

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Updated August 2023

Culture

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Time

Have you ever heard of 'Fiji time'? It is an expression that describes the pace of life in Fiji. While you can expect important events such as lectures and tutorials to begin on time, a more casual attitude is generally applied to other daily social activities. Do not expect the same level of service in most hotels and restaurants that you are accustomed to back home. The slowness is not slothful inattention; it's just the way things are done. Your drink and food will come in due course. Try relaxing and embrace the laid back Fijian lifestyle! On a more scientific note, time starts each day in the Fiji Islands, which is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. In other words, Fiji is the first country to welcome the dawn of each new day.

Multiculturalism

Fiji is a multi-cultural country with its citizens including Fijians and people of Indian, Chinese, Pacific Islander and European ethnicity. This has helped Fiji become a cultural melting pot of sorts in the South Pacific. Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village and the vanua (land). A hierarchy of chiefs presides over villages, clans and tribes. Chiefly positions are hereditary; a deceased chief is invariably followed by a kinsman or kinswoman, though not necessarily his own son or daughter. This social structure and system of governance reflects Fiji's strong Polynesian influence, as Fiji's culture is strongly influenced by a combination of Melanesian and Polynesian cultures. These social structures developed within Fijian society long before the arrival of the Europeans, and so are well-rooted in Fijian society today.

Customs

If you are invited into a village or Fijian homestead, wear modest clothing and take off your hat (wearing one is an insult to the chief in a village). It is also insulting to touch someone's head. It’s recommended that women wear a skirt or a sarong (sulu) over their pair of shorts; men should wear a sarong as a show of respect. This isn’t so much a requirement in the urban centres or among some less traditionally-minded Fijian families. If in doubt, always feel free to ask someone about the appropriate attire and protocol.

If you are invited to drink kava, don’t ask, just do it! Kava or ‘yaqona’ [yah-go-nah] is considered the national drink. In the past where it was used only in traditional ceremonies, it is now used as a social drink in almost every occasion. However, the significance of its meaning to the Fijians isn’t lost in the formal kava presentations. As an international student, you can expect to participate in traditional kava ceremonies or be invited to social gatherings where kava is the beverage of the day. For some kava is said to have a relaxing effect after a stressful day. When meeting Fijians, be prepared to answer personal questions about your life, religion, relationships and more.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language of instruction in Fiji. Fijian and Hindustani are also widely spoken. You are highly encouraged to learn some of the basic vernacular. The most important word to know is "Bula", which is a a way to say hello, good day, goodbye, how are you, and much more.

English                                     Fijian                            Hindi
Hello                                         Bula                             Kaise
Good morning/Welcome     Yadra                         Namaste
Thank you                               Vinaka                         Dhanyavad
Please                                     Kerekere                      -

See The Fiji Guide's language page to learn more of the language.

LIFESTYLE

Sport

Rugby is the national sport, but you can enjoy a variety of other sporting activities like tennis, squash, field hockey, paddling, soccer, volleyball and more. Sporting clubs also welcome new members and membership into the various USP sporting clubs is opened to all students.

Cuisine

There aren’t many restaurants that provide an international menu but rather a specialty; however, most hotels do because of their clientele. You can get a decent meal for under $10FJD at many diners in Suva. There are many fast-food outlets that will appeal to people on the go. International franchises like McDonalds and KFC provide a culinary link between international students and home. MHCC (major downtown mall in the Central Business District of Suva) is home to a variety of food outlets: Fijian, Indian, Asian, Japanese, American and Italian, that provides its patrons with dining options. Many upscale restaurants are located in the CBD providing a unique dining experience for all.

Entertainment

The nightlife in and around the major city centre of Suva is pretty active as there are quite a number of nightspots which stay open until the early hours of the morning. There is also a cinema complex in Suva which houses six cinemas and another in Lautoka which has four cinemas belonging to the same consortium. Around July or August to coincide with the school holidays, carnivals and beauty pageants are held in various centres around the country. The renowned Hibiscus Festival is held in Suva and this is one of the best times to experience great cuisine and cultural entertainment in addition to the carnival atmosphere, rides and general exhibition of what Fiji has to offer.

Daily Life

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Time

Have you ever heard of 'Fiji time'? It is an expression that describes the pace of life in Fiji. While you can expect important events such as lectures and tutorials to begin on time, a more casual attitude is generally applied to other daily social activities. Do not expect the same level of service in most hotels and restaurants that you are accustomed to back home. The slowness is not slothful inattention; it's just the way things are done. Your drink and food will come in due course. Try relaxing and embrace the laid back Fijian lifestyle! On a more scientific note, time starts each day in the Fiji Islands, which is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. In other words, Fiji is the first country to welcome the dawn of each new day.

Multiculturalism

Fiji is a multi-cultural country with its citizens including Fijians and people of Indian, Chinese, Pacific Islander and European ethnicity. This has helped Fiji become a cultural melting pot of sorts in the South Pacific. Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village and the vanua (land). A hierarchy of chiefs presides over villages, clans and tribes. Chiefly positions are hereditary; a deceased chief is invariably followed by a kinsman or kinswoman, though not necessarily his own son or daughter. This social structure and system of governance reflects Fiji's strong Polynesian influence, as Fiji's culture is strongly influenced by a combination of Melanesian and Polynesian cultures. These social structures developed within Fijian society long before the arrival of the Europeans, and so are well-rooted in Fijian society today.

Customs

If you are invited into a village or Fijian homestead, wear modest clothing and take off your hat (wearing one is an insult to the chief in a village). It is also insulting to touch someone's head. It’s recommended that women wear a skirt or a sarong (sulu) over their pair of shorts; men should wear a sarong as a show of respect. This isn’t so much a requirement in the urban centres or among some less traditionally-minded Fijian families. If in doubt, always feel free to ask someone about the appropriate attire and protocol.

If you are invited to drink kava, don’t ask, just do it! Kava or ‘yaqona’ [yah-go-nah] is considered the national drink. In the past where it was used only in traditional ceremonies, it is now used as a social drink in almost every occasion. However, the significance of its meaning to the Fijians isn’t lost in the formal kava presentations. As an international student, you can expect to participate in traditional kava ceremonies or be invited to social gatherings where kava is the beverage of the day. For some kava is said to have a relaxing effect after a stressful day. When meeting Fijians, be prepared to answer personal questions about your life, religion, relationships and more.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language of instruction in Fiji. Fijian and Hindustani are also widely spoken. You are highly encouraged to learn some of the basic vernacular. The most important word to know is "Bula", which is a a way to say hello, good day, goodbye, how are you, and much more.

English                                     Fijian                            Hindi
Hello                                         Bula Kaise
Good morning/Welcome Yadra Namaste
Thank you                               Vinaka                         Dhanyavad
Please                                     Kerekere                      -

See The Fiji Pocket Guide's language page to learn more of the language.

LIFESTYLE

Sport

Rugby is the national sport, but you can enjoy a variety of other sporting activities like tennis, squash, field hockey, paddling, soccer, volleyball and more. Sporting clubs also welcome new members and membership into the various USP sporting clubs is opened to all students.

Cuisine

There aren’t many restaurants that provide an international menu but rather a specialty; however, most hotels do because of their clientele. You can get a decent meal for under $10FJD at many diners in Suva. There are many fast-food outlets that will appeal to people on the go. International franchises like McDonalds and KFC provide a culinary link between international students and home. MHCC (major downtown mall in the Central Business District of Suva) is home to a variety of food outlets: Fijian, Indian, Asian, Japanese, American and Italian, that provides its patrons with dining options. Many upscale restaurants are located in the CBD providing a unique dining experience for all.

Entertainment

The nightlife in and around the major city centre of Suva is pretty active as there are quite a number of nightspots which stay open until the early hours of the morning. There is also a cinema complex in Suva which houses six cinemas and another in Lautoka which has four cinemas belonging to the same consortium. Around July or August to coincide with the school holidays, carnivals and beauty pageants are held in various centres around the country. The renowned Hibiscus Festival is held in Suva and this is one of the best times to experience great cuisine and cultural entertainment in addition to the carnival atmosphere, rides and general exhibition of what Fiji has to offer.

Health and Safety

Prescription Medications: If you’re planning to bring your prescription or over-the-counter medicine on your trip, you need to make sure your medicine is travel-ready. More information can be found here, and please contact your Student Services Coordinator and ISEP Coordinator with any additional questions.

General Health Guidelines: Your health and safety is our number one priority. Please read and reference our Guides and Tips section for general information regarding health and safety abroad.

Detailed information about Fiji can be found here. Please pay special attention to the Safety and Security, Local Laws and Special Circumstances and Health sections.

Note: Information sourced on this page is provided by the U.S. Department of State. Non-U.S. nationals should disregard the Embassies and Consulates and Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements sections.

Currency

CURRENCY

The Fiji currency consists of FJ$100, $50, $20, $10, $5 $2 notes and $1, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10 and $0.05 coins. Fijian notes and coins display a picture of Queen Elizabeth of England on one side. See Xe.com for the current exchange rate.

BANKS, ATMs, AND CREDIT CARDS

The general banking hours in Fiji are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays with some of the major banks opening on Saturdays as well. Banks and ATM are easily accessible around the main city centres and towns and most credit cards are accepted in Fiji. Upon arrival, may want to consider opening a local account for your duration of stay in Fiji. Many local banks such as ANZ, Westpac and BSP offer student account options. Both ANZ and Westpac branches and ATM are conveniently located at USP’s main Laucala Campus as well. ATMs are less common in more rural areas of the country.

TIPPING

Tipping is discouraged throughout Fiji unless truly exceptional service has been rendered.

DISCOUNTS

Look into purchasing an International Student ID Card (ISIC) card from STA travel. It costs just $25 and can often get you discounts on travel, movie tickets and more. You should also research whether a monthly public transportation pass is available for purchase, and whether this is more cost advantageous than individual fares, which can add up quickly.