The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Education Abroad office has been helping students from across the United States study at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva, Fiji since 2006. Since then, students from more than 25 universities nationwide have chosen to study abroad in Suva, Fiji through UW-Platteville Education Abroad.

Details

You may participate for one semester or for a full academic year, enrolling in 13 credits (4 courses) per semester. All courses are taken alongside Fijian and international students.

USP is a public research university owned by the governments of 12 member nations: The Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. With a student population of 22,000, USP attracts students from the South Pacific, Asia, and Europe, bringing a unique international perspective to USP.

USP’s largest campus is the Laucala Campus that hosts 11,000 students in Fiji’s capital city, Suva, on the island of Viti Levu. The Laucala Campus consists of two parts, the upper and lower campuses, and is approximately 10 minutes by bus from central Suva.

Suva city offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, nightlife, cafes, pubs, theatres, and open markets, and there is a range of outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and swimming just outside of the city. With a population of 172,000, Suva has all of the advantages of a big city while still maintaining Fijian charm and culture.

Eligibility

Each applicant intending to study at the University of the South Pacific (USP) through UW-Platteville Education Abroad must:

  • Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student who is currently enrolled at a U.S.-based college or university.
  • Have completed at least one full-time semester of college at the time of application and have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation
  • Have a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and participation

Students are not required to have a minimum language proficiency for any program, but courses taught in languages other than English will have specific language proficiency requirements.

Application Requirements

In addition to any application procedures required by students' home institutions, the following must be submitted via the UW-Platteville Education Abroad online application system:

  • $75 application fee
  • Copy of Birth Certificate
  • Copy of U.S. passport: If you do not currently hold a U.S. passport, you must apply for one and submit proof of application before the program application deadline.
  • Education Abroad Statement of Purpose
  • Fijian Application for a permit to study
  • International Study Course Approval Form (UW-Platteville students)
  • Official academic transcript
  • Passport photos
  • Signed statements of responsibility and understanding
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • USP Accommodation Application
  • USP Application for Admission
  • USP Course Advisement Form
  • USP Medical Examination Form
  • UW-Platteville Education Abroad Application

You will also have access to information to assist you throughout the application process. Upon acceptance, additional pre-departure information and requirements will be provided.

Co-curricular Activities

Students studying abroad at the University of the South Pacific (USP) have a wide range of opportunities available to them to enhance their experience outside the classroom. Opportunities include:

Housing

Students studying abroad at the University of the South Pacific (USP) through UW-Platteville Education Abroad live in Tenth Hall on the USP campus. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to live in accommodation that is not under the direct supervision of USP.

Tenth Hall is located on the USP campus and houses local and international students from around the globe. Just a ten-minute walk to the center of campus brings you to classes and university activities.

Constructed in 2012, these modern residence halls accommodate 144 students. Each building, one male building and one female building, has three floors of accommodation and each floor consists of several eight-bedroom shared apartments with a living space with a TV, bathrooms, and a partially-equipped kitchen. All bedrooms are single and fully furnished and contain a desk and chair, bed, linens, and a fan.

Meals are not included in students' program cost, so all meals are arranged and paid for out of pocket by the student.

Wi-fi is available in Tenth Hall, but adjustments related to speed and availability must be anticipated. All units have a washing machine, but as dryers are not common in Fiji, dryers are not included.

Academics

The UW-Platteville Education Abroad program at the University of the South Pacific (USP) is designed to provide you with a personalized and integrated living and learning experience in a Fijian university. You may participate for one semester or for a full academic year, enrolling in 13 credits (4 courses) per semester. All courses are taken alongside Fijian and international students, and the courses available each term can be found on USP’s website or in their handbook and course catalog.

Visa Information

A student visa is not required for study in Fiji for a semester or academic year, but a student permit is required.

As of April 2018, there is no fee to apply for a Fijian study permit.

You need to apply for their Fijian study permit through UW-Platteville Education Abroad, and all of the necessary documents and information will be provided by UW-Platteville Education Abroad upon application. Once accepted, the UW-Platteville Education Abroad on-site coordinator will apply for the permit on your behalf.

For the most up-to-date information on the Fijian student permit process and procedures, please visit the Fijian Embassy website.

Contact Information

Education Abroad


6th Floor Pioneer Tower
Monday through Friday 8AM-4:30PM