PNG government eases burden for USP students in Fiji with K9.1 million support

PNG students Tara-Pat Hobart, Lavirheema Jorari, Sandra Navuru and Jacqueline Piniau are currently undertaking studies at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji *(Image: Supplied)*

More than 100 Papua New Guinean students studying at the University of the South Pacific [USP] in Fiji will now receive direct financial support from the PNG Government following a major funding announcement.

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that the government has contributed $5 million Fijian dollars [about K9.1 million] to assist with tuition fees for PNG students enrolled at the regional institution.

“I bring greetings from over 100 Papua New Guinean students we have at USP,” Marape said.

“They have been paying international student fees at the University of the South Pacific, but this assistance will ease that burden.”

Prime Minister Marape also revealed that Papua New Guinea is now a full member of USP, a move that significantly reduces the tuition cost for its students.

This new membership status means PNG students will now pay domestic Fijian tuition rates, which are roughly one-third of the international fees they had previously been required to pay.

“All our students, more than 100 of them were in tears,” Marape said, highlighting the emotional reaction from students who welcomed the long-awaited support.

The funding is expected to bring relief to both students and their families, many of whom have struggled under the high cost of international education in recent years.

This support also highlights PNG’s commitment to regional education cooperation and aligns with broader goals of making higher education more accessible and affordable for its citizens.

The Prime Minister’s announcement has been warmly received by the PNG student community in Fiji and is expected to deepen educational and diplomatic ties between the two Pacific nations.