More than 10,000 students, teachers and families attended the Westpac USP 2026 Open Day, with Year 13 students exploring study options, career pathways and opportunities available at the University of the South Pacific.
Students travelled from across Fiji, including from remote and maritime islands, to attend the Open Day at the Laucala, Lautoka and Labasa campuses.
The annual event gives prospective students an opportunity to learn more about USP’s academic programmes, admission pathways, student support services and the different opportunities available during their university journey.
This year’s Open Day was held with the theme “Where Culture Meets Excellence”, highlighting the connection between Pacific heritage and world-class higher education.
Year 13 student Leilani Wong from St Joseph’s Secondary School says she learned more about climate change, including the issue of saltwater intrusion and changes to Fiji’s environment over the past decade.
Wong says she wants to learn more about USP and explore areas outside her comfort zone.
She says she is planning to attend USP and is particularly interested in the Geographic Information Systems course.
Her schoolmate Veniana Wara says she learned about sustainability, marine life and global warming during the Open Day.
Wara says she is interested in Computer Science and hopes to explore the programme during her visit.
She says she is looking forward to attending USP next year because of the facilities and opportunities available.
Year 13 student Mesake Cakau from Marist Brothers High School in Kadavu says the Open Day has helped him learn more about his future career.
Cakau is considering a Bachelor of Agriculture and says he learned about the requirements for the programme and the career opportunities available.
He says he has not yet made a final decision on which university he will attend, but believes education is important, especially when students face challenges in their chosen fields.
Year 13 Queen Victoria School students Charles Koroi and Archie William also attended the Open Day.
Koroi says USP has given them an opportunity to think about their long-term goals and explore different career paths.
Insert: Koroi and William on career paths 2nd Oct 26
Koroi plans to pursue Law and encourages young people to look ahead, set long-term goals and study hard.
William says USP offers a wide range of career paths and he was impressed by the university’s equipment and friendly staff.
He plans to pursue Civil Engineering and also encourages young people to work hard and make use of the educational opportunities available.
USP Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council and the Interim Management Group, Right Honourable Siosiua Utoikamanu, says choosing a university is about preparing for the world students will enter and the contribution they hope to make to their families, communities and the region.
Utoikamanu says USP belongs to the Pacific and has served the region for nearly six decades.
He says students are entering a rapidly changing world, with technology and artificial intelligence transforming how people learn and work.
Utoikamanu says students can embrace new technology while remaining grounded in their identity and communities.
The Cook Islands Campus will conclude USP’s Open Day series next month for prospective students.
