Scholarship Programs for Fiji
Steep Your Studies in South Pacific Sights and Sounds
Students engaging in studies in Fiji are often doing so in association with biology and environmental programs. The Fiji islands are an amazing cacophony of flora and fauna and home to some of the world’s most sensitive coral reefs. The most prolific industries are in tourism and sugar. Otherwise the region has attempted economic and social development, but has often fallen short due to political and other interruptions.
International studies programs offer students in Fiji the opportunity to explore the economy and history, arts and culture and an impressive array of natural resources.
Private Organizations
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships are some of the most prestigious. Every year hundreds of students engaged in international studies are awarded with Rotary scholarships. Of course requirements exist for qualified candidates. The Rotary is heavily invested in making good ambassadors of youth and that is the main criteria for these awards. Students are given preference for pursuing programs that smack of service-oriented and for studying in non-traditional countries, such as Fiji. Students who have received Rotary Scholarships for studies in Fiji often participate in programs at the University of South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. Recipients must be able to make a presentation to a Rotary group highlighting their experience.
The School for International Training (SIT) offers the Fiji: Multiculturalism and Social Exchange program. SIT is a study abroad organization and specializes in providing unique and enriching international studies programs such as this one in Fiji. Scholarships are awarded to the majority of students based on both academics and financial need:
- SIT Scholarships are general and open to all students engaged in the program.
- Compton Fund may be designed for programs like the Fiji program in which cultural and environmental stewardship take center stage.
College Scholarships
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Biology Program in Fiji is one of the first to offer students a semester of study in Fiji. Students may apply for scholarships to the program and candidates are selected based on academic record and financial need. Qualified applicants must be Biology majors and preference is given to those whose studies have already demonstrated some relevance for the South Pacific region. In other words you have to have some deeper need than simply going to a tropical paradise to study and hang out. It should be expected that scholarships are competitive. Awards are $2,000.
Students majoring in almost any discipline at the University of Minnesota may be able to customize their studies at the University of South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. This is a particularly nice program in that the option to study a broad program remains in place even while the student is in Fiji. Of course a good immersion in the islands’ culture and history are demanded as part of the international study program. Scholarships are available to U of M students from the Learning Abroad Center:
- Billman International Scholarships award $500 to students with solid academic records and financial need. Applicants may be pursuing a range of international studies.
- Faculty/Staff Study Abroad Scholarships are reserved for Minneapolis students heading out on a study abroad program like the Fiji program.
Scholarships for Fiji Students
Fijian students interested in studies at a U.S. college or university may apply for U.S.-South Pacific Island Scholarship Program sponsored by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and administered by the East West Center. The program goal is to boost the economic development of the country and to those ends students are given educational opportunities to enrich their experience. Programs like computer science, business and education are encouraged.
