The University of the South Pacific (USP) is set to redefine tertiary education in the region for the 2026 academic year with the launch of seven cutting-edge programmes.
As the Pacific faces the dual challenges of rapid technological shift and climate change, USP’s 2026 curriculum introduces specialised pathways in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, and Language Technology.
These programmes are designed to equip students with the technical expertise and indigenous context necessary to lead in the 21st century.
In a first for the region, the School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP) has introduced a new suite of programmes centred around Artificial Intelligence, including:
• Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence
• Bachelor of Science/Arts with a Major in AI
• Diploma in Artificial Intelligence
STEMP Head of School, Professor Bibhya Sharma said the vision for these programmes began in 2023.
“Data from the World Economic Forum confirms that skills in data analytics and data science are now essential; without them, professionals risk becoming obsolete,” Professor Sharma shared.
“Students entering the AI programme will immerse themselves in the world of programming, moving far beyond being mere users of technology. They will learn how to build, evaluate, and continuously improve these digital tools from the ground up.”
“By mastering these core fundamentals, USP graduates will possess a unique versatility; they will not only be proficient in using any current AI software on the market but will also have the specialised knowledge to create, adopt, and adapt new technologies to drive innovation within their organisations.”
All new programmes will be offered face to face at USP’s Laucala Campus and blended in other campuses.
In addition, the recently established Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF), an initiative funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has introduced three new undergraduate programmes to help strengthen student pathways into USP’s internationally recognised postgraduate programmes in climate change. These are:
• Bachelor of Climate Change
• Bachelor of Science with New Major in Climate Change
• Bachelor of Arts with New Major in Climate Change
CSF Associate Professor Awnesh Singh said the new programmes are designed to put the power of climate action back into the hands of Pacific Islanders.
“These programmes are designed to equip students with strong scientific foundations alongside indigenous and local knowledge, enabling Pacific Islanders to develop and lead climate solutions that are grounded in regional realities,” Associate Professor Singh said.
He added that the programmes are closely aligned with key regional, national and global frameworks.
“They align with the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, the Paris Agreement, and national legislation such as the Fiji Climate Change Act 2021, while reinforcing USP’s Graduate Attributes of critical thinking, regional identity, sustainable futures, and global citizenship.”
Associate Professor Singh said the programmes are also a direct response to growing workforce needs across the Pacific.
“Graduates will gain skills in climate science, adaptation planning, resilience strategies, climate finance, governance, and diplomacy, preparing them for roles in Pacific governments, regional organisations, NGOs, and international agencies.”
The Bachelor of Climate Change, including the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts with a new Major in Climate Change, will be available face-to-face at Laucala and via blended in other regional campuses.
Bridging the gap between culture and technology, the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE) has partnered with STEMP to launch the Bachelor of Arts in Language Technology.
SPACE Discipline Coordinator Linguistics and Languages, Dr Fiona Willans shared that this unique programme focuses on the digitalisation of Pacific languages, ensuring that regional heritage thrives in the age of automation and global communication.
“This programme is vital. People often feel that traditional knowledge, language, and culture are in competition with technology, partly because tech is so often centred on the English language. We want to change that narrative by engaging with technology in more positive ways. Technology is a tool and is part of the process.”
For more information on these new programmes, visit https://www.usp.ac.fj/new-programmes-2026/
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 at USP are now open.
