THE University of the South Pacific (USP) has today announced a $F1 million student hardship and bursary support package to protect students and their families from the rising cost pressures associated with the global fuel crisis.
The package, approved as part of USP’s strategic preparedness response, doubles the University’s current student hardship and bursary allocation from $F495,000 to $F1 million, funded through a prudent reallocation of existing savings, without compromising the quality of teaching and learning or essential student services.
As part of the expanded support, the University will also broaden access to hardship assistance, recognising that the impact of rising transport, food, and energy costs is now being felt well beyond the most financially vulnerable households.
The support is designed to help students facing increased costs brought about by the global crisis, ensuring that financial pressures do not force them to interrupt their studies.
USP’s Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Interim Management Group, the Right Honourable Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu said the decision reflects the University’s duty of care to students and its long-term strategic outlook.
“Our first priority is to ensure that no student is left behind because of circumstances beyond their control. Rising fuel and living costs are already being felt across our region, and this additional $F1 million commitment sends a clear message that USP will act early and decisively to protect student continuity and success.”
The University has also adopted a broader preparedness framework to strengthen operational resilience should global fuel conditions worsen, including flexible learning continuity arrangements, hardship access pathways, and targeted support for vulnerable campuses. These measures will be activated progressively as conditions require, ensuring a calm and proportionate response.
The Pro-Chancellor said the package reflects USP’s enduring responsibility to stand with the region and protect student success during periods of external uncertainty.
“Too often, our Pacific communities bear a disproportionate share of the consequences of global crises to which they have contributed least — whether through climate change or the economic shocks flowing from conflicts far beyond our region. Our responsibility as the University Serving the Pacific is to ensure that our students are not asked to carry that burden alone. This support is about ensuring our students can stay enrolled, stay engaged, and succeed.”
