The Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support and Climate Resilience (PASS-CR) Program provides scholarships and support to postgraduate students in agriculture, forestry and fisheries at The University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). Since 2005, ACIAR has supported research scholarships at Pacific Universities. The scholarship program has achieved significant results, strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the Pacific. It is part of the Australian Government’s support to our Pacific neighbours.
ACIAR Pacific postgraduate scholarships are offered in the Pacific, to Pacific Islanders. This enables scholars to research agricultural problems within the context that the solutions need to work, to build professional networks which will be relevant post-study and to remain close to family and culture.
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) provides additional academic supportto PASS-CR scholars and academic staff including professional development, access to the UniSC library, peer-to-peer learning, research collaboration, and higher degree research supervision training. Student work placements and career development are included under PASS-CR to build ongoing industry connections.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | ACIAR Pacific Agriculture Scholarships, Support, and Climate Resilience (PASS-CR) |
| Institutions Involved | – The University of the South Pacific (USP) – Fiji National University (FNU) |
| Programs Covered | – USP: PhD and Masters by Research – FNU: PhD, Masters by Research, Masters by Coursework (with thesis component) |
| Scholarship Duration | – Masters: Up to 2 years – PhD: Up to 3 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | – Citizen and resident of Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu – Meet eligibility criteria for postgraduate study at USP or FNU |
| Research Focus | Research must align with topics/themes in the PASS-CR 2025 Compendium or develop a unique proposal within broader themes |
| Support Provided | – Tuition paid directly to the institution – Student research grant costs shared between ACIAR and USP or FNU – Funds for presenting research at an international conference |
| Additional Support | – Academic support, professional development, access to UniSC library, peer-to-peer learning, research collaboration, and career development provided by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) |
| Application Process | – Scholarships advertised annually in August – Online briefing sessions provided for application support |
| Study Location | – USP Laucala (Fiji) or USP Alafua (Samoa) – FNU (Fiji) |
| Commencement | The following year after the scholarship is awarded |
| Further Information | For more information on how to apply and to check eligibility, refer to the USP and FNU websites. |
Fact About Pacific Agriculture Scholarships and Support and Climate Resilience
- A Decade of Impact: Since 2005, the ACIAR Pacific postgraduate scholarships have been revolutionizing agricultural research in the Pacific, empowering Pacific Islanders to lead innovative solutions for their own communities.
- A Unique Pacific Focus: PASS-CR isn’t just about scholarships—it’s about solving real agricultural problems within the Pacific context. Scholars work on issues that directly affect their communities, ensuring their research has a meaningful impact on local agriculture.
- A Bridge to Industry: Through PASS-CR, students gain more than just a degree. They get hands-on experience with student work placements and career development opportunities, building strong industry connections that last long after graduation.
- Academic Superpower Collaboration: The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) partners with PASS-CR to offer additional academic support, including professional development, research collaboration, and higher degree supervision training. This partnership ensures scholars are at the cutting edge of agricultural research.
- Homegrown Expertise: PASS-CR is about keeping talent in the Pacific. Scholars stay close to family, culture, and the very issues they aim to address, building professional networks that matter most—right where they live.
- Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems: The program has played a pivotal role in strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the Pacific, leading to significant advancements in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
- A Part of Australia’s Pacific Commitment: PASS-CR is a key element of Australia’s ongoing support for its Pacific neighbors, showcasing a commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and resilience to climate change.
Rewards For ACIAR Pacific Agriculture Scholarships, Support and Climate Resilience
Scholarships are available at USP and FNU for:
- USP – PhD and Masters by research
- FNU – PhD including for FNU faculty, Masters by Research or Masters by Coursework (with a thesis component)
Scholarships will be awarded for up to 2 years for Master’s students and up to 3 years for a PhD candidate.
Tuition is paid directly for the relevant program of study. Student research grant costs are shared between ACIAR and USP or FNU. Funds to present research results at an international conference are included in the scholarship.
Scholarships are aligned to regional priorities identified in the PASS-CR 2025 Compendium of potential research topics and themes, which may also be associated with an ACIAR research project. The compendium of research projects/topics and themes for the PASS-CR 2025 intake can be found on the USP and FNU websites (details below).
Scholarships are advertised annually in August through USP and FNU for commencement the following year. Online briefing sessions about the program, how to apply, meet the project leaders and how to put together a research proposal will be held to support you through the application process.
Eligibility Criteria For ACIAR Pacific Agriculture Scholarships, Support and Climate Resilience
- Applicants must be a citizen of and currently reside in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu
- Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for postgraduate study at USP or FNU
- Applicants must directly align their research proposals with one of the research topics listed in the compendium or develop a unique research proposal that aligns with one of the broader research themesprovided.
- Applicants must be able to meet government and university mandated requirements for travel to Fiji for study at FNU or USP Laucala, or Samoa for study at USP Alafua.
How To Apply For ACIAR Pacific Agriculture Scholarships, Support and Climate Resilience
For more information on how to apply and to check your eligibility, please click the link below.
Source: https://www.usp.ac.fj/