FAQ's ELSA

1. Who should sit the ELSA Test?

The ELSA Test must be taken by all students registering for degree-level  courses including:

• students taking courses by Distance and Flexible Learning; and
• students who have been awarded cross-credits for 100-,  200- and/or 300- level studies from other tertiary institutions.

 2. Where do I sit the ELSA Test?

The ELSA Test is held at all USP campuses. Test dates and times will be advertised through the local media and on the notice boards at your local USP campus.

 3. When will I get my results for the ELSA Test?

Results will be posted on Student Online Services and on notice-boards at all campuses.

 4. What if I don’t sit the ELSA Test?

In keeping with the decision of the USP Senate, students will not be allowed to register for 200-level courses until they have either passed the ELSA Test or EL001.

 5. What grade do I need to gain to pass the ELSA Test?

An overall score of 3, 4 or 5 is a pass in the ELSA Test.

 6. What happens if I sit the ELSA Test but do not pass?

If you score 1 or 2 on the ELSA Test you will need to register for EL001 English Language Skills. EL001 is offered in both semesters at Alafua, Emalus, Labasa, Laucala and Lautoka Campuses and at other campuses when there are sufficient enrolments.

7. How do I register in EL001 English Language Skills?

If you are a Laucala, Alafua or Emalus student and you have scored 1 or 2 in the ELSA Test, EL001 will be available in your drop down list on the online registration menu in the Student Online Services. You need to add EL001 to your registered courses if you want to register for that course in the current semester. If you choose to defer, please be aware that you will not be able to register for any 200-level course until you have passed EL001. Students at all other campuses who have failed the ELSA Test will need to register for EL001 when it becomes available locally.

8. What is the course load for EL001 English Language Skills?

Students may not take EL001 in addition to a full course load. For example, during your first year, you may take a full load of four 100-level courses per semester. It follows therefore in the semester in which you are registered for EL001 you may take a maximum of three 100-level courses.

 9. What if I also fail EL001 English Language Skills?

If you fail EL001 you will be given two options to satisfy USP’s English language requirement:

• to sit IELTS (academic module) in which you must achieve an overall Band 6.5 with a minimum of Band 6 for Writing. You will also be required to pay the FJ$280 fee for sitting IELTS; or
• to re-register for EL001, in which case you must pay the course fee of FJ$220 again.

For further information on the ELSA test speak to the staff at the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT)