Accreditation

WSCUC Institutional Accreditation

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has been re-accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) for a further eight years, from July 2025 to July 2033.

WSCUC is a highly respected accrediting body based in California, USA, and is officially recognised by the U.S. Department of Education. Its role is to evaluate universities and colleges to ensure they provide education of the highest quality, operate with integrity, and continuously improve.

Why This Matters for USP

Being accredited by WSCUC means USP has been rigorously reviewed against international standards and found to meet or exceed them. This recognition demonstrates USP’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

For our students, graduates, and communities, WSCUC accreditation provides:

  • International recognition – USP degrees are trusted globally, including in the U.S.
  • Assurance of quality – teaching, research, and student support meet high international benchmarks.
  • Accountability and transparency – stakeholders can be confident in USP’s governance and integrity.
  • Continuous improvement – the process ensures USP is always learning, adapting, and striving for excellence.

Our Accreditation Journey

USP was first accredited by WSCUC in 2018, marking an important milestone in its history.

Following a comprehensive institutional review conducted between 2023 and 2025, USP was granted Reaffirmation of Accreditation for a full eight-year term, effective from July 2025 to June 2033. This reaffirms USP’s standing as a provider of high-quality higher education across the Pacific region and beyond.

For more details, please see the USP WSCUC Accreditation webpage.

List of Internationally Accredited or Recognised Programmes

To date, the University proudly offers a growing list of programmes that have not only achieved accreditation but have also earned esteemed recognition — a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and the future of our students.

Internationally Accredited Programmes

  1. Bachelor of Commerce – (Accounting) (CPA1 Australia, Australia)
  2. Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accounting (CPA1 Australia, Australia)
  3. Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  4. Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism Management) (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  5. Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism and Hospitality Management (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  6. Certificate in Hotel Management (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  7. Diploma in Hotel Management (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  8. Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel Management (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  9. Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce – (Tourism and Hospitality Management) (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  10. Master of Commerce (Tourism and Hospitality Management) (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  11. PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  12. Master of Business Administration (AMBA3, United Kingdom)
  13. Bachelor of Networks and Security (Provisional Accreditation) (ACS4, Australia)
  14. Bachelor of Software Engineering (Provisional Accreditation) (ACS4, Australia)
  15. Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronics) (Engineering New Zealand)
  16. Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Engineering New Zealand)
  17. Bachelor of Arts (Social Work) (ACWA5, Australia)
  18. Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching (SEDA6, United Kingdom)

Internationally Accredited Pacific TAFE Qualifications

  1. Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  2. Certificate III in Patisserie (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  3. Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (ACECQA7, Australia)
  4. Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  5. Certificate IV in Hospitality Operations (Events, Food & Beverage and Front Office) (THE-ICE2, Australia)
  6. Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (Level 5) (ACECQA7, Australia)
  7. Diploma of Library and Information Services (Level 5) (ALIA8, Australia)

Note: Pacific TAFE acquired Registered Training Provider status with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). It can deliver qualifications which are accredited with the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Recognised Qualifications

  1. Twelve (12) courses in USP Bachelor of Laws Degree (Law Council of Australia)
  2. Foundation Arts Programme (FNA) (Universities New Zealand)
  3. Foundation Business Programme (FNB) (Universities New Zealand)
  4. Foundation Science Programme (FNSN) (Universities New Zealand)
  5. Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business Venture (SBAA9, Australia)
  6. Bachelor of Education – Primary (New Zealand Qualification Authority)
  7. Bachelor of Education – Secondary (New Zealand Qualification Authority)
  8. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (New Zealand Qualification Authority)
  9. Graduate Certificate in Education (New Zealand Qualification Authority)

Footnotes

  1. CPA Australia – Certified Practising Accountant Australia
  2. THE-ICE – International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education
  3. AMBA – Association of MBAs
  4. ACS – Australian Computer Society
  5. ACWA – Australian Community Workers Association
  6. SEDA – Staff and Educational Development Association
  7. ACECQA – The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority
  8. ALIA – The Australian Library and Information Association
  9. SBAA – Small Business Association of Australia

Accreditation of Pacific TAFE Short Courses