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 2008, ACIAR has supported research scholarships at Pacific Universities. The scholarship program has achieved significant results, strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the Pacific.

ACIAR’s Pacific post-graduate 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 remain close to family and culture.

The PASS-CR Program aims to strengthen the Pacific agricultural innovation system through building on the strengths of Pacific universities and their regional partners. It is part of the Australian Government’s support to our Pacific neighbors.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) are an Australian Government agency who brokers and invests in research partnerships in developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region to build knowledge to support crucial development objectives.

Since 1982, ACIAR has supported research projects in four regions—eastern and southern Africa, East Asia, South and West Asia and the Pacific. Their research projects focus on agribusiness, climate change, crops, fisheries, forestry, horticulture, livestock systems, social systems, soil and land management and water. They deliver specific development outcomes.

To date, ACIAR has commissioned and managed more than 1,500 research projects in 36 countries, partnering with 150 institutions along with more than 50 Australian research organizations.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU)

Masters by Research and PhD scholarships.

Masters by Research and Masters by Coursework (with a thesis component) scholarships. There is a PhD opportunity which is predominantly for FNU faculty staff.

Tuition and Allowances

Allowances and tuition will be paid for up to 24-months for Masters students and for 3 years for a PhD candidate.

Allowances* are outlined below:

*Please note that these are indicative only and are dependent on your personal circumstances. For more exact details, please discuss with the contact at your chosen university.

Research Grant

 Successful scholarship holders will have access to a Research Grant of up to a maximum of:

• FJD20,000 (USP)/FJD17,500 (FNU) for Masters’ students, and
• FJD45,000 (USP)/FJD40,000 (FNU) for PhD students

This grant funding is to cover research operating costs, minor equipment, and travel expenses essential to undertake research.

The Research Grant will be considered and allocated based on a detailed research proposal and supporting budget prepared by the student in consultation with his/her supervisor and the ACIAR co-supervisor.

Additional Assistance

Successful PASS-CR scholars will have additional academic support from the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), including access to USC Library resources, HDR training workshops, student placements with a relevant agency or business, and networking opportunities.

• The eligibility criteria for both the Masters and PhD programs is outlined below. Note that for Educational Requirements, these are specific to the particular University that you are applying to and can be confirmed with the key University contacts (see Question 10 for contact details).

You need to confirm your eligibility with the relevant University prior to applying. Contact details are provided in Question 10 for both USP and FNU key contacts to assist.

The Program aligns to ACIAR’s Gender Equity Policy and Strategy. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

A link to the Research Projects and topic list for the 2025 scholarship program is available on:

• ACIAR website – https://www.aciar.gov.au/scholarships/aciar-pacific-agriculture-scholarships-and- support-program
• USP website – https://www.usp.ac.fj/research/pg-affairs/post-graduate-scholarships/australian- centre-for-international-agricultural-research-aciar/
• FNU website – https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/student-support/financial-support/?id=6373
• PASS-CR Program website – https://www.passcrprogram.com/

Please review the list of research topics and choose a project that really interests you, or create your own topics using the broader research themes. You can then contact the local Research Group Leader. Research the topic and email the USP/FNU Supervisor or contact person to discuss the topic. You can then contact the relevant ACIAR research Project Leader or International co-supervisor using the email provided. Please work with the Project Leader to draft your research proposal.

Please note that your research proposal will need to be signed by both the USP/FNU Supervisor and the relevant co-supervisor(s) prior to submission of your application.

You are required to check your eligibility with the relevant university prior to completing the application form.

For more information on how to apply and to check your eligibility, please email the key contacts for each university below. Application forms and research proposal templates are available on the relevant university website.

The University of South Pacific (USP)

 Mr Josevata Cava, ACIAR-USP Graduate Officer Email: aciarga@usp.ac.fj

Website: https://www.usp.ac.fj/research/pg-affairs/post-graduate-scholarships/australian-centre-for- international-agricultural-research-aciar/

Fiji National University 

Ms. Varsha Dutt

Email: aciar-go@fnu.ac.fj

Website: https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/student-support/financial-support/?id=6373

Online briefing sessions about the program, how to apply, and how to put together a research proposal will be held to support you through the application process. Dates and registration links are provided below:

Zoom Q&A session

A Zoom Q&A session will be held on Monday 19 August 2024 at 10am FJT for anyone interested to learn more.

Research Proposal Training (TBC)

Research Proposal Training will be held to support applicants to put together their research intent and future research proposals.

Yes, you need to ensure you have confirmed your GPA and Citizenship requirements are eligible before applying. Please contact the relevant contact at FNU and USP to confirm your eligibility (see Question 10).

Before completing the application form, please reach out to the relevant University contact person (see Question 10) to discuss your eligibility to apply.

Fill out your personal details and use the checklist to make sure you have attached all of the required documents. You are required to submit the document in one PDF document in the following order:

• Application Form
• Academic Transcript/s
• Certificate/s
• Letters of Support
• Birth Certificate/Passport

Please save your documents with the following name: PASS2025-your name-university-program (eg. PASS20245pplication-LisaWard-USP-MSc).

Once you have chosen your project and research topic (see Question 9), please also complete your research intent including detailed research proposal which must be signed by your USP/FNU supervisor and co-supervisor.

Your research intent is to be submitted as a separate PDF with the following name: PASS2025ResarchIntent-your name-university-program (eg PASS2025ResearchIntent-LisaWard-USP- MSc).

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Completed application form
• Completed research intent including a detailed research proposal which has been signed by your USP/FNU supervisor and Co-supervisor

• Students may NOT engage in paid employment while enrolled in the scholarship scheme, unless with the express permission of the supervisor and head of the relevant school. Short term work experience placements linked to the scholars’ field of study approved by ACIAR may be organized by the Academic Support Team.
• Students enrolled in a full-time capacity are expected to maintain a full-time study
• In the case of applicants who are already employed in the public sector, a letter confirming release of the applicant, if successful, from his/her duties by the relevant Public Service Commission for the term of the scholarship, is a requirement.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If your current study is aligned with a topic enlisted in the compendium and you have the support from a USP/FNU Supervisor and Co-supervisor, you can apply.

A Selection Panel at each university, including representatives from ACIAR and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), has been established to review the applications received for each round. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility and merit.