Information for International Candidates

There are many factors that one must consider when deciding to move to another country, on both a professional and personal basis. Getting feedback from close family and friends is important, but we at USP want to assist you as well.  Hopefully. you will find on these pages useful and practical information on the University, Suva and Fiji to help you make the best decision.

This section provides some information on what to think about when relocating to a new country. It is an important decision and whether you are coming alone or with a family, it is better to be as informed as possible. The following are some basic factors to consider:

• Immigration – As a staff member of the University, you will receive a work visa for a maximum of three years as well as a resident visa for the time that you are in Fiji.  The University will also take care of residency visas for a spouse and up to four children.  Spouses are entitled to work only if they are also sponsored by an employer and granted a work visa.  For immigration purposes, you are required to send (and for each family member):
  • Work visa Application
  • Police report
  • Medical report
  • 3 passport photos
• Superannuation – The University contribues 10% to employee superannuation.  In Fiji, superannuation is managed by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), which requires an 8% contribution from employees.  Alternatively, expatriate staff have the option of making their superannuation contributions to a government approved scheme overseas.  Staff who contribute to the local FNPF are able to withdraw their funds when they cease working for the University and return to their home countries.

• Regional news – To learn more about overall issues in Fiji, you can visit the Fiji Government Online Portal – http://www.fiji.gov.fj or read the Fiji Sun newspaper online daily – http://www.fijisun.com.fj.

• Weather – Fiji has a tropical climate.  The summer is from November to April and is usually hot and humid.  Temperatures can rise to as high as 32 to 35 degrees C.  The winter months from May to October are much cooler and less humid.  Temperatures are usually around 27 degrees C in the day and close to 19 degrees at night.

• Health  – Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries.  Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organization.  Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are required for travelers over 1 year of age coming from an infected area.  Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B and for Typhoid fever is recommended.  To get the most accurate information, visit your doctor.  The Ministry of Health website is: http://www.health.gov.fj/

• Quarantine i.e. pets
  A permit is required for the importation of dogs, cats or any live animal to Fiji.  Upon arrival, the animal needs to be kept in quarantine.  The length of quarantine depends on the country of origin.
  Further enquiries re: the importation of animals can be made to: Director of Animal Health and Production, GPO box 15829, Suva, Fiji – (679) 3315 327

• For more information– A good source for information about Fiji is The Lonely Planet – Fiji.  The latest edition is for 2003.  Also, websites you can look at include:
  http://www.spto.org/ (South Pacific Tourism Organization)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) :