University of the South Pacific
USP Pacific Scholarship for Excellence in Research and Innovation (PSERI)
Closed · next round not announcedFully funded
Last round (2026 intake): 5 Jan 2026
The next round is not announced yet. We'll update this page when it is.
In short
- Fully funded research master's or PhD at USP, including in Vanuatu.
- Master's applicants need a GPA of 3.5; PhD applicants need a master's by thesis.
- Apply by email; the last round closed on 5 January 2026.
What these studies offer
- Master's / graduate diploma: one or two years after a bachelor's, to specialise and prepare for more senior roles.
- PhD / research: several years of research, which prepare you for research and university teaching.
Who can apply
- You are a citizen of a USP member country, such as Vanuatu.
- Full-time research only. No paid work during the award; up to eight hours a week of teaching may be expected.
- Age
- Preferably 35 or under for a master's and 45 or under for a PhD.
- Work experience
- Not required
Depending on the level
Master's
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 (and 3.5 in a postgraduate diploma if you have one).
PhD
- A master's degree by thesis.
- Where you study
- Fiji, VanuatuCan be held at USP in any member country, including Vanuatu.
- Language of study
- English
- Fields of study
- Research master's or PhD within USP's research themes (economies, oceans and climate, education and health, governance and justice).
Not confirmed: english test. Check the official website ↗.
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Books and materials
- Living allowance
- Family / dependants support
- Arrival / set-up allowance
- Travel
- Fieldwork / research costs
2026 rates in Fijian dollars: tuition and fees, books up to FJD 750 a year, living allowance FJD 21,600 (master's) or FJD 24,000 (PhD) a year, dependants' allowance, one-off establishment allowance, research grant and one return airfare if you move country.
Obligations after the scholarship
No obligations are stated by the provider.
How to apply
How you apply: Through the university you apply to
- 1Discuss your research topic with a possible supervisor at USP.
- 2Email your complete application to pgrscholarships@usp.ac.fj with the subject "PSERI [year] Application – [your name]".
- 3Enrol in your academic unit separately; the scholarship does not guarantee a place.
Documents checklist
Tick them off as you go. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Official contacts
- USP Postgraduate Research Scholarshipspgrscholarships@usp.ac.fjListed on the official page: usp.ac.fj
Guides that help with this application
- Getting your documents ready in VanuatuBirth certificate, passport, certified copies, translations, transcripts, police clearance, medical checks: where to go and what to ask.
- Referee letters: who to ask and howHow to choose your referees, ask them early, and give them what they need to write a useful letter.
- Writing a strong personal statementWhat the selection panel looks for, a simple plan for your text, and how to write it in your own words.
- How scholarships work, from start to finishThe different ways to apply, what happens after you send your application, and when the main rounds open and close in the year.
Last checked 11 Oct 2026
Sources (1)
- USP – PSERI · 11 Oct 2026
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