FNU expands its educational opportunities with the introduction of three programmes at its Ba, Nadi and Labasa Campuses in 2026.

The Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) is expanding its educational opportunities with the introduction of three programmes at its Ba, Nadi and Labasa Campuses in 2026.

This also marks a milestone for FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus, which will, for the first time, offer programmes under CAFF, while for FNU’s Ba and Labasa Campus, this is a timely addition to the other programmes that are already on offer.

These programmes which is set to be offered in Semester 1, 2026 include – Diploma in Aquaculture (Level 5) that will be offered at the FNU Ba Campus, followed by the FNU Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus, Diploma in Animal Husbandry (Level 5) offered at the FNU Nayaca Campus in Labasa and Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5) offered at Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus.

CAFF Dean, Dr Kaliova Ravuiwasa, emphasised that the introduction of the three programmes, reflected CAFF’s commitment to serving the people of Fiji.

“That we will continue to commit ourselves in improving agriculture, including animal health and production, fisheries and forestry across Fiji. We will continue to make our programmes accessible to all youths and the people of Fiji and the pacific,” said Dr Ravuiwasa.

“This is also our commitment in supporting the five priority areas of the University, the National Development Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals as well. We understand the living costs in moving to Suva for further education, so I encourage prospective students to enroll in one of these campuses and save costs.”

He advises all prospective students to grab the opportunity and have a say in the protection and enhancement of Fiji’s natural resources.

FNU Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Fisheries at CAFF’s School of Animal, Veterinary Sciences and Fisheries, Dr Ravinesh Ram, said the extension of the aquaculture programme to the Ba Campus followed by Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus in 2026 will create new opportunities for prospective students, including aquaculture farmers in the Western Division.

“The Diploma in Aquaculture programme and its courses will play a vital role in empowering coastal and rural communities by providing practical skills for sustainable food production and income generation,” Dr Ram said.

“Through hands-on instruction, community members will learn essential resource management techniques, low-cost farming methods for producing fish, crabs and prawns, as well as fundamental business skills that reduce reliance on overfished natural resources.”

The programmes include Diploma in Aquaculture (Level 5), Diploma in Animal Husbandry (Level 5) & Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5).

He added that aquaculture education will also promote environmentally responsible practices aligned with the recently passed Aquaculture Bill and the Blue Economy framework, while supporting food security and creating employment opportunities for women and young people.

Dr Ram further noted that the introduction of the programme is expected to play a significant role in supporting the tourism sector. With FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus serving as the hub for FNU’s tourism studies, the addition of the aquaculture programme is anticipated to contribute to income generation and provide a long-term boost to Fiji’s tourism industry.

“Farm tours, feeding events, harvesting demonstrations, and seafood tastings are all available to visitors, generating extra revenue for local communities. Sustainable resource usage, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness are all enhanced by the integration of aquaculture with tourism,” he said.

Students enrolled on campus for the first time can engage in ornamental fish farming to support the livelihoods, own their farms and generate income.

For more information visit:
https://www.fnu.ac.fj/agriculture-forestry-fisheries/

Alternatively, contact CAFF’s Senior Executive Officer, Ms Vaseva Koro at: seo-caff@fnu.ac.fj