FNU students during a practical class.
At least 69,146 students graduated from Fiji National University’s (FNU) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes between 2019 and 2024. This figure consists of 60,641 graduates from formal programmes and competency-based short courses, with an additional 8,505 students completing non-formal rural TVET programmes.
FNU is the biggest provider of TVET programmes in the South Pacific. As a dual-sector University offering Higher Education and TVET programmes, FNU fosters robust internationally recognised TVET programmes under the TVET Pasifika brand.
FNU students during a practical class.
The programmes cater to a wide range of educational needs, preparing individuals for rural self-sufficiency, community development, entrepreneurship and pathways to successful careers in various industries.
The Fiji National University’s TVET programmes equip graduates for success across diverse fields. This success has been proven over time and FNU TVET graduates work in different parts of the world today. In the last two years from 2023-2024, the university has been struggling with limited resources and drastically reduced budget from the Fiji Government to produce adequate numbers of skilled workers for local industries.
Over the last five years, FNU has produced 11,393 graduates for the Tourism Hospitality sector; 3,360 graduates for the Information Technology sector; 9,715 graduates in Executive Management and related areas; 6,959 graduates for the Construction sector; 18,149 graduates for the Automotive sector; and 5,602 graduates for the Electrical and Electronics sector.
All these training areas boast impressive 90% or higher employability rates. The growing demand for FNU’s TVET programmes and short courses has led to the renewed popularity of Apprenticeship and Trade Testing.
FNU is mindful of quality and relevance, so it works very closely with industry stakeholders in the regular r
Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata
eview, update and improvement of TVET courses and programmes.
FNU’s Apprenticeship and Trade Testing guarantees a 100% employability rate for its 2,085 graduates. This hands-on approach ensures students are industry-ready upon completion, making the programme a valuable resource for individuals seeking career-oriented education with strong job prospects.
FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, said that FNU is the leading TVET institution in Fiji and the South Pacific to produce highly qualified, competent and skilled graduates to meet the local, regional and international demands.
“At Fiji National University, our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are not just about education – they’re about empowerment. With exceptional graduate employability rates, exceeding 90% in key sectors like Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Construction, and Automotive Engineering, we are equipping Fijians with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern workforce and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development,” Dr Tagicakiverata said.
“Our graduates are highly in demand in Fiji, in the region and overseas. We have noticed how our graduates have departed our shores in droves for better opportunities and offers overseas. But our commitment is always to Fiji, and FNU is doing all we can to produce more skilled workers for Fiji.
“At this rate, FNU is on track to produce over 100,000 skilled workers by 2025, and 200,000 skilled workers by 2030.” Dr Tagicakiverata added.
The TVET full qualification programmes emphasise practical applications to ensure that graduates are job-ready upon completion. People should also consider short courses because FNU short courses are highly effective as they focus on real-life practical problem-solving activities, and the training is demonstrable and visible.
FNU TVET short courses are intensive competency-based, and graduates are virtually work-ready on completion.
“FNU recognises the diverse learning styles of students. Hence, our programmes offer various delivery modes, including full-time courses on campus, short courses for targeted skill development, and online courses. We also take TVET to rural villages and islands,” Dr Tagicakiverata said.
The Fiji National University has not forgotten the disadvantaged sections of our community, so it has also graduated 500 street dwellers, single mothers and unemployed youths through its free course initiatives in Suva in 2023.