In addition to providing quality learning and teaching to all students, the Fiji National University (FNU) is also committed to fostering a research community that contributes to areas of national relevance in Fiji and the region.

Through its Research Office, the University supports research in a broad range of areas in partnership with the government, industries and agencies and enables the institution to grow its research activities and achievements for the transformation of our communities and economy.

FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Roland De Marco said “FNU is focused on applied research or research with impact that contributes in knowledge transfer to business, industry, government also impacting on policy and practice within its disciplinary fields of influence.”

Prof De Marco highlighted the importance of research students in a higher education institution.

“Universities are knowledge-based institutions, with the first aspect embodying knowledge creation through research and development,” he said.

“The knowledge creation that you (students) help us to create as HDR scholars is crucial since you are the “engine room” of research at the University.”

“You help us to create that knowledge in partnership with our academics and stakeholders. Our academics subsequently become expert practitioners in their disciplines and in everything that they do from teaching as well as research and development along with their engagement with government and external agencies.”

Prof De Marco said that “Masters and PhD by Research students formed an integral part of the University research community and contribute significantly to the University’s research effort, but most importantly are a key to the University imperative to graduate employable students who build successful careers and contribute positively to our extended community”.

The areas of study supported by FNU are in medicine, nursing and health sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary science, business, hospitality and tourism studies, engineering, science and technology along with humanities and education.

Students can undertake Masters by Research studies full-time for two years or four years part-time, with a maximum completion time of six years. PhD students can complete the programme within three years full-time or six years part-time, with a maximum completion time of eight years.

HDR scholarships are also made available to interested students. For more information, visit the Research tab on the FNU website at https://www.fnu.ac.fj/research/ or email the Manager Higher Degrees by Research on deepak.c@fnu.ac.fj