The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Foundation Studies Program continues to be recognized by Universities New Zealand (UNZ). This recognition was first granted in 2014.
This is good news for young people currently enrolled in the Foundation Program and those looking to join the program as those who have completed their Foundation Studies successfully with a grade average of B are eligible to apply to universities in New Zealand.
Head of College of Foundation Studies, Ms Rosalia Fatiaki said the basis of this recognition of the program means that a USP foundation student can enter any university in New Zealand. Exceptions however may apply if a university has other requirements that a student may need to fulfill.
So that’s good news for our program, it also speaks volumes of the quality of the foundation program, it went through a rigorous process of assessment. The process started in February, and we got the confirmation of recognition in September.
Ms Fatiaka
Ms Fatiaki stressed that this was a clear indication of the confidence that Universities New Zealand had in the quality of the qualification that students attained during their Foundation Studies here at USP.
So, our students don’t have to do any bridging, they go straight into a university degree, just like our foundation students going to do an undergrad here at USP, and it’s a big achievement. Universities New Zealand have given us five years.
Ms Fatiaka
Ms Fatiaki also highlighted that the quality of the Foundation Program was shown by the consistent performance of those students who were part of the program and were now in their degree studies at USP.
They monitored students’ progress throughout the program and into undergraduate studies and data showed that students were consistent in their performance, and this also supported the quality of the Foundation Program.
Universities New Zealand Academic Programs Portfolio Manager Wendy Robinson said this recognition means that every university in New Zealand will be prepared to consider an application from a person who had completed the Foundation Program at this level.