The University of New Caledonia (UNC) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) reaffirm their long‑standing strategic partnership as co‑chairs of the Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN) with the launch of a new academic exchange programme funded under the Erasmus+ initiative. Since the official establishment of PIURN in 2013, UNC and USP have worked toward a shared commitment to co‑developing knowledge with and for Pacific communities, through collaborative research projects.
IN 2024, UNC obtained an Erasmus + funding to support staff and student mobility between UNC and USP. With the support of USP International Office and the PIURN Secretariat, eight USP students have been selected to undertake 3 month research internships in New Caledonia.
UNC will welcome 6 students to their research labs, studying a wide range of topics such as pharmacology, sustainable tourism, computer science, languages and culture. UNC will not be the only institution to benefit from the expertise of USP students. Through the CRESICA Consortium for Research, Higher Education and Innovation, several key research partners offered two interships: IRD (French Research Institute for Development) will host one student to study medicinal plant and Institut Pasteur, focusing on infectious diseases.
The research internships provided by the French Institutions target important and relevant topics for Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
During their stay in New Caledonia, the students will benefit from French‑language courses provided by UNC, designed to support their integration and academic success.
Prior their departure to New Caledonia, USP students were offered a joint training by the PIURN Secretariat and USP International Office. The Alliance Française of Suva provided a complimentary French-class afternoon on Thursday, February 19th where the students had their first introduction to the language, before a cocktail reception held by the French Embassy in Fiji, in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union.
This inaugural academic initiative strengthens broader collaboration across the Pacific, connecting universities with PIURN. Looking ahead, the Erasmus+ programme is expected to expand to additional Pacific countries, French Polynesia and New Caledonia, to connect the Blue Pacific Continent through Higher Education.