ABOUT THE ACIAR PASS-CR
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The ACIAR PASS-CR 2025 scholarship round
Applications are now closed
The PASS-CR Program provides scholarships and academic support to postgraduate students in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at The University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). Since 2008, the Australian Centre for International Research (ACIAR) has supported research scholarships at Pacific Universities. The scholarship program has achieved significant results, strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the Pacific.
PASS-CR Scholarships support Masters’ and PhD students to conduct research aligned to an active ACIAR project in the region or to broader research themes agreed by ACIAR, USP and FNU. This enables scholars to research agricultural problems within the context that the solutions need to work, and to build professional skills and networks while remaining close to family and culture.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
The ACIAR PASS-CR Program offers scholarships for the following:
USP - PhD and Masters by research
FNU – PhD, Masters by research or Masters by Coursework (with a thesis component)
Scholarships are awarded for up to 2 years for Master’s students and up to 3 years for a PhD candidate.
Tuition is paid directly for the relevant program of study. Student research grant costs are shared between ACIAR and USP or FNU. Funds to present research results at an international conference are included in the scholarship. A living and book allowance, along with relocation allowance (if applicable) are also available.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
Applicants must be a citizen of and currently reside in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for postgraduate study at USP or FNU. Details are available on the USP and FNU websites.
RESEARCH PROJECTS AND TOPICS
A list of projects and research topics, including how to apply for the 2025 PASS-CR Program can be found on the USP and FNU websites.
To access the compendium of PASS-CR Research Project Topics and Themes for 2025 intake please click here and answer a few simple questions.
ONLINE BRIEFING SESSIONS
Interested to find out more? Join the online sessions
Session 1: Online Q&A session - Monday 19 August 2024 at 2pm FJT. Click here to watch the recording.
Session 2: Develop a Research Proposal Workshop - Monday 16 September 2024 at 12pm FJT. Click here to watch the recording.
Session 3: 2nd Online Q&Q and How to submit your application session - Monday 14 October 2024 at 2pm FJT. Click here to watch the recording
RESOURCES FROM THE 2023 SCHOLARSHIP ROUND
Writing Workshop: How to Craft a Research Intent for the PASS-CR Scholarship Application: click here to watch the replay
Guide to Submitting a Scholarship Application: click here for details.
CONTACTS
Applications for the PASS-CR Scholarship Program for 2025 intake are now closed.
For more information about the PASS-CR scholarship program, eligibility criteria, and potential research topics please contact:
The University of South Pacific (USP)
Mr Josevata Cava, ACIAR - USP Graduate Officer
Email: aciarga@usp.ac.fj
Website: https://www.usp.ac.fj/research/pg-affairs/post-graduate-scholarships/australian-centre-for-international-agricultural-research-aciar/
Fiji National University (FNU)
Ms Varsha Dutt, ACIAR - FNU Graduate and Scholarships Officer
Email: aciar-go@fnu.ac.fj
Website: https://www.fnu.ac.fj/research/scholarships/pass-cr/
For further information about ACIAR’s Pacific work:
Australian Centre for International Research
Ms Mai Alagcan
Regional Manager Pacific and PNG, Suva, FIJI
Email: CountryPacific@aciar.gov.au