The University of the South Pacific (USP) open day today will highlight all courses available to study from the Rarotonga campus.

Campus director Dr Debi Futter-Puati said most people had no idea about the range of education on offer and that the university is ranked in the top 10 per cent of universities in the world.

“Almost 1000 Cook Islands students have graduated from USP already, so you could be next.”

With 2023 just around the corner, Futter-Puati said, “we want people to understand they can ‘stay home and go far’ by doing a degree with us.”

“People think they can only go to university in New Zealand or Australia, and are really surprised to find out the range of courses they can do here, at home, supported by their own families,” she added.

USP offers courses in finance, economics, accounting, marine science, the arts, history, Cook Islands Māori language, education, geography, Pacific studies, law, climate change, social work, counselling, politics, development, fisheries and more.

At the open day today from 3pm, USP can pre-approve study for next year – subject to NCEA results coming out.

If a student does not have sufficient level 2 or 3 credits, they can undertake a preliminary business, arts or science course (equivalent to level 2) or a foundation course in business, arts or science.

“These qualifications give you entry into university with USP or at NZ universities, so come and check us out,” said Futter-Puati.

USP courses are internationally recognised and accredited to over 100 organisations in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia.

“There is still a myth out there that our qualifications are not recognised elsewhere, they most definitely are,” she said.

The USP Students Association will have a panel of current students sharing their thoughts about their programmes and why they chose to study with USP.

There will also be some games and a katikati will be provided.

Parents and adults who are thinking of studying or wanting to know what is available for their children or for themselves, are most welcome to attend the event.