If you’re an international student who is hoping to study abroad in Fiji, you’ll need to secure a study permit before setting off.
Fijian student permits are awarded for up to three years but can be extended depending on the length of your program. They cost FJD $133 ($63), but you’ll also pay an issue fee of FJD $180 ($85).
It can take anywhere between three and 21 days to get your permit issued, so it’s best not to leave your application to the last minute.
Application steps:
Follow these steps when applying for a Fijian study permit:
- Accept a university place: Receive a formal admissions letter from your chosen Fijian institution and pay any enrollment fees.
- Download, print, and complete the study permit application form: You must fill out all sections of the form to have the best chance of application approval.
- Gather supporting documentation: Alongside the visa application form, you’ll need to submit several documents. You can find a full list of what you’ll need in the section below.
- Submit your application and pay fee: Visit a Fijian embassy or consulate in your home country to submit your application. If there’s no embassy available in your country, you can post your documents to one of Fiji’s visa processing offices.
- Await a decision: The Fijian Department of Immigration will notify you of your application outcome within a few weeks.
Required documents:
Failing to attach the correct documentation is a surefire way to get your application refused. The list below outlines everything you’ll need to include:
- A completed study permit application form
- A passport that’s valid for at least three months after your program finishes
- A copy of the biodata page of your passport
- 4 recent passport photos of yourself
- The numbers and details of your arriving and departing flights
- Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself during your studies
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Details of your address and living arrangements in Fiji
- Formal admissions letter from your university
- A medical report issued within the last three months
- A certificate of police clearance from the authorities in your home country
- Means to pay the application and issuance fees
Fiji student visa processing time
Visa processing times start from 3 days and can reach up to 1 month, but the average applicant receives a decision within 21 working days.
Although this is quite a quick turnaround, your application will be delayed if any of your documents are incomplete or unclear. So, make sure you double-check the requirements before submitting.
Can your family members join you?
If you’d like your spouse or children to join you in Fiji, they’ll need to apply for a co-extensive permit. These permits allow dependents to enter Fiji and live with you during the course of your studies.
Various documents, including application forms, request letters, as well as birth and marriage certificates must be submitted. You can find more information about what you’ll need here.
Are you allowed to work in Fiji?
International students are not permitted to work in Fiji. It’s really important to take this into consideration when deciding on a study abroad destination.
What if your application is rejected?
Having your application denied is disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of studying abroad.
The Fijian authorities will write to you and outline the reasons behind the rejection. This allows you to fix your initial application and reapply.
To ensure your re-application is successful, you must submit all of the required documentation. Otherwise, you’re guaranteed a second rejection.