JCU helps celebrate Vanuatu university’s first graduation

The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has celebrated its inaugural Graduation Ceremony, with 23 students taught by James Cook University among the nearly 400 graduates honoured for their academic achievements last week.

Professor Ron White, JCU’s Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, attended the ceremony in Port Vila. He said the occasion also saw the graduation of the first 23 students from the Bachelor of Environmental Science program, a collaboration between JCU, NUV and the University of New Caledonia (UNC).

“JCU lecturers teach 17 subjects, ranging from mathematics, physics, statistics, marine and earth sciences, zoology, and environmental management subjects. This milestone graduation reflects the shared vision of our universities to support capacity building in environmental science that’s both locally rooted and globally informed,” said Professor White.

He said the 24 environmental and science subjects are delivered by JCU in English and UNC in French.

“By delivering this bilingual program in Vanuatu, we are empowering graduates with the knowledge and skills to lead regional development and climate resilience in Vanuatu and across the Pacific,” said Professor White.

He said one of the JCU-NUV students has already submitted an application to the Australia Awards Vanuatu program to study for a Master's degree at JCU.

“In addition, we are thrilled to announce that in August-September 2025, 10 Australian students from JCU Australia will be coming to Vanuatu for a four-week New Colombo Plan exchange program.

“This initiative will foster further friendship and collaboration between our institutions and provide valuable learning experiences for both Australian and Vanuatu-based students,” said Professor White.

Dr Putu Liza Mustika (“Icha”), the Course Coordinator of the JCU-NUV Bachelor of Environmental Science said JCU staff also had the opportunity to have a graduation dinner with the JCU-NUV graduates and the Ni-Vanuatu alumni of JCU Australia.

“During the dinner, we witnessed a very productive connection between the Ni- Vanuatu JCU-NUV graduates and the Ni-Vanuatu JCU Australia alumni where the latter were helping the former figure out pathways for Masters degrees in JCU Australia. We are so proud and happy to witness such connection.

“To empower the local students, lecturers and staff, JCU is ready to help NUV should NUV wish to extend this joint Bachelor of Environmental Science program,” said Dr Mustika.

NUV Vice-Chancellor, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, expressed heartfelt congratulations to the graduates.

“Today’s ceremony marks a new chapter for our young university and our nation. These graduates are a testament to what is possible when dedication, partnership, and vision come together. NUV will continue expanding its programs and developing as a regional hub for higher learning and research,” said Mr Nirua.

Link to graduation images here.