JCU honoured to support Vanuatu graduates
The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony, with 14 students taught by James Cook University (JCU) among the more than 250 graduates honoured for their academic achievements.
The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony, with 14 students taught by James Cook University (JCU) among the more than 250 graduates honoured for their academic achievements last week.
Professor Alana Grech, JCU’s Head of Academic Group of Earth and Environmental Sciences attended the ceremony in Port Vila today (Friday 22 May) to celebrate the graduation of 14 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 in this program,” said Professor Grech.
“This milestone graduation reflects the shared vision of our universities to support capacity building in environmental science that’s both locally rooted and globally.”
She 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 Grech.
“In addition, we are thrilled to announce that in August-September 2026, 10 Australian students from JCU Australia will be coming to Vanuatu for a four-week New Colombo Plan exchange program.
“This initiative follows the same initiative in 2025 where the first group of 10 JCU Australia students studied together with NUV students in Vanuatu.
“The program has fostered further friendship and collaboration between our institutions and provide valuable learning experiences for both Australian and Vanuatu-based students.”
Professor Grech also explained that, as a result of this Bachelor of Environmental Science program, and the New Colombo Plan Vanuatu program, JCU have three Vanuatu students pursuing their Master’s degree in JCU Australia under the SmartCable scholarship.
Approximately six JCU-NUV graduates are also applying for the 2026 round of Australia Awards scholarship, with the intention to also pursue their Master’s degree in JCU Australia.
“JCU is looking forward to welcoming these graduates as our Masters students next year,” added Prof Grech.
Dr Putu Liza Mustika, 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,” she said.
“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, Prof 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,” said Prof Nirua.
“NUV will continue expanding its programs and developing as a regional hub for higher learning and research.”