Fiji (FJ)

A tropical South Pacific hub with English-language administration, strong tourism and NGO sectors, rich iTaukei and Indo-Fijian cultures, and a relaxed but paperwork-heavy expat lifestyle.

Capital: Suva

Region: Oceania

Language: English

Currency: FJD ($)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 48)

Emergency: 911

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Fiji.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Daycare / early childhood centre FJD 250-900 depending on city, hours and centre quality

Age: 0-5

Government support is targeted mainly through local education programmes rather than universal expat childcare subsidy.

Passport/birth certificate, immunisation record, emergency contacts and fee deposit.

⏱️ Tour centres in person and ask about cyclone closure policy, meals, transport and staff ratios.

Kindergarten / pre-primary FJD 80-400 in local/community settings; more at international schools

Age: 3-5

Subsidy available

Local families may access government education supports; expat eligibility depends on status and school.

Apply directly to school with documents, health record and assessment if required.

⏱️ International school pre-primary places around Suva/Nadi can fill early.

Nanny or family helper FJD 500-1,400+ depending on hours, live-in status and duties

Age: 0-12

Use references, written employment terms, police checks and clear duties; confirm payroll/FNPF obligations if employing directly.

🏫 Schools

Primary school Free

Primary School / Years 1-8

Ages: Approx. 6-13 · Language: English in most formal schooling, with Fijian and Hindi language/culture exposure depending on school.

Apply to the school with birth certificate, passport/permit, previous reports, immunisation records and address/contact details.

Fiji 2026 Term 1 runs 26 Jan-1 May, Term 2 18 May-21 Aug, Term 3 7 Sep-4 Dec according to the Fiji Government school terms page.

Secondary school Free

Secondary School / College

Ages: Approx. 14-18 · Language: English

Previous school records, exam results, permit/passport documents and school-specific placement interview may be required.

International curriculum schools are fee-paying and better aligned for short-term expat families moving onward to Australia, New Zealand, Europe or the US.

International Schools

Main expat options include International School Suva (ISS, iss.school.fj; 2026 expatriate fee schedule: FJD 4,267 to FJD 27,728+/year depending on year level and fee-payer category), Nadi International School, and selected private Christian or independent schools. ISS distinguishes between local and expatriate fee payers. Annual fees range from several thousand to over FJD 27,000 per year.

University

Tuition fee

Local and regional rates differ from international rates. USP, Fiji National University and University of Fiji fees vary widely by programme.

Semester fee

Programme dependent; budget separately for registration, lab, IT, accommodation and transport.

Student visa

Foreign students need a Student Permit from Fiji Immigration before studying long term.

Health insurance

International students should carry private medical insurance with evacuation cover unless the institution mandates a specific plan.

Application process

Apply directly to the university with certified academic records, passport, English evidence where needed, and student permit planning.

🗣️ Language Courses

Fijian language course

Provider: Community tutors, USP short courses or private tutors · Duration: Flexible · Levels: Beginner to conversational

FJD 20-70/hour private; lower in groups

Very useful for village etiquette and deeper integration.

Fiji Hindi conversation

Provider: Private tutors and community contacts · Duration: Flexible · Levels: Beginner to conversational

FJD 20-60/hour

Useful in markets, Indo-Fijian communities and daily life.

English support

Provider: Schools, universities and private tutors · Duration: Flexible · Levels: All levels

Varies

English is the official administrative and education language.

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