Pacific Foundation Programme (PFP)
What is the Pacific Foundation Programme (PFP)?
The PFP is a programme to support young New Zealand Pacific secondary school leavers, interested in a career in health, to help with the transition from school to university.
Students in the PFP will study the University of Otago Foundation Year. This course is 33 weeks long, beginning on Monday 20th February 2012.
The PFP prepares students for further tertiary study the following year in either Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) or other health-related programmes (see Beyond PFP). HSFY is the pathway most students take for entry into one of the professional programmes; Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy.
How will the PFP prepare me?
Knowledge and essential skills necessary to successfully transition from high school into tertiary studies will be provided to you - You will study in small classes receiving individual assistance when required
- Your programme will specifically cover material to prepare you for Health Sciences First Year
- You will become familiar with university life and the campus, while in a supportive environment with other motivated Pacific students
- You will become confident with study techniques which are needed for success at university.
Read a student profile from Isaac Ryan, Foundation Year
What are the benefits?
-
You will be supported to settle into university and throughout your studies by dedicated PFP support - You will receive guaranteed and subsidised accommodation in a University of Otago Residential College (Studholme or Arana) for the PFP year, and the following year if you are successful
- All Foundation Year tuition fees and course resources will be paid in full.
- You will receive preferential entry into the University of Otago on successful completion of the PFP.
- You will have the opportunity to meet and study with students from New Zealand and many other countries. Foundation Year is an international programme.
Who is the programme for?
New Zealand Pacific students with:
- A successful background in NCEA Level 2 and 3, particularly in science-and maths related subjects
- A passion to contribute to Pacific health and wellbeing in New Zealand
- Motivation and the determination to succeed.
How do you apply?
Please submit a PFP application form and an online accommodation application no later than 21 January 2012.
- Where possible, you must supply a verified copy of your academic record: Record of Learning
- A handwritten supporting statement of no more than 250 words describing your interest in pursuing a career in health.
- A referee's name and their written confidential comment relating to your study record, involvement with the Pacific community and your commitment and suitability to tertiary education.
Students will be advised whether they have been granted an interview. Interviewers will meet with you and your family in your home region and provide you the opportunity to learn more about the PFP. Those students who are selected for the programme will be advised as soon as possible following their interviews.
Please note: All applicants for PFP are required to submit an online accommodation application. This application must be completed at the same time as the PFP application form.
Beyond the PFP
Successful completion of the PFP to the required standard guarantees you admission to the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) programme.
On the successful completion of HSFY, you may apply to the professional programmes of:
Entry to these professional programmes is competitive and is based on the grades achieved in Health Sciences First Year.
On successful completion of PFP, you may also apply for admission to:
Or you may wish to go on to study other health related subjects, for example:
Or to the Otago Polytechnic for:
For further information please contact:
Talai Mapusua
Pacific Foundation Programme Coordinator
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
Tel: 03 479 3728
Text/cell: 021 1610585
Email: talai.mapusua@otago.ac.nz
