Pacific Foundation Programme (PFP)
What is the Pacific Foundation Programme (PFP)?
The Pacific Foundation Programme (PFP) supports young New Zealand Pacific students interested in a health career. This programme is tailored to alleviate the barriers young Pacific people tend to face as they transition from high school to university. Students in the PFP study the Health Science course at the University of Otago Foundation Year which runs for 33 weeks which begins on Monday 25 February 2013.
The PFP prepares and equips students with the knowledge and tools that will assist them in either Health Sciences First Year the following year, or other health-related programmes. Students are given the opportunity to practise material they might have covered at high school, while slowly being introduced to material similar to that at university level. Students also learn to address the many barriers that Pacific students face when they leave home for the first time to study at Otago.
This pre-university year provides students with the grounding needed to smooth the transition from high school to university. They are supported throughout the Foundation Year to build on study techniques, learn new coping strategies, become familiar with university life and most importantly build their confidence.
What are the benefits?
Successful applicants for the Pacific Foundation Programme receive financial assistance towards their Foundation Year tuition fees and accommodation costs. Students are given a guaranteed place in a University of Otago residential Hall.
As part of the Pacific Foundation Programme students study the Foundation Year Health Science course with a group of Pacific students with the hope that this support group continues throughout your university studies.
The Pacific Foundation Programme can help prepare you for a pathway into:
Dental technology - Dentistry
- Medical laboratory science
- Medicine
- Oral health
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmacy
- Physiology
- Radiation Therapy
Who can apply for this programme?
New Zealand Pacific students with:
- A successful background in NCEA Levels 2 and 3, particularly in science and maths related subjects
- The desire to study a health programme at the University of Otago
- Involvement in their Pacific community
- A passion to help Pacific people’s health and wellbeing in New Zealand
- The ability to work and learn with other Pacific students
How do you apply?
Applications have now closed for 2013.
For further information please contact:
Talai Mapusua
Pacific Foundation Programme Coordinator
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
0800 80 80 98 (Ext 5256)
03 479 5256 (Direct)
021 279 8222 (Mobile)
talai.mapusua@otago.ac.nz
