The University of the South Pacific (USP) Foundation and Preliminary programmes as essential pathways into higher education, designed to guide school leavers and mature entrants into university level.
That’s according to the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Island Campus Coordinator for Pacific TAFE Primo Ugulu.
He oversees the College of Foundation Studies.
Speaking during the University’s talk-back show over the national broadcaster on Sunday, he outlined that the courses are intended to bridge the gap between secondary school and undergraduate study.
“We have two levels of study – preliminary, equivalent to Form 6, and foundation, equivalent to Form 7.
“Preliminary prepares students for foundation, while foundation prepares them for undergraduate degrees,” Mr Ugulu said.
The College of Foundation Studies offers three streams – The arts stream covers language, history, politics, sociology and geography.
The business stream focuses on accounting, economics and official statistics.
The science stream includes; biology, chemistry, computing science, information systems and mathematics.
Entry requirements vary by stream. Students who have passed Form 5 may enrol in preliminary programmes, while those completing Form 6 with strong grades may enter foundation courses.
Aggregate scores range from 4–19 for arts and business streams, and 4–12 for science.
These thresholds are designed to ensure that students are academically prepared for the demands of higher study.
He emphasised that the programmes are designed as stepping stones.
“These courses are pathways. Preliminary leads to foundation, and foundation leads to undergraduate degrees,” he said.
He added that the structure allows students to progress gradually, building confidence and subject knowledge before committing to full undergraduate study.
By setting clear entry requirements and offering multiple streams, USP aims to ensure that students across the Pacific can access higher education through structured pathways.
The foundation and preliminary programmes are positioned as vital bridges, equipping learners with the academic grounding needed to progress confidently into undergraduate study.
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
