A total of 26 Vanuatu students who were initially set to study abroad in New Caledonia and Vietnam have now been placed at the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) in Port Vila to continue their tertiary education.

This decision was made by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) through the National Scholarship Program, in light of ongoing uncertainties—especially in New Caledonia—and the rising costs of sending students overseas.

According to NUV, the students were successfully enrolled after consultations with MOET, ensuring they could begin or continue their studies without further delay.

Mathew Kensen, a local education expert, said this shift reflects the government’s broader goal of reducing overseas education costs while still maintaining quality learning opportunities.

“The government wants to keep as many students as possible studying in-country to reduce costs, especially with the uncertainty in places like New Caledonia,” said Kensen. “Parents are also concerned, but they want their children’s education to continue. NUV now offers programs the public might not yet fully know about, but once they step in and see the quality of the teaching staff, they’ll realize these are experts in their field.”

NUV has been expanding its course offerings and improving its facilities to accommodate more students, while also ensuring that programs meet the standards required for career advancement and further study.

The move comes as part of the government’s commitment to strengthening local education institutions and supporting students in achieving academic success closer to home.