Central Queensland University is making a significant contribution to Fiji and the South Pacific by giving students the chance to gain highly regarded qualifications.

That is according to CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock, who today (Monday, April 7) attended the sixth CQU Fiji International Campus graduation ceremony in Suva.

About 40 of the 60 graduating students and their families attended the ceremony, along with diplomats, government and business leaders and educational representatives. CQU Acting Chancellor Mr Rennie Fritschy was also part of the official party.

Graduation guest speaker Justice Nazhat Shameem (PICTURED), a Puisne Judge of the High Court of Fiji, is a strong advocate for abused women and children.

The graduates' home countries included Fiji, China, Indonesia and Vietnam. The procession included CQU Fiji's first husband and wife graduates, from the Nabou family. Professor Hancock said about 75 per cent of the students on campus were from Fiji and the South Pacific region - including a small but increasing number from the other island nations who attended on government scholarships. Other students hail from places such as China, Vietnam and Korea.

CQU Fiji currently has nearly 750 students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate university programs and more than 100 others involved in English language and Foundation studies. Most are enrolled in business, management and IT-related subjects but other CQU faculties are represented on campus. ENDS For details call CQU Fiji Director Nick Szorenyi on 0011 679 3313 755 or email n.szorenyi@cqufic.ac.fj or Professor Hancock via 07 4930 9752 or g.hancock@cqu.edu.au