Graduation ceremonies for the Fiji National University (FNU) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) are held in Suva, and they start early: graduands report for marshalling at 7:30 am. Families travelling in for the day do best staying close, with room for everyone and a kitchen for the celebration afterwards.
This guide covers recent FNU and USP ceremony dates and venues, tickets and timings, and where a visiting family can stay between Suva and Nausori.
FNU graduation
FNU has held graduation ceremonies twice a year in Suva in recent years:
December 2025: ceremonies from Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 December at Vodafone Arena, Suva, split by college, with a separate Labasa ceremony on 16 December (FNU).
May 2026: ceremonies from Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 May at the FMF Gymnasium, Suva, each starting at 9:00 am, with marshalling from 7:30 am (FNU).
What families should know, from FNU's May 2026 information letter:
Each graduand receives two guest tickets, and every guest needs a valid pass to enter.
A small number of extra tickets may be sold, first come, first served.
Children under 12 were not permitted at the May 2026 ceremonies, so plan childcare.
Gown hire and collection is at the Nasinu campus in the week before, and rehearsal attendance is compulsory.
Check fnu.ac.fj for the next ceremony dates and venue, as they change from year to year.
USP Laucala graduation
USP's Laucala Campus ceremonies are held at Vodafone Arena on Laucala Bay Road, Suva:
September 2025: Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September, 9:00 am, with marshalling at 7:30 am and the procession at 8:20 am (USP).
April 2026: Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April, 10:00 am, after a rehearsal on Tuesday 14 April (USP).
Late arrivals are not included once the procession starts, so allow plenty of time. Current information is on USP's graduation page.
The University of the South Pacific in Suva. Photo: "Fiji students in the quadrangle" by Julie Lyn, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Planning the graduation trip
Arrive the day before. Rehearsals are compulsory, and a 7:30 am report time is hard to make after a long drive or an early flight.
Beat the morning traffic. Kings Road between Nausori and Suva is congested at peak times, so leave early on the day.
Plan the photos. Most families want photos in gowns and garlands before or after the ceremony, so build in time.
Plan the celebration. A home-cooked meal or a gathering with relatives after the ceremony is easier with a kitchen and space to sit together.
Coming from the islands or Labasa? See our guide to flying into Nausori with Fiji Link and Northern Air.
Where to stay for graduation week
FNU's Nasinu campus is on the Suva–Nausori corridor, and both recent graduation venues are on the eastern side of Suva, towards Nasinu. Nakasi, between Nasinu and Nausori, is about 15 km from central Suva and close to Nausori Airport. Read more in where to stay in Suva: CBD vs Nasinu vs Nausori.
Room for the whole family to celebrate after the ceremony. Photo: SPACES Fiji.
The Garden Flat at SPACES Fiji, Nakasi
The Garden Flat is a self-contained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment at 11 Buli Road, off Valili Road, in Nakasi, Nausori, with its own private entrance on its own level.
Sleeps up to 6: room for the graduate, parents and grandparents
An iron and ironing board for gowns, shirts and sulus
Full kitchen and dining table for a family celebration
Air-conditioning in every room, free Wi-Fi and a 65" smart TV
Off-street parking for up to 5 vehicles
Self check-in from 3:00 pm, check-out by 10:00 am
Rest up before an early start on graduation day. Photo: SPACES Fiji.
Book direct for our best rate, or book the Garden Flat on Airbnb. Graduation weeks book up early: email stay@spacesfiji.com or WhatsApp +679 970 9310.
Frequently asked questions
Where is FNU graduation held?
Recent FNU ceremonies have been held in Suva at Vodafone Arena (December 2025) and the FMF Gymnasium (May 2026). Check FNU's website for the next venue.
How many guests can attend FNU graduation?
Each graduand received two guest tickets for the May 2026 ceremonies, with a small number of extra tickets on sale. Children under 12 were not permitted.
When is USP graduation at Laucala?
Recent Laucala Campus ceremonies were held in September 2025 and April 2026 at Vodafone Arena, Suva.
Where can a graduation family stay near Suva?
The Garden Flat in Nakasi, Nausori sleeps up to 6, with three bedrooms, a full kitchen and parking, about 15 km from central Suva.
Photo credits
USP Laucala campus: "Fiji students in the quadrangle" by Julie Lyn, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized.
Garden Flat photos: SPACES Fiji.
Graduation dates, venues and ticket rules are from FNU and USP notices for past ceremonies. Always check the university's latest information. Checked November 2026.
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