The Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA) is mandated under the VQA Act No.1 of 2014 to safeguard the public interest of the people of Vanuatu by ensuring sound standards of Post-School Education and Training (PSET) delivery and that qualifications are achieved, maintained and continuously improved. The VQA supports, inform and encourages providers of education and training to meet national and internation quality standards, and meet their obligations for registration of their organization, accreditation of courses and ongoing quality assurance.

As part of the Quality Assurance processes, the University of the South Pacific (USP) Emalus Campus in Port Vila is a registered Provider under the VQA Act for a period of five (5) years.  The registration period has now elapsed and in preparation for the renewal of its registration, an External Quality Review has been conducted from 3^rd to 5^th June 2024 by International and Regional Auditors appointed by the Authority. Major purposes for the audit were to identify how well:

1. The University’s practices comply with its own policies and procedures, meet the minimum VQAF standards for registration, condition of registration etc
2. the outcomes of the University’s education and training services meet the needs of its stakeholders;
3. the University continuously improves is outcomes and performance; and
4. if the University of the South Pacific Emalus Campus is ready to apply for renewal of its registration.

The three days site visit to Emalus Campus was completed on Wednesday 5^th June 2024 and the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority would like to express its sincere gratitude to the University of the South Pacific Board and Management, Head of Schools and Faculties, Lecturers, Tutors, staff and students both from Laucala and Emalus Campus for their corporation and commitment during the whole process of the External Review.

On the 25th of April 2024, the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA) Board approved the renewal of registration for TAFE Queensland (operating as Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and Vanuatu Agriculture College (VAC). The renewal of registration is effective for five years as approval by the VQA Board. The Board also granted Approval to Deliver to Vanuatu Agriculture College (VAC) for the delivery of the following courses;

§  Certificate III in Animal Science (Animal Husbandry)

§  Certificate IV in Animal Science (Livestock husbandry and Marketing)

§  Certificate III in Agriculture (Plant Science)

§  Certificate IV in Agriculture (Plant Science) and

§   Certificate IV in Agribusiness (Marketing)

The approval of the Vanuatu Agriculture College renewal of registration allows the VAC to re-open its door for operation as a National training institute in Vanuatu to provide trainings to interested candidates who wish to or interested to study at the VAC.
 

Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA) is happy to hand over a cheque of Two Million vatu (2,000,000vt) to the Department of Labour and Employment Services as a sponsorship for the upcoming Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting [PLMAM] that is going to be hosted by the Vanuatu Government  in November 2023 at Warwick Le Lagon Resort in Port Vila.

The cheque is handed over by the chairman of the VQA Board Mr Bergmans Iati to commissioner of the Department of Labour Mrs Murielle Meltenoven as chairlady for the PLMAM 2023 Working Committee, at the VQA conference room today 19 October 20123.

This significant contribution showcases our commitment to fostering collaboration and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable labour mobility practices in the Pacific region.

The Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting, organized by the Vanuatu Government through the Department of Labour and the Department of External Trades, serves as a platform for policymakers, employers, and workers to come together, address challenges, explore opportunities, and strengthen relationships within Pacific Labour Mobility throughout the Pacific region.

VQA is so fortunate to be one of the main sponsors of this major event and will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Department of Labour and the Department of External Trades. Together, let's create a brighter future for labour mobility in the Pacific region!