Article
Reversing the Tide
How Study Pacific Can Help Mitigate Fiji’s Depopulation Challenge
By: Study Pacific Editorial Team
Published: July 2025
Website: www.studypacific.ac.fj
What is Depopulation?
Depopulation refers to the sustained decline in a country’s or region’s population due to a combination of low birth rates, ageing populations, and net outward migration. In simple terms, depopulation occurs when more people leave a country than are born into it or migrate to it. Over time, this imbalance creates deep structural consequences — from workforce shortages to declining school enrolments and reduced economic vitality.
Fiji’s Emerging Demographic Crisis
Over the past five years, Fiji has begun experiencing clear signs of depopulation, primarily driven by emigration of skilled workers and a falling birth rate.
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A Surge in Emigration
Recent data indicates that over 40,000 Fijians emigrated annually in 2022 and 2023, many seeking better employment, education, and lifestyle opportunities abroad — especially in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States (Fiji Times). Labor mobility programs, such as Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, have facilitated the departure of thousands of semi-skilled and skilled Fijians. -
Declining Birth Rate
In parallel, Fiji is also experiencing a decline in its fertility rate, with fewer young families choosing to have multiple children (Fiji Times). This means that the natural replacement of the population is no longer guaranteed — a critical warning sign for long-term demographic sustainability. -
Brain Drain and Workforce Gaps
The result is a form of brain drain, where nurses, teachers, chefs, and tradespeople leave for overseas opportunities. This has left gaps in the local workforce, placing pressure on public services, businesses, and educational institutions.
The National Impact of Depopulation
The consequences of depopulation for Fiji are profound:
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Shrinking workforce
Reduced productivity and economic growth -
Emptying classrooms
Financial strain on educational institutions -
Aging population
Increased burden on health and social services -
Community fragmentation
Traditional village life disrupted by migration
If this trend continues unchecked, Fiji could face structural decline, much like other small island states that have struggled to retain their working-age populations.
Study Pacific: A Strategic Solution through International Education
In the face of this challenge, Study Pacific (www.studypacific.ac.fj) is championing an innovative and future-focused solution: transforming Fiji into a regional education hub by attracting over 1,000 international students annually from Asia and the Pacific.
Mission & Strategy
Study Pacific partners with Fijian universities, TAFEs, and vocational institutes to position Fiji as an affordable, high-quality, and culturally enriching destination for students from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other neighbouring countries.
How Study Pacific Helps Mitigate Depopulation
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Inward Migration Through Education
While Fiji experiences outbound migration, Study Pacific focuses on inbound student migration. International students entering Fiji for 1–3 years of study help replenish the youth population, support demographic stability, and serve as cultural ambassadors in local communities. -
Economic Stimulus
Each international student contributes an estimated FJD $30,000–$50,000 annually to the Fijian economy through tuition, accommodation, transport, food, and tourism. This creates jobs, stimulates business in local towns and cities, and supports national GDP growth. -
Revitalising Educational Institutions
Many Fijian education providers are experiencing declining domestic enrolments due to emigration and demographic contraction. Study Pacific helps fill classrooms with international students, ensuring financial sustainability and continued investment in educational infrastructure. -
Cultural Exchange & International Branding
Bringing students from different regions fosters cross-cultural dialogue, strengthens Fiji’s regional diplomatic relationships, and positions Fiji as a peaceful, educated, and welcoming country on the global stage. -
Graduate Retention & Work Pathways
Study Pacific is working closely with Fijian authorities and employer groups to develop graduate work pathways and post-study permits. This means students who complete hospitality, aged care, or IT courses in Fiji may stay on and join the Fijian workforce — helping fill skill gaps left by emigrating locals.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): A Model That Supports Retention
- Enhances student employability
- Provides local businesses with skilled interns
- Encourages graduates to remain and contribute to the Fijian economy
Backed by Research
Global studies confirm that international education can positively impact host country demographics. According to the OECD (2023), countries that invest in education-based migration strategies see higher long-term retention rates and improved workforce readiness. Nations like Canada and New Zealand have used international student pathways to strategically reverse population decline — a model Fiji can now replicate through Study Pacific.
Conclusion: A Nation-Building Opportunity
Depopulation poses a serious risk to Fiji’s long-term stability. But with visionary action, it also presents an opportunity. Study Pacific’s model of attracting 1,000 international students annually offers a powerful response — blending economic stimulus, cultural enrichment, educational revitalisation, and population replenishment.
By turning Fiji into an education destination, we are not only addressing today’s demographic challenges — we are building a future where Fiji remains vibrant, globally connected, and demographically resilient.
