The University of Fiji’s School of Business and Economics (SoBE) has achieved international recognition, receiving 1 Palme of Excellence in the prestigious 2025 Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking. This milestone acknowledges SoBE’s growing role in shaping higher education in the Pacific and highlights its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and high-quality education.
EdUniversal, a respected global ranking and rating agency for higher education institutions, evaluates business schools based on academic reputation, internationalisation, and influence in their geographical zone.
The award demonstrates the School’s growing reputation, quality of programmes, and alignment with international standards.
Dr. Navneel Prasad, Head of Department- Management and Senior Lecturer the School of Business and Economics, said this recognition reflects the dedication of the School to serving the Pacific region’s unique needs.
“This milestone reinforces the School’s commitment to producing skilled graduates, supporting business innovation, and contributing to economic development in Fiji and the wider Pacific. The recognition also enhances the School’s visibility globally, creating new opportunities for academic partnerships, student exchanges, and research collaborations.”
The Eduniversal Palme of Excellence is awarded by the International Scientific Committee of Eduniversal, a globally respected ranking and rating agency for higher education institutions. The recognition is based on criteria such as academic reputation, internationalisation, and influence within their geographical zone.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem said that School of Business and Economics is one of only two universities in Fiji to have received this distinction.
“This is a wonderful accolade, not only for our School of Business and Economics which is cutting edge for modern economic, management and accounting theory, as well as our MBA Programme, but for the University as a whole.”
The Vice Chancellor said the University was growing in reputation among its peers internationally through such academic quality accreditation and, while not adequately resourced compared to other universities in Fiji, was nevertheless leading by example in all its programmes.
This milestone underscores SoBE’s role in expanding access to higher education in Fiji’s Western Division and rural communities, preparing graduates to contribute to key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and business innovation, providing internationally accredited programmes in accounting (CAANZ, CPA Australia, FICA) and tourism (endorsed by PATA) and reinforcing global standards through its membership in AACSB and institutional accreditation by the UK’s QAA.
The recognition also strengthens SoBE’s global visibility, paving the way for new opportunities in academic partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborative research.
