CUP UNIVERSITY BRIEF BACKGROUND
I. BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Christ’s University in Pacific (CUP) was established in 2004 in the Kingdom of Tonga, originally under the name Lavengamalie Christian University (LCU). In 2014, the Board of Governors approved the change of the institution’s name to Christ’s University in Pacific. In 2015, the University was relocated from Lavengamalie to the Central Business District (CBD) of Nuku’alofa, where it is currently situated.
CUP is deeply grateful for its rich heritage and strong Christian foundation, which continue to shape the identity, mission, and vision of the University. Our commitment is grounded in the Christian faith and in the conviction that education should contribute not only to academic excellence but also to the development of character, leadership, and service.
His Majesty King Tupou VI, King of Tonga, is the first and current Chancellor of Christ’s University in Pacific. Under his Chancellorship and with the continued support of the Board of Governors, leadership, faculty, staff, students, churches, and wider community, we remain confident in the promising future and continued development of CUP.
The Founder of the University, Reverend Dr. Liufau Vailea Saulala, served as its first Vice-Chancellor from its establishment in 2004. He faithfully led the institution until he was called to his eternal rest on 19 November 2020. Following his passing, the Board of Governors appointed Reverend Dr. Vili Vailea Saulala as Vice-Chancellor, who continues to provide leadership and direction for the University.
Christ’s University in Pacific is a private, co-educational institution founded upon a Christian philosophy of education. The University is committed to providing students with a rigorous and challenging academic education firmly grounded in the teachings of the Bible. CUP seeks to nurture graduates who demonstrate academic competence, Christian character, ethical leadership, and a strong commitment to serving God and their communities.
In 2018, Christ’s University in Pacific received Full Registration from the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB), the national authority responsible for qualifications and accreditation in Tonga.
CUP is proud to be recognised as the first locally registered and accredited university in the Kingdom of Tonga, marking an important milestone in the development of higher education in the country.
The CUP Student Experience
Students at Christ’s University in Pacific benefit from a learning environment that seeks to develop the whole person—academically, spiritually, personally, and professionally. Key advantages include:
1. A Supportive Learning Environment
CUP values the opportunity to develop meaningful and supportive relationships with students who seek to strengthen both their academic abilities and spiritual foundations. Our faculty and staff are committed to supporting each student’s personal development and encouraging them to grow as responsible, confident, and Christ-centred individuals.
2. Small Class Sizes
With an average class size of 15 students or fewer, CUP provides an environment that encourages active interaction between students and faculty, as well as collaboration among students themselves. Small class sizes enable students to receive a high level of individual attention, academic guidance, and pastoral support.
3. Highly Qualified Faculty
CUP’s faculty members are qualified professionals with expertise and experience in their respective academic disciplines. They are committed not only to excellence in teaching and learning but also to serving the Lord through their professional vocation. Many of our faculty members have made CUP their academic and professional home and contribute actively to the University’s mission and development.
Through its Christian foundation, commitment to academic quality, and focus on holistic student development, Christ’s University in Pacific continues to pursue excellence in higher education while preparing graduates to serve God, their communities, the Pacific region, and the wider world.
II. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
We started in 2004 with only 2 general education programmes; Arts and Theolgy. At present, here are the academic programmes that we have offered:
- School of Apologetics and Theology:
- Bachelor of Theology – 3 years
- Bachelor ‘i he Teolesia – 3 years
- Master of Theology – 2 years
- Master of Philosophy - 1 year
- Doctor of Philosophy (Thesis) – 3 years
- Doctor of Ministry – 3 years
- School of Business Management and Law:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) – 3 years
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) – 3 years
- Master of Business Administration – 2 years
- Master of Global Business – 2 years
- Master of Philosophy - 1 year
- Doctor of Philosophy (Thesis) 3 years
- School of Education:
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) – 3 years
- Bachelor of Education (Elementary Education) – 3 years
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) – 3 years
- Master of Education (Education Administration) – 2 years
- Master of Philosophy - 1 year
- Doctor of Philosophy (Thesis) – 3 years
- School of Computer Science:
- Bachelor of Computer & Information Science – 3 years
- Master of Cyber Security – 2 years
- Master of Forensic and Information Technology – 2 years
- Master of Philosophy - 1 year
- Doctor of Philosophy (Thesis) – 3 years
- School of Science:
- Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice) – 3 years
- Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science) – 3 years
- Master of Science (Mathematics Administration) – 2 years
- Master of Philosophy - 1 year
- Doctor of Philosophy (Thesis) – 3 years
- School of Technology:
- Certificate in Secretarial Studies (L3)
- Certificate in Commercial Cookery (L3)
- Certificate in Age Health Care (L3)
7. Foundational Study:
- Equivalent to Form 7 (Year 13) - Level 4
III. ACADEMIC DEGREES
In 2005, we awarded at our first Graduation only 1 qualification, Associate of Arts (AA). At present, we award these Academic Degrees from Level 4 up to Level 10:
- Certificates (Level 3)
- Certificates (Level 4)
- Certificates (Level 5)
- Diplomas (Level 5)
- Advanced Diplomas (Level 6)
- Bachelors (Level 7)
- Postgraduate Certificates (Level 8)
- Postgraduate Diplomas (Level 8)
- Masters (Level 9)
- Master of Philosophy (Level 9)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Level 10)
- Doctor of Christian Ministry (Level 10)
IV. CUP GRADUATES 2005 - 2019
CUP graduation was started in 2005 and these are the number of students were graduate from each year.
- 8 in 2005,
- 9 in 2006,
- 19 in 2007,
- 9 in 2008,
- 14 in 2009,
- 12 in 2010,
- 25 in 2011,
- 22 in 2012,
- 20 in 2013,
- 65 in 2014,
- 53 in 2015,
- 32 in 2016,
- 46 in 2018,
- 72 in 2019.
Total number of 410 Graduates throughout these years.
NB.: There were no graduation ceremonies in 2017 and 2020 due to unavoidable external factors.
V. CUP UNIVERSITY VAVA’U EXTENSION
Year 2020 will be remember in the future because this was our first CUP Extension to set up at another location. Monday 9th of March, 2020 was the opening of the university's new branch in the beautiful Island of Vava'u. It started with the Foundation level courses and then progress along the years.
Dr. Vili Vailea Saulala (Acting Vice-Chancellor) and Paula Latapu (Registrar), along with the Superintendent Minister of the Tokaikolo Christian Church of Vava'u Rev Patelisi Mapapalangi and principal of Maama'anga Christian College, Mrs Senilaite Tatafu, attended the ceremony. The Director of CUP Vava'u Extension, Rev. Lopeti Kafa, was also present along with people from all over Vava'u who attended and witnessed this new stepping stone for CUP.
The opening of the new CUP campus in Vava'u marks the CUP second campus and it is an important accomplishment for us, in the hopes that it allows our students to access not only quality education but one that is Christ-centred and Bible-based.
VI. CUP UNIVERSITY HA'APAI EXTENSION
Friday 12th of March, 2021 was the opening of the university's new branch in the beautiful Island of Ha'apai. It started with the Foundation level courses and then progress along the years.
The Governor of Ha'apai, Hon. Manuopangai Hingano was the Guest of Honour for the vital occassion. Parliament Representative, Hon. Mo'ale Finau, Dr. Vili Vailea Saulala (Vice-Chancellor), Mrs Kilisitina Saulala (Registrar), along with the Vice-Chairman of the Board Mr Sangster Saulala, Tokaikolo Church General Secretary Rev Fapuiaki Tatafu, Superintendent Minister of the Tokaikolo Church of Ha'apai Diocese Rev Faiva Paongo, Principal of 'Ofa Mo'oni Christian College, Mr. 'Aisea Lolohea, attended the ceremony. The Director of CUP Ha'apai Extension, Mr. Andrew Rodney Kava, was also present along with people from all over Ha'apai who attended and witnessed this new stepping stone for CUP.
The opening of the new CUP campus in Ha'apai marks the third CUP campus and it is an important accomplishment for us, in the hopes that it allows our students to access not only quality education but one that is Christ-centred and Bible-based.
VII. WAY FORWARD
CUP University is a 100% Tongan own university. CUP University is available for anyone (Local, Regional, and Global) to further it study in the tertiary academic field that have explained above.
We do thank the LORD that despite the humble beginning and slow start but the progress is steady and very encouraging. There is a very bright future for Christ’s University in Pacific!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
YEAR 2024
CHRIST‘s University in Pacific
“In HIM we Live, we Move, and have our Being…”
Acts 17:28
CUP BRIEF HISTORY
HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY
PSALM 36:9
“FOR WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE; IN THY LIGHT SHALL WE SEE LIGHT.”
SAAME 36:9
“HE KO E MATAVAI ‘O E MO‘UI ‘OKU ‘I HE ‘AFIONA: ‘I HO‘O MAAMA TE MAU SIO MAAMA.”
CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY
HIS MAJESTY KING TUPOU VI
- CUP 20TH ANNIVERSARY
TIMELINE
(2004 – 2024)