Build a foundation for university study
The Diploma in University Studies (Pasifika Pathways) (DipUni(PASP)) is a one-year, full-time qualification all about developing your research and study skills.
Sometimes called a bridging or foundation course, this Diploma is a pre-degree diploma designed for people who want to study at university but think they might need some more skills first.
You don't need to have University Entrance to study for this diploma, you just need to be at least 16 years old. Mature students and people wanting to upskill are also welcome.
What you'll learn
The aim of the Diploma in University Studies is to provide you with the skills to help you succeed at university. You’ll improve your critical reading, writing, comprehension, and research skills.
You'll be taught in a variety of ways, including lectures, tutorials, and independent study. Classes are community-based, with a strong emphasis on shared learning and group work, which will help you transition into university life.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
How our degrees work
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Get accepted into this qualification
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. Before enrolment, a candidate for the DipUni(PASP) shall have been accepted by the Head of the School of Languages and Cultures, in consultation with the academic staff teaching in the programme, as likely to benefit from the course of study.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the DipUni(PASP)
For this qualification, you'll need to complete at least 120 points.
Include four courses:
- Career Pathways (Career Pathways (PASP 001))
- University Pathways (University Pathways (PASP 002))
- The Pacific Heritage (The Pacific Heritage (PASI 101))
- Either Academic Skills A (Academic Skills A (PASP 103)) or Academic Skills B (Academic Skills B (PASP 104))
Include another course worth 20 points:
- Pacific Nations Education (Pacific Nations Education (PASP 102))
- SAMO 102
- or another approved 100-level course
Include one further course from:
- Social and Cultural Diversity (Social and Cultural Diversity (ANTH 102))
- Whakapapa Design I / Hoahoa ā haere ake nei I (Whakapapa Design I / Hoahoa ā haere ake nei I (DSDN 172))
- Te Ao Hurihuri 2: Ngā Auahatanga—Innovations in Care and Education (Te Ao Hurihuri 2: Ngā Auahatanga—Innovations in Care and Education (EDUC 103))
- Te Ao Hurihuri 3: Ngā Ariā—Theories of growth and learning in context (Te Ao Hurihuri 3: Ngā Ariā—Theories of growth and learning in context (EDUC 104))
- FCOM 111
- Great Ideas / Whakaaro Hirahira (Great Ideas / Whakaaro Hirahira (FHSS 103))
- Exploring the World through Languages and Cultures (Exploring the World through Languages and Cultures (LANG 110))
- (Re) Making Places: Geographies of Development, Equity and Social Change ((Re) Making Places: Geographies of Development, Equity and Social Change (GEOG 112))
- Evidence, Politics and Power - Introducing Health Policy (Evidence, Politics and Power - Introducing Health Policy (HLWB 104))
- Te Iwi Māori me āna Tikanga / Māori Society and Culture (Te Iwi Māori me āna Tikanga / Māori Society and Culture (MAOR 123))
- Principles of Marketing (Principles of Marketing (MARK 101))
- Media, Society and Politics (Media, Society and Politics (MDIA 102))
- Introduction to Management (Introduction to Management (MGMT 101))
- Introductory Applied Statistics for Business (Introductory Applied Statistics for Business (QUAN 102))
- SAMO 102
- Your Body, Your Data, Your World: Science in Everyday Life (Your Body, Your Data, Your World: Science in Everyday Life (SCIS 101))
- Statistics in Practice (Statistics in Practice (STAT 193))
- Writing at University (Writing at University (WRIT 101))
- Writing in English as a Second Language (Academic writing for bilingual and multilingual writers (WRIT 151))
Build your diploma
While there are no major or minor subjects for the Diploma in University Studies, you’ll take six courses:
- career pathways—learn about where university study can lead you
- university pathways—work on projects from a range of subjects offered at the University
- writing at university—improve your writing skills to succeed
- academic skills—learn how to research and present your findings
- one course from Pacific Studies or Samoan Studies
- one other course from a range of subjects:
- Anthropology
- Design
- Education
- Languages and Cultures
- Geography
- Health
- Māori Studies
- Marketing
- Media Studies
- Management
- Mathematics
- Science.
Future careers
People study for the Diploma in University Studies as the first step before starting a full degree—for example, a Bachelor’s degree in Pacific Studies, Science, or Law.
With further study at university you could go on to work in many different industries, such as:
- health
- business
- government
- law
- technology.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for undergraduate study
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This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for the undergraduate study
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This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
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The scholarship is to assist in the education and training of international classical piano undergraduate students at the New Zealand School of Music.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Keep on learning
Once you’ve completed the Diploma in University Studies, you’ll be able to enrol in most of our Bachelor's degrees.
If you decide to do a Bachelor of Arts, you may be able to cross-credit up to 60 points from your Diploma qualification.
Accommodation
Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:
- catered halls of residence
- self-catered apartments or flats
- self-catered studios.
We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.