Learn about Samoan language, life, and culture
Through Samoan Studies, you’ll explore the richness, diversity, and dynamism of Samoan language and culture.
Learn how language, beliefs, ceremonies, and everyday life shape Samoan identities and ways of understanding the world. Discover the importance of the natural environment to fa’asamoa | Samoan culture. Explore the meanings behind traditional and contemporary forms of song, dance, and cultural expression. By the end of your degree, you'll have a deeper understanding of Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand's Samoan community, and the wider Pacific region.
Learn at the university which has led the way when it comes to Pacific study and scholarship. We’re the only university anywhere in the world outside of Samoa where you can major in Samoan Studies.
Why Wellington
We’ve been breaking ground in Samoan Studies scholarship since 1989, when we became the first university in Aotearoa to offer this subject. We’re the only university anywhere in the world outside of Samoa to offer an undergraduate degree in this subject.
In 2000, we became the first university in Aotearoa to offer Pacific Studies as an undergraduate major under the stewardship of the late Banaban, I-Kiribati, and African American scholar, poet, and activist Dr Teresia Teaiwa.
Choose your study path
There are three ways you can do Samoan Studies with us.
Bachelor of Arts
You can do Samoan Studies as your major or minor subject in a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA). You can also do Samoan Studies as the language component of a Pacific Studies major.
Many students broaden their expertise by pairing Samoan Studies as a double major with subjects such as Anthropology, History, and Pacific Studies.
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Samoan Studies goes well with Commerce, Law, or Teaching.
Our BA gives you many ways to structure your study and to combine Samoan Studies with other subjects.
Short language qualifications
If you’d like to study a language without committing to a full major, a short qualification could be a good fit.
Certificate in Languages (CertLang)
The 60-point CertLang is a flexible, part-time qualification for anyone keen to add a language to their studies. It’s a great way to complement a Bachelor’s degree.
Diploma in Languages (DipLang)
The 120-point DipLang lets you go a step further, studying one or more languages part time—either broadening your range or building one language to a more advanced level. It can complement a Bachelor’s degree or stand alone as a qualification in its own right.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can do Matā’upu Tau Sāmoa | Samoan Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
If you already have a degree
If you already have a degree, you can study this subject without having to complete a three-year qualification.
Future careers
Samoan Studies graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their language and cultural competency skills. Students also graduate with an in-depth understanding of the Samoan diaspora and the wider Pacific.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication make graduates valuable across many different industries.
FHSS Internship
The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop practical workplace experience.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Samoan Studies.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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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.
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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.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
-
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.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Globally ranked
Our Modern Languages subjects are ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could choose to do Applied Translation, Translation Studies, or Pacific Studies at postgraduate level.
- Postgraduate Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
- Postgraduate Pacific Studies
- Postgraduate Translation Studies
If you want to do independent research, you could study for a Master of Arts or apply to be a candidate for a PhD.
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.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
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.