Analyse Asia and its connections with New Zealand
Develop your expertise in enduring and dynamic civilisations. Study in-depth the factors that have contributed to Asia’s political, economic, and cultural significance in the 21st century. Explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s interactions with Asia from multiple perspectives, including migration, multiculturalism, and Asian-New Zealand identities.
Asia is home to many of the world’s fastest‑growing economies and largest cities—its dynamic cultures are shaping the modern world, while preserving centuries‑old traditions. Our relationships with the region require sophisticated levels of knowledge and understanding. Migration to Aotearoa from Asia has also shaped communities and national identities here.
If you want to work in Asia or in partnership with Asian people or businesses—both here and overseas—this subject will give you the insight and skills you need.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Asian Studies with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
When you study by coursework you'll learn in a structured way—through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. Studying by research involves independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
Graduate Certificate in Arts
Graduate Diploma in Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Focus on research
Master of Arts (by thesis)
Doctor of Philosophy
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Asian Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Study where international policy takes shape and alongside those shaping it. Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with Asia. Here, you’ll find the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Defence Force headquarters, and diplomatic missions from across Asia.
We’ve taught Asian Studies since 1957, and our staff continue to contribute leading research about Asian cultures, politics, societies, and economies. Make the most of events and opportunities offered by our leading scholarly centres, which include:
- New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre—the leading hub for research on modern China
- New Zealand India Research Institute—the national centre of research on India and New Zealand-India relations
- Centre for Strategic Studies—New Zealand’s leading institution for research and public engagement on strategic, foreign policy, and security issues.
Future careers
Postgraduate Asian Studies graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their language skills, cultural competency, and in-depth understanding of Asia.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication, make graduates valuable across many different sectors.
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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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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.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
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.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Limin Bai
Senior Lecturer
Catherine Churchman
Lecturer in Asian Studies
Stephen Epstein
Head of School
Hui Luo
Arts Adviser
Michaela Kelly
Lecturer in Japanese
Yoshie Nishikawa
Lecturer (Teaching) in Japanese
David Yang
Lecturer
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.
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.