Master French for a global career
Study postgraduate French with us to advance your language and cultural skills. If you want to refine your skills to conduct cross-cultural communications in the French-speaking world, studying postgraduate French is right for you.
Explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s interactions with French-speaking countries from multiple perspectives, including migration and diplomacy. You’ll investigate topics connected the broader French‑speaking world, developing advanced expertise in language, culture, and contemporary issues.
An understanding of the history, language, and culture of the French-speaking world is sought after in many industries.
Bringing language study to life with Dr Yuri Cerqueira dos Anjos
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate French 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
Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
Boost your multilingual skills for a career in language services by studying for a qualification in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation. We offer a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master of Intercultural and Applied Translation.
Our Master's combination of intercultural communication and applied translation is unique in Australasia. It's endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI).
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 French at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington brings you unique opportunities to enhance your language and cultural learning. The Embassy of France sponsors the annual French Film Festival Aotearoa, and the Alliance Française runs cultural events and gatherings. Events include the Québécois Short Film Night and festivals for the Francophone African community.
In Wellington, you’ll also have the chance to meet diplomatic staff and trade officials from French-speaking Pacific territories—connections that could lead to French-speaking careers in these areas. And Wellington’s branch of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce connects students with French business networks in New Zealand and the French Pacific.
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.
Future careers
Your Postgraduate French studies can help you find roles that use your language skills, understanding of the French-speaking world, and cultural competence.
For example, many consultancies—including the Big Four firms (PWC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG)—have teams specialising in cultural competency, strategy, and research.
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 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Postgraduate French
-
This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
-
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Two scholarships will be awarded annually to the top performing 300-level students of French, German, Spanish or Italian who intend to enrol in one of the above at Honours level the following year
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
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 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Postgraduate French
-
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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
Yuri Cerqueira dos Anjos
Senior Lecturer
Charles Rice-Davis
Senior Lecturer in French
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.