Master the European Union’s most widely-spoken language
Investigate topics connected the broader German‑speaking world, developing advanced expertise in language, culture, and contemporary issues. Explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s interactions with the German-speaking world from multiple perspectives, including migration and diplomacy.
Understanding the languages, culture, and history of the German-speaking world is sought after in many industries. Aotearoa New Zealand has strong and longstanding relationships with German-speaking countries in areas of diplomacy, disarmament, defence, science, technology, and trade. Germany is New Zealand’s largest European Union (EU) trading partner.
If you want refine your skills to conduct cross-cultural communications in the German-speaking world, studying postgraduate German with us is the right move for you.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate German 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 German at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
We’ve been offering German scholarship and study since 1903, first taught by one of our four founding professors—George von Zedlitz. Our advanced exchange programmes provide life-changing experiences in German-speaking countries—we have partnerships with 12 universities across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Study where international policy takes shape, alongside those shaping it. As the political and creative capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s decades-long engagement with Europe.
Wellington is home to diplomatic missions from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the European Union. You’ll find the Goethe-Institut New Zealand—the hub of German culture in New Zealand—and the Goethe Society, who are all about sharing the German language and building community.
With its headquarters in Wellington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade connects with New Zealand’s embassies and permanent missions across the world, including:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Germany
- Switzerland
- European Union
- NATO
- United Nations
- World Trade Organization.
Industry connections
We have connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations, including diplomatic missions.
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
Graduates who studied Postgraduate German work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their language skills, in-depth understanding of the German-speaking world, and cultural competency skills.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication make graduates valuable across many different industries.
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.
Scholarships for studying in German-speaking countries
- Baden-Württemberg Scholarship
- Educational Exchange Service | Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD)
- German Academic Exchange Service | Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
- International Parliamentary Scholarship
Other scholarships
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Postgraduate German
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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.
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The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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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 German
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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
Monica Tempian
Associate Professor in German
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.