Become skilled in Italian language, life, and culture
As a postgraduate student, you’ll investigate Italian topics and materials to develop advanced expertise in language, culture, and contemporary issues.
Many industries need people who understand the history, language, and beliefs of one of the world’s oldest and continuously evolving cultures. Aotearoa New Zealand has strong and longstanding relationships with Italy in diplomacy, defence, and trade.
If you want to refine your Italian communication skills, study Postgraduate Italian with us.
Choose your study path
You can study Postgraduate Italian through our research degrees so long as supervision can be arranged. This involves independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
You can also study Postgraduate Italian by coursework through our Master's, Postgraduate Diploma, or Postgraduate Certificate in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation.
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 Italian at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
We’ve been offering Italian scholarship and study since 1923. Our advanced exchange programmes provide life-changing experiences in Italy, where we have partnerships with three universities.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with Italy and Europe. Study where policy gets made and engage with those making it, including with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
With its headquarters in Wellington, the Ministry connects with New Zealand’s embassies and permanent missions across the world. This includes:
- Italy
- Switzerland
- European Union
- United Nations
- World Trade Organization.
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
With an MA or PhD in Italian, you could work in a range of industries and for employers that need your language and cultural awareness. These include:
- consultancies—agencies, including the Big Four firms (PWC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) as well as boutique firms that have teams specialising in cultural competency, strategy, and research
- market research—banks, think tanks, and other businesses need people with language and cultural skills to understand key audiences and markets, both here and overseas
- government and defence—the New Zealand government, diplomatic missions overseas, and intelligence services hire people with Italian language and culture skills.
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 Modern Languages
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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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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
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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.
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 Modern Languages
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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
Sally Hill
Professor of Global Studies
Marco Sonzogni
Professor
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.