Master one of the world's unique languages
Postgraduate study in Japanese deepens your understanding of Japan’s language, culture, and society while developing advanced written and spoken Japanese skills. At this level, you move beyond language acquisition into critical engagement with texts, media, and research, examining Japan in greater nuance and complexity.
You’ll be able to specialise in areas such as language, literature, history, contemporary culture, or Japan in a global context. You’ll work closely with academic staff who support you in shaping your research interests.
With strong economic and cultural ties between Japan and Aotearoa New Zealand—and Japan’s position as one of the world’s major economies—Postgraduate study equips you with the expertise to navigate cross‑cultural environments and engage confidently with Japanese communities, both locally and internationally.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Japanese 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 Japanese at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Study where international policy takes shape, alongside those shaping it. As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with Asia. Here, you’ll find the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Asia New Zealand Foundation, the Embassy of Japan, and other diplomatic missions from across Asia.
Wellington’s vibrant Japanese community offers rich opportunities to extend your learning, including cultural activities at the Embassy of Japan.
Our region has had sister-city relationships in Japan for more than 30 years—Wellington with Sakai and Lower Hutt with Minoh. These partnerships help keep a strong, long‑lasting connection between the two communities, with joint activities across local government, culture, education, and business.
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 Postgraduate Japanese, you can use your language skills and understanding of Japan and its culture in many different careers.
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 Japan
The Japanese government offers scholarships for New Zealand students to study at Japanese universities.
Other scholarships
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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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
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.