Master the second most widely spoken language in the world
You’ll investigate topics connected to the broader Spanish‑speaking world, developing advanced expertise in language, culture, and contemporary issues. Explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s interactions with Europe and Latin America from multiple perspectives, including migration and diplomacy.
Understanding the history, language, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world is sought after in many industries. Aotearoa New Zealand has strong and longstanding relationships with Spanish-speaking countries in areas of diplomacy, defence, and trade.
If you want refine your skills to conduct cross-cultural communications in the Spanish-speaking world, studying postgraduate Spanish with us is the right move for you.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Spanish 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 Spanish at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
We’ve been teaching Spanish for decades. Our advanced exchange programmes provide life-changing experiences in Spanish-speaking countries—we have partnerships with 23 universities across North America, South America, and Europe.
We have close relationships with many of the nine diplomatic missions from Spanish-speaking countries in Wellington. There's an annual Latin America and Spain Film Festival, and the Embassy of Spain hosts monthly film nights with Club Latino. Founded in 1963, Club Latino is all about promoting the Spanish language and fostering community in Wellington.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with the Spanish-speaking world. 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:
- Argentina
- Chile
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Spain
- United States of America
- 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
Graduates who studied Postgraduate Spanish work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their language skills, in-depth understanding of the Spanish-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.
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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This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...
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The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History (the "scholarship") was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and offers students the opportunity to gain postgraduate experience in the area of History.
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.
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.