Learn about Asia’s enduring and dynamic civilisations
More than half of humanity lives in Asia—its cultures shape the modern world while preserving centuries‑old traditions. Learn why the region holds such political, economic, and cultural significance in the 21st century.
Asian Studies combines cultural anthropology, cultural studies, history, sociology, and many other disciplines. Gain a broad understanding of the political, cultural, and economic aspects of traditional and contemporary societies in Asia. You’ll also explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s interactions with Asia from multiple perspectives.
Our relationships with the region require sophisticated levels of knowledge and understanding. If you want to work in Asia or in partnership with Asian people or businesses, this subject gives you the insights you need.
Study Asian languages and cultures
Why Wellington
Study where international policy takes shape and alongside those shaping it. Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with Asia. Here, you’ll find the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Defence Force headquarters, and diplomatic missions from across Asia.
We’ve taught Asian Studies since 1957, and our staff continue to contribute leading research about Asian cultures, politics, societies, and economies. Make the most of events and opportunities offered by our leading scholarly centres, which include:
- New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre—the leading hub for research on modern China
- New Zealand India Research Institute—the national centre of research on India and New Zealand-India relations
- Centre for Strategic Studies—New Zealand’s leading institution for research and public engagement on strategic, foreign policy, and security issues.
Choose your study path
You can do Asian Studies as your major subject in a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Our BA gives you many ways to structure your study and to combine Asian Studies with other subjects. Many students broaden their expertise by pairing Asian Studies with a major or minor in Chinese or Japanese. Others take Asian Studies with History, Media Studies, Political Science, and the Study of Religion.
If you’re studying for a double degree or a conjoint degree, Asian Studies goes well with Commerce or Law.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can take Asian Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Asian Studies graduates work in industries that reward their understanding of East Asia, its belief systems, and their communication and cultural competency skills. These industries include:
- tourism
- business and trade
- government
- social services.
FHSS Internship
The FHSS Internship course, run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, helps develop practical workplace experience.
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.
Asia Connect Scholarship
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students who want to study in Singapore through the Wellington Global Exchange Programme.
Find out more about the scholarship
Other scholarships
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Globally ranked
Our Sociology subjects are ranked in the top 200 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.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.