Learn one of the world’s most widely spoken languages
Study a broad range of topics related to China and one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Mandarin Chinese. You’ll develop excellent writing and speaking skills, while learning about Chinese history, society, and culture.
Understanding the history, language, and culture of this ancient society and modern economic superpower is becoming increasingly important. As a modern economic superpower with global influence, China plays a major role in international business and diplomacy. New Zealand organisations are continuing to build strong connections there.
If you want the skills to communicate across cultures in the Chinese-speaking world, studying Chinese with us is a great choice.
Study Asian Languages and Cultures
Why Wellington
We’re home to the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, the leading hub for research on modern China, and the Centre for Strategic Studies, New Zealand’s leading institution for research on foreign policy and security issues.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with Asia. Study where policy gets made and engage with those making it, including with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Defence Force headquarters, and diplomatic missions from across Asia.
Choose your study path
There are three ways you can study Chinese with us.
Bachelor of Arts
You can study Chinese as a major or minor subject in a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Our BA gives you many ways to structure your study and combine Chinese with other subjects.
You could broaden your expertise by pairing Chinese with a major in Asian Studies. Or you could pair Chinese with a subject like History, Pacific Cultures and Languages, or Political Science.
If you’re studying for a conjoint degree, a BA in Chinese goes well with a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Laws.
Short language qualifications
If you’d like to study a language without committing to a full major, a short qualification could be a good fit.
Certificate in Languages (CertLang)
The 60-point CertLang is a flexible, part-time qualification for anyone keen to add a language to their studies. It’s a great way to complement a Bachelor’s degree.
Diploma in Languages (DipLang)
The 120-point DipLang lets you go a step further, studying one or more languages part time—either broadening your range or building one language to a more advanced level. It can complement a Bachelor’s degree or stand alone as a qualification in its own right.
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 study Chinese at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Language Study Abroad
We offer courses where you can study an Asian, European, or Latin American language at an approved overseas university during the New Zealand summer.
Future careers
When you study Chinese, you can go on to a wide range of careers where you use your language and cultural skills. You’ll also gain a strong understanding of Sinophone (Chinese-speaking) communities around the world, including in China, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Your insights into Chinese ways of thinking and communicating can open up opportunities in many industries, including:
- business and trade
- government and defence
- tourism
- translation 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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Chinese
-
The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Chinese
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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.
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.
- Postgraduate Chinese
- Postgraduate Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
- Postgraduate Translation Studies
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.