Learn one of the most unique languages in the world
Learn how to write and speak Japanese, while exploring Japan’s global influence in technology, fashion, literature, and popular culture. Discover the rich traditions and history of Japan, where every region has its own distinctive culture and identity.
Japan is one of the world’s biggest and most culturally influential economies. From electronics, gaming, and anime to fine arts and cuisine, Japanese exports are part of everyday life all over the world.
Aotearoa New Zealand and Japan have strong economic and cultural ties. Studying Japanese helps you build the cultural awareness to connect confidently with Japanese people in Aotearoa and abroad.
Study Asian Languages and Cultures
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.
Choose your study path
There are three ways you can study Japanese with us.
Bachelor of Arts
You can study Japanese as a major or minor subject in a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Many students broaden their expertise by pairing Japanese subjects such as Film, International Relations, Language Sciences, and Political Science.
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, a BA in Japanese goes well with a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Innovation, Bachelor of Global Studies, or Bachelor of Laws.
Our BA gives you many ways to structure your study and combine Japanese with other subjects.
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 Japanese 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
Graduates in Japanese go on to a wide range of roles where they use their language skills, intercultural knowledge, and deep understanding of Japan and its culture.
These skills—along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication—make graduates valuable across many different industries in different countries, including:
- teaching
- tourism
- game design
- business and trade
- government
- translation services.
FHSS Internship
The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps you to 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.
Scholarships for studying in Japan
The Japanese Government offers scholarships for New Zealand students to study at Japanese universities.
Find out about MEXT Scholarships
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 Modern Languages
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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 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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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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.
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 Japanese
- 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.