Reflect on the past to consider the future of Pacific Peoples
Learn about what matters to Pacific peoples by diving headfirst into the work of leading thinkers, political leaders, activists, and artists of the region. Develop the skills to share your knowledge and communicate Pacific perspectives with confidence. Contribute to shaping Pacific futures.
If you’re interested in the histories, cultures, and experiences of the Pacific—and if you want to help Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas—then Pacific Studies is a good choice for you.
Learn at the university which led the way and offered the first Pacific Studies undergraduate major in the country. Connect to the wealth of Pacific knowledge, expertise, and resources available in our capital city location. Benefit from the professional networks of Pacific Studies graduates who’ve come before you.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our expertise in Pacific Studies scholarship. In 2000, we became the first university in Aotearoa to offer Pacific Studies as an undergraduate major under the stewardship of the late Banaban, I-Kiribati, and African American scholar, poet, and activist Dr Teresia Teaiwa.
Choose your study path
You can do Pacific Studies as your major in a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA). If you choose Pacific Studies as your major, you’ll also learn at least one Pacific language—Samoan, Māori, or French.
Many students broaden their expertise by pairing Pacific Studies as a double major with subjects such as Anthropology, Criminology, and Political Science
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Pacific Studies goes well with Commerce, Law, or Teaching.
Our BA gives you many ways to structure your study and to combine Pacific Studies with other subjects.
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 do Pacific Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Pacific Studies graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their intercultural skills.
These skills, along with excellent communication and capacity for teamwork, make graduates valuable across many different industries, including:
- health
- business
- government
- law
- technology.
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.
Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship in Pacific Studies
This scholarship is awarded each year to a Pasifika student who is majoring in Pacific Studies.
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—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 is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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.
Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship in Pacific Studies
This scholarship is awarded each year to a student of Pacific Island descent who is majoring in Pacific Studies.
Students from Pacific Island nations are welcome to apply.
Find out more about the scholarship
Other scholarships
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.
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 choose to do Pacific Studies or Indigenous Studies at postgraduate level.
If you want to do independent research, you could study for a Master's or apply to be a candidate for a PhD.
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.