Diploma in University Studies (Pasifika Pathways)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
Get the foundational skills needed for university study. Engage with Pasifika perspectives while exploring study pathways and career opportunities.
Warning
This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:
- The qualification is only available as part-time study.
- The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
- The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.
Build foundational skills
The Diploma in University Studies (Pasifika Pathways) is a one-year full-time diploma designed to help you transition to university. If you want to study at university but do not have university entrance or you think you might need to gain some more skills first, then this is the right choice for you.
Lay the groundwork for your [undergraduate] study and start on a pathway to a fulfilling career.
A supportive environment
Taught in a community-based learning environment, there is a strong emphasis on shared learning and group work to support your learning.
Explore your options
Choosing what to study can be hard–everyone is different. Pasifika Pathways will help you explore the options available at Victoria University of Wellington and achieve success in the academic world. You’ll be exposed to many different areas of university study throughout the programme.
What you'll learn
In the first [trimester], you’ll complete three courses designed to help you learn how to navigate the university environment. You’ll build skills for undergraduate study through group work that includes a community-based project. You'll also familiarise yourself with future career paths, and work on tasks from different subject disciplines from across the University. You’ll look at the Pacific Studies approach to studying Pacific heritage and learn how the experience of the Pasifika community relates to a range of university subjects.
In the second trimester, you’ll explore career pathways and take a [course] that matches your interests and allows you to get started with a Bachelor's degree of your choice. This will give you the chance to build on the critical thinking and writing skills you developed in the first trimester.
Ready to start your Bachelor’s degree
Once you’ve completed Pasifika Pathways you can enrol in a Bachelor’s degree and [cross-credit] up to 60 [points] towards a Bachelor’s degree.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to hundreds of students each year to school leavers and first-year students. They help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs at the University's halls of residence. There are also many scholarships and awards targeted at Pasifika students which can help you fund your studies.
International scholarships
Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
At least 16 years old, personal statement and letter of recommendation.
International entry requirements
At least 16 years old, personal statement and letter of recommendation.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.