Diploma in University Studies (Pasifika Pathways)

Summary

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.