Victoria University of Wellington

Master of Strategic Studies

Wellington, New Zealand 1 year Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Scholarships available for international students
  • No application fee

About Master of Strategic Studies

For Master of Strategic Studies, the tuition fee is 35,511 USD per year.

Develop a deep practical and theoretical understanding of the ways power is exercised. Explore how conflict is managed and security maintained across the globe. You will get insights into the pressing geopolitical issues of our age, such as the relationship between the US and China, cybersecurity, the South China Sea, and strategic responses to the problems of terrorism and civil conflict. Enhance your policy, analytical and research skills and accelerate your career with a globally connected Strategic Studies programme. Studying with the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, you will join a fully integrated Political Science and International Relations programme, giving you access to a broad range of relevant courses and expertise. Take advantage of the programme’s location in the nation’s capital and close relationship with the policy, diplomatic and security communities. You will develop connections and get practical expertise through seminars, roundtables and guest lectures. Work with internationally recognised staff who are prominent researchers, teachers and commentators on strategic and security issues. You will study alongside the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), our globally-ranked think-tank at Victoria University of Wellington. This will give you the opportunities to attend seminars and workshops organized by CSS that feature leading scholars and practitioners from across the region and the world. Join a school with a focus on fostering its postgraduate community. Enjoy the benefits of strong relationships with staff, a thriving research culture and practical support through postgraduate seminars and events. You will get to hear leading speakers from overseas including the annual lecture by the Kippenberger Visiting Professor in Strategic Studies. Gain the expertise needed to work in the wider security community, including government, research organisations and think tanks, civil society and the private sector. You might work in policy, research, assessment or analysis jobs in organisations with a foreign affairs, defence or intelligence role. The programme has a successful track record of getting internships in New Zealand and overseas—a good way to set up your career here or further afield. If you are a New Zealand citizen you can apply for the Freyberg Scholarship. You can apply for the Terence O’Brien scholarship if you are studying international governance or some aspect of multilateral diplomacy or cooperation. If you are an international student you may want to look at scholarships offered by the New Zealand Government. Find guidelines for Master's study, research grant information and other useful links on the Faculty's Postgraduate Resources page. I am a citizen of‐ Choose ‐AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia (Plurinational State of)Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo (Democratic Republic of the)Cook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Faroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIran (Islamic Republic of)IraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea (Democratic People's

About Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington, established in 1897 and situated in New Zealand’s capital, is a research-led university serving a diverse student body of around 23,000. The university is known for strengths in arts, law, humanities, social sciences and research across public policy and environmental disciplines, offering a blend of rigorous scholarship and practical engagement with national institutions.

The Wellington campus places students at the heart of a lively cultural and political city, where internships, public-sector connections and creative industries are readily accessible. Academic programmes are complemented by research centres and community-facing projects, and teaching emphasises critical thinking, communication and transferable skills that prepare graduates for varied careers both locally and internationally.

For international students, the university provides support services including orientation, academic help and pathways into student life in Wellington. The city’s compact size, cultural amenities and outdoor opportunities make it friendly for newcomers. Overall, Victoria University of Wellington suits students seeking high-quality research and teaching in a capital-city setting that combines academic rigor with opportunities for professional and civic engagement.

Scholarships You Could Apply For at Victoria University of Wellington

Funding relevant to this program — the university's own awards and popular scholarships for studying in New Zealand.

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New Zealand · University

Hunter Postgraduate Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

Up to NZD 5,000 towards fees

Master's
Open · Next: No separate application — drawn from Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship applicants (1 November)
New Zealand · University

Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 15,000/month

Master's
Open · Next: 1 November annually
New Zealand · University

VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees

Master's
Open · Next: No fixed date — same as the relevant programme application closing date; assessed automatically on application
New Zealand · University

Wellington Graduate Award

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 5,000 towards tuition fees (international students pay the fee difference)

Master's
Open · Next: 1 November annually
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Master of Strategic Studies: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for Master of Strategic Studies?
Tuition: USD 35,510.94 per year.
Is Master of Strategic Studies available online?
This is an on-campus program at Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington.

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