Study and find schools in Samoa

Studying in Samoa

Samoa is an independent island nation in the South Pacific, made up mainly of the islands of Upolu and Savai'i. The capital, Apia, on Upolu, is where the country's national university is based. Samoan and English are both widely used, and English is the language of instruction at university level.

Higher education in Samoa is small and closely linked to national needs: teacher training, nursing and medicine, technical trades, maritime training and Samoan studies. For international students it is a niche destination, attractive above all for Pacific and Samoan studies or for a semester abroad in a Polynesian setting.

The education system in Samoa

Schools are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Culture. After school, students move into what Samoa calls post-school education and training, which is quality-assured by the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA). The SQA's Samoa Qualifications Framework defines all nationally recognised qualifications and aligns them with regional and international standards.

The main institution is the National University of Samoa (NUS), the only school in our directory for the country. Key facts from its own history page:

• It was established in 1984 by an Act of Parliament, starting with 45 students in a foundation programme
• On 8 March 2006 it merged with the Samoa Polytechnic, so it now combines academic degrees with technical and vocational programmes
• Its main campus, Le Papaigalagala, was built with grant assistance from the government of Japan; the School of Maritime Training is at Mulinu'u
• Its faculties cover arts, science, education, health science, technical education, and business and entrepreneurship, plus the Centre for Samoan Studies, which offers a Master of Samoan Studies
• A Faculty of Health Sciences, including a School of Medicine and a School of Nursing, was set up in 2017

Admission and recognition

At NUS, applicants to the Bachelor of Arts need a Foundation Certificate or equivalent, or a relevant diploma; mature applicants can be admitted if they are at least 20 on 1 February of the year of admission and have at least three years of full-time work experience or training. A bachelor's degree takes at least six semesters, and students can choose majors such as English, geography, history, media and journalism or sociology, with minors that include Chinese, French and Japanese.

International applicants should contact the NUS International Office ([email protected]) about the equivalence of their school-leaving certificate. If you plan to use a Samoan qualification in Spain or Latin America, check your own country's recognition procedure before you enrol.

Student permit and residence

According to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (advice valid on 7 October 2026), Spanish citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, which can be extended by another 90 days under certain conditions. The passport must be valid for six months beyond the planned departure, and travellers need an onward ticket.

For longer study, Samoa Immigration, part of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, issues a temporary residence permit for study. Applicants must:

• Complete the temporary residence application form (MPMC100)
• Attach a confirmation of enrolment from the educational institution (for medical students, from the Samoa Ministry of Health)
• Show evidence of funds for the whole stay
• Provide a scholarship award letter, or evidence of accommodation for private students

Students may work part time if authorised.

Costs

The currency is the Samoan tala (SAT). Samoa Immigration charges SAT$200 for a visitor entry permit application; check its current fee list for the study permit. NUS does not publish fees for international students online, so ask the International Office for current tuition. No official source gives a typical student budget.

Where to study

Apia is the centre of higher education. NUS teaches mainly at Le Papaigalagala in To'omatagi, with further campuses in Apia and on Savai'i. Popular fields in our directory include education, nursing, sociology, history, information technology, tourism and hotel management, and English language and literature.

Culture and practical life

• Natural risks: Samoa has a high incidence of cyclones, especially from November to April, and is in a seismically active zone with a risk of tsunamis
• Health: serious cases are transferred to Australia or New Zealand, and all foreigners pay for treatment, so take out health insurance with repatriation cover. There is a risk of dengue
• Customs: the authorities are very strict about importing plants, fruit, vegetables, soil and animal products
• Daily life: stray dogs are common, also in urban areas; keep your distance
• Consular help: Spain is represented by its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

Is there a university in Samoa?

Yes. The National University of Samoa, established in 1984 and based in Apia, offers degrees, diplomas and technical programmes, including medicine, nursing, education and Samoan studies.

Do I need a visa to study in Samoa?

Spanish citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa. For longer study you need a temporary residence permit for study from Samoa Immigration, with proof of enrolment, funds and accommodation or a scholarship.

What language are courses taught in?

Courses at the National University of Samoa are taught in English; the Centre for Samoan Studies also teaches Samoan language and culture.

Can international students work in Samoa?

Students may work part time if authorised by Samoa Immigration.