Universities in Samoa

Samoa is a small Pacific island nation, and its university sector is small too. SpainExchange lists one university in the country: the National University of Samoa (NUS) in Apia. It is the national university, set up by law, and combines degree programmes with vocational, technical and professional training. For students from abroad it is mainly a destination for Pacific and Samoan studies, development studies, or a semester in a Polynesian setting.

The National University of Samoa

NUS was established in 1984 by an Act of Parliament and began with only 45 students in a foundation programme. Its first degree, a Bachelor of Education, was launched in 1987, followed a year later by the Bachelor of Arts. On 8 March 2006 it merged with the Samoa Polytechnic to form the present institution, which offered more than sixty academic, vocational and professional programmes, including a Master of Samoan Studies.

The main campus, Le Papaigalagala in To'omatagi, was built with grant assistance from the government of Japan. The School of Maritime Training has its own campus at Mulinu'u, and an office and information centre in Salelologa allows classes on the island of Savai'i. Today the university is organised into six faculties (Arts, Science, Education, Health Science, Technical Education, and Business and Entrepreneurship), the schools of Nursing, Medicine and Maritime Training, the Centre for Samoan Studies and the Oloamanu Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education.

Qualifications and quality assurance

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) oversees post-school education and training. It has launched the Samoa Qualifications Framework (SQF), which defines all nationally recognised qualifications and aligns them with regional and international standards. Schools up to secondary level fall under the Ministry of Education and Culture.

At NUS, a Bachelor of Arts takes no less than six semesters and consists of 24 courses, with majors such as English, Geography, History, Media and Journalism and Sociology, and minors that include Chinese, French and Japanese. Some programmes also carry international recognition: in August 2019 the Master of Development Studies was accredited for five years by the European IAC/EADI network, and maritime programmes have been endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation.

Admission and study permit

Entry to a bachelor's degree normally requires a Foundation Certificate or equivalent, or a relevant diploma; mature applicants aged at least 20 with three years of full-time work experience can also apply. Study can be full-time or part-time. NUS has an International Office for international students and staff.

Foreign students need a Temporary Resident Permit for study from Samoa Immigration. The application includes form MPMC100, a confirmation of enrolment from the institution (for medical students, from the Ministry of Health), evidence of funds for the whole stay, and proof of accommodation or scholarship details. A visitor permit of 90 days, issued on arrival, does not allow work. According to Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (advice valid on 7 October 2026), Spanish citizens need no visa for stays of up to 90 days and need a passport valid for six months after departure.

Costs and practical points

NUS does not publish tuition fees on its main pages, so applicants should ask the International Office for current fees. Budget for health insurance: Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that serious cases may require transfer to Australia or New Zealand for treatment. Samoa lies in an area with a high incidence of cyclones, especially from November to April, which matters when planning a semester.

How to choose a programme in Samoa

• Level: foundation, certificate and diploma, bachelor's, or postgraduate programmes such as the Master of Samoan Studies
• Field: Samoan and Pacific studies, education, health, maritime training or development studies
• Study mode: full-time, part-time or a single semester
• Recognition: check how the qualification fits the Samoa Qualifications Framework and your home country's rules
• Practicalities: study permit, accommodation and insurance before arrival

Frequently asked questions

How many universities are there in Samoa?

SpainExchange lists one, the National University of Samoa in Apia, established by an Act of Parliament in 1984 and merged with the Samoa Polytechnic in 2006.

Do I need a permit to study in Samoa?

Yes. Foreign students apply to Samoa Immigration for a Temporary Resident Permit for study, with a confirmation of enrolment and evidence of funds. A 90-day visitor permit is meant for short visits.

How long does a bachelor's degree take at NUS?

A Bachelor of Arts takes no less than six semesters and consists of 24 courses, studied full-time or part-time.

What can I study at the National University of Samoa?

NUS has faculties of Arts, Science, Education, Health Science, Technical Education, and Business and Entrepreneurship, plus schools of Nursing, Medicine and Maritime Training and a Centre for Samoan Studies.