Overview
The National University of Samoa (NUS) is Samoa’s only national university, established in 1984 by an act of parliament. Based in Apia, NUS offers programs ranging from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Today, it continues to be a key part of higher education in Samoa, combining local cultural foundations with modern academic pathways and supporting thousands of students each year.
NUS provides a wide range of academic options across fields such as arts, business, education, science, nursing, engineering, maritime studies, and Samoan studies. A standout offering is the Centre for Samoan Studies, which supports advanced learning connected to Samoan language, culture, and Pacific research. Through teaching, research, and community engagement, the university works to build skills that support both national development and graduate career opportunities.
2. General Information
| Name | National University of Samoa |
|---|---|
| Established | 1984 |
| Type | Public |
| Location | Apia, Samoa |
| Website | nus.edu.ws |
3. Fee Structure
Note: Tuition fees can change by intake and program updates. Use the values below as a starting reference, and confirm the latest semester charges with NUS through the official contacts listed later in this guide.
| Program | Tuition Fee (per semester) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | WST 1,500 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | WST 1,800 |
| Bachelor of Science | WST 1,900 |
| Master of Science | WST 3,200 |
| Master of Business Administration | WST 3,000 |
4. Academic Programs
NUS programs are organized to support both academic and career-focused study. Depending on your goals, you can choose options that range from foundational training to advanced postgraduate study. If you are also considering regional study, you may want to compare options such as the University of the South Pacific, which serves multiple Pacific Island countries.
- Arts & Humanities (e.g. English, History, Journalism)
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Education & Teacher Training
- Nursing & Health Sciences
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science)
- Engineering
- Maritime Training
- Centre for Samoan Studies with Master of Samoan Studies
5. Facilities
- Main campus in Apia (with support and partnerships that may include international collaboration)
- Libraries supporting research and coursework study
- Laboratories for science and nursing fields
- Simulation and technical training spaces
- Student support services including counselling and career advice
- Collaborations for maritime and engineering training
6. Accommodation
NUS provides on-campus housing options and support for students who need accommodation in Apia. Housing arrangements may include dormitory-style rooms and university-affiliated options. The student affairs team can help international students and students coming from outer islands find safe, convenient living arrangements that fit the academic calendar.
- On-campus dormitories
- University-assisted housing referrals
- Guidance from student services for international and regional students
7. Contact Information
- Email: enquiries@nus.edu.ws
- Phone: +685 22 430
- Address: National University of Samoa, P.O. Box 1622, Apia, Samoa
Explore More Universities Samao
- University of the South Pacific
- Oceania University of Medicine
- University of Otago Samoan Centre
- Fiji National University
- USP for Pacific studies and regional pathways
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