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Australia’s understanding of Oceania is more important than ever thanks to a new, revitalised engagement with the region and an increasing number of Pacific Islanders settling in Australia. The demand for regional expertise is increasing. With our specialised bachelor degree on the Pacific, you will be immersed in the politics, history, culture, language, economics, and religion of some of the world’s most dynamic regions of significant importance to Australia.

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies (3 years full-time, or part-time equivalent) will provide you with a deep understanding of the diversity, history and contemporary issues of Oceania, so you can take a leading role in Pacific policy and development.

This interdisciplinary program is taught by the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) at the Australian National University (ANU). DPA is Australia’s foremost centre for teaching and research on Oceania, is home to the largest concentration of Pacific scholars in Australia, and teaches the largest number of Pacific languages.

This degree will equip you with the professional-level skills and knowledge you need to become both a disciplinary and regional expert, ready for a global career in a number of fields such as:

  • Diplomatic and foreign affairs
  • Consultancies
  • NGOs
  • Policymaking
  • International development
  • Translating
  • Journalism and media
  • Research and academia
  • Publishing
  • Politics
  • Think tanks, policy institutes and research centres

Learning experience

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies provides theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understand the global significance of Oceania as a region of diverse societies, cultures and languages. The program is interdisciplinary, giving you both a historical and contemporary framework to analyse the politics, environments and cultures of Oceania.

You will learn from world-leading experts in fields such as anthropology, politics, international relations, security, literature, language, and archaeology. As part of your studies you have the opportunity to study a Pacific language. ANU is the only university in the Southern Hemisphere to offer Tetum, one of the official languages of Timor-Leste, and Tok Pisin, one of Papua New Guinea's four national languages.

As a student of Pacific Studies, you will have the opportunity to undertake internship and immersion programs in Oceania to enhance your understanding of the region.

Scholarships

The Australian National University (ANU) offers a wide range of scholarships to students to Assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.