Victoria University of Wellington's head of Samoa Studies, Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin, says the more formalised links with the National University of Samoa are set to be extended.
This week both universities signed a memorandum of understanding to set up scholarship opportunities for postgraduate study in Wellington.
Galumalemana says this is a very important phase of the relationship and he says the links will grow in other ways, with students from Victoria keen to go to Apia to pursue graduate qualifications in the Samoan language.
"Because at the moment we don't have a post graduate [degree] as yet, but the National University offers one. So it is going to facilitate that important journey for New Zealand born students who want to further their knowledge of the language and culture at the post graduate level. So it is a wonderful opportunity and a door that has opened."
Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin.
In addition, Victoria will also offer a Summer Scholarship scheme which will allow Victoria students to undertake research at the National University of Samoa.