National University of Samoa

The National University of Samoa, which is ranked in 1st place on the list of best universities in Samoa, is Samoa's sole national university. It is co-educational and offers certificate, diploma, and undergraduate degree programs, as well as technical and vocational training. It was established by an act of parliament in 1984. In 2010, over 2,000 students were enrolled, with an estimated 300 staff. It provides a diverse range of programs such as arts, business and entrepreneurship, education, science, nursing, engineering, and maritime training. The Centre for Samoan Studies, which was created at the university to educate Samoan language and culture, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as the world's first Master of Samoan Studies degree.

An Act of Parliament founded the National University of Samoa in 1984. Its first-degree program, the Bachelor of Education, was introduced in 1987. The Bachelor of Arts degree was created a year later. The first alumni from both programs received their diplomas in 1990. Soon after, the faculties of commerce and science were founded. The Samoan Health Department's School of Nursing was combined into the university as the Faculty of Nursing in 1993, and the Western Samoa Teacher's College was amalgamated as the Faculty of Education in 1997.

The Institute of Samoan Studies was founded in 1999, and its name was changed to the Centre for Samoan Studies in 2005. Samoa Polytechnic became the Institute of Technology after merging with the university in 2006. The University joined with Samoa Polytechnic in 2006, and its governing legislation was modified to become the National University of Samoa Act 2006.

The institution is managed by a council, which is chaired by the provost. The Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, a member of the University Senate, staff and student representatives, up to six members nominated by the O le Ao o le Malo, and up to four more members co-opted by the council comprise the council. Council members serve for one to three years and may be reappointed for a total of three mandates. The chancellor is the council's titular head, appointed by the O le Ao o le Malo for a five-year tenure. The vice-chancellor, who is appointed by the council, is the university's main executive.

Location: Apia, Samoa

Website: www.nus.edu.ws

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalUniversityofSamoa/