The National University of Samoa (NUS) and the University of Auckland (UoA) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday 5th July 2024, to foster academic
exchange and promote mutual collaboration in various areas.
The MOU outlines the terms of a five-year partnership that will enable staff and student

exchange, transdisciplinary research collaborations, postgraduate options through co-
supervision and access to external examiners, scholarships and internships, staff training

opportunities, knowledge sharing, and joint sponsorship of symposia, seminars, and
conferences.
The MOU provides a framework that allows both universities to broaden our academic
offerings, enhance research capabilities, and strengthen our connections with the
Pacific region.
“We are delighted to formalise our partnership with the University of Auckland,” says
Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa, Vice-Chancellor and President of the National
University of Samoa. ” We look forward to working closely with the University of Auckland
as well as the initiatives that will come out of this agreement to enhance our academic
programs, research collaborations, and student experiences.”
Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland added, “We
value this partnership with NUS, and we anticipate leveraging each other’s strengths
and expertise to address complex challenges facing our region.”
The University of Auckland delegation included Professor Freshwater as her first visit to
Sāmoa, accompanied by Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau,
Lemoa Henry Fesulua’i, and Sili-Mireta Ropati.
Under the terms of the MOU, both partners will work together to facilitate projects to
share knowledge in specific research areas such as culture and development, climate
change, health, education etc.