The vice chancellor of the National University of Samoa says memoranda of understanding signed on Monday with Wellington's Victoria University will be vitally important for his institution.
Victoria is expanding its links with Samoa by providing scholarships to Samoan doctoral students, including staff from the National University.
Professor Asofou So'o says it is critical for staff to be able to upgrade their qualifications.
He says time and funding is not often available but this will be a great help until the university can start its own doctoral programme.
"Every year starting from this year we have one of our staff to do a Masters degree funded by Victoria University and another one to do Doctorate studies, also funded by the university here. So that an important development and a great resource help to the University of Samoa."
Professor Asofou So'o.
The Samoa Government and the New Zealand aid programme will assist with the costs of the scholarships.
