Victoria University of Wellington
Capital thinking in the heart of New Zealand.
📍 Wellington, New Zealand 🇳🇿
🏆 #4 in New Zealand · QS World #240 · THE World #401 · ARWU #401
Quick Facts about Victoria University of Wellington
- Founded: 1897
- Type: Public
- Students: 22,000
- International: 18%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $23,000 – $37,000/year
- Language: English, Te Reo Māori, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Sāmoan
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Victoria University of Wellington
Academics
Victoria University of Wellington offers nearly 200 programs across eight faculties, including Architecture and Design Innovation, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Science, and the Wellington School of Business and Government. The Wellington School of Business and Government holds the "Triple Crown" of international accreditations (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA), a distinction shared by an elite group of business schools worldwide. The university is renowned for its programs in law, humanities, and certain scientific disciplines, and it is New Zealand's top-ranked university for research intensity. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a key strength, with programs integrating expertise from various academic divisions to address complex global challenges.
International Students
The university is home to approximately 3,000 international students from over 120 countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. A dedicated International team provides comprehensive support services, including visa and insurance assistance, an arrival meeting service, and an International Buddy Programme to aid in cultural integration. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs are available to help international students improve their English language and academic skills for university study. The university also offers a range of student organizations and clubs, providing opportunities for engagement and community building.
Campus & Location
Victoria University of Wellington's three city campuses are centrally located within New Zealand's vibrant capital, Wellington, and are within easy walking distance of each other and local attractions. The Kelburn campus, the main hub, offers stunning city and harbor views and houses the central library and administrative offices. The Pipitea campus is strategically located near New Zealand's Parliament Buildings, while the Te Aro campus, in the lively Cuba Street district, specializes in Architecture and Design. Wellington is a compact, multicultural, and safe city known for its food, coffee, and access to nature trails, beaches, galleries, and museums. Public transportation, including buses, trains, and the iconic cable car, provides convenient access to and from the campuses.
Career Outcomes
Victoria University of Wellington boasts strong career outcomes for its graduates, with a 93% placement rate in 2021; 70% of graduates were employed full-time. The university maintains strong industry connections and partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations, providing students with networking opportunities and real-world experience. Career services are available to assist students with employment, and many students secure jobs before completing their degrees. Notable alumni include Academy Award winner Taika Waititi and former Director-General of the World Anti-Doping Agency, David Howman. The university's location in Wellington also fosters a strong startup culture, contributing to innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Information for International Students at Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington, New Zealand welcomes international students, with 18% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 18% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Te Reo Māori, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Sāmoan
Admissions Requirements for Victoria University of Wellington
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Victoria University of Wellington:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- Duolingo minimum: 120
- GPA minimum: 3
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Trimester 1: December 1; Trimester 2: May 1; Trimester 3: September 1
Programs at Victoria University of Wellington (20 programs)
Victoria University of Wellington offers 20 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (10)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) — 36 months · English · $32,000/yr
A flexible degree allowing students to explore human culture, history, and society through over 40 different subject areas.
Field: Humanities and Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Journalist, Communications Officer - Bachelor of Laws (LLB) — 48 months · English · $35,000/yr
A comprehensive legal education covering public, private, and international law, located near New Zealand's high courts.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Advisor - Bachelor of Music (BA) — 36 months · English · $35,000/yr
Offers training in performance, composition, and musicology through the New Zealand School of Music.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Professional Musician, Composer, Music Teacher - Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) — 48 months · English · $41,000/yr · STEM
A professional degree focusing on software, cybersecurity, and electronic systems with a strong emphasis on practical design.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Systems Architect, Network Security Specialist - Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) — 36 months · English · $33,500/yr
Provides a foundation in business, economics, and management, preparing students for the global corporate environment.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst - Bachelor of Communication (BA) — 36 months · English · $32,500/yr
Develops skills in media production, public relations, and digital communication strategies.
Field: Communication
Career outcomes: PR Specialist, Content Creator, Media Advisor - Bachelor of Health (BA) — 36 months · English · $33,000/yr
Focuses on health promotion, policy, and service delivery to improve community well-being.
Field: Health
Career outcomes: Health Promoter, Policy Analyst, Community Health Worker - Bachelor of Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · $36,000/yr · STEM
Focuses on scientific principles and research across disciplines like biology, chemistry, and physics to solve real-world problems.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Laboratory Technician - Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI) — 36 months · English · $38,000/yr
Explores the intersection of design, technology, and culture through majors like industrial design and media design.
Field: Design
Career outcomes: UX Designer, Product Designer, Creative Director - Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · $37,500/yr · STEM
Studies the human body at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels to understand health and disease.
Field: Biomedical Science
Career outcomes: Medical Researcher, Geneticist, Health Consultant
Master Programs (9)
- Master of International Relations (MA) — 12 months · English · $36,000/yr
Examines the complexities of global politics, security, and international cooperation in the heart of New Zealand's capital.
Field: Political Science
Career outcomes: Diplomat, Intelligence Analyst, International NGO Worker - Master of Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · $39,000/yr · STEM
An advanced research-based degree allowing students to specialize in a specific scientific field through a thesis.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Senior Researcher, Data Scientist, Academic - Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch) — 24 months · English · $44,000/yr
The final stage of professional training required to become a registered architect in New Zealand.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Registered Architect, Urban Planner, Design Consultant - Master of Data Science (MSc) — 12 months · English · $45,000/yr · STEM
Combines statistics and computer science to extract insights from large datasets and drive decision-making.
Field: Data Science
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, AI Engineer - Master of Climate Change Science and Policy (MSc) — 12 months · English · $41,000/yr · STEM
Interdisciplinary program addressing the scientific basis of climate change and the policy responses required.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Climate Policy Advisor, Sustainability Manager, Environmental Scientist - Master of Business Administration (MBA) — 12 months · English · $58,000/yr
Designed for professionals seeking to advance their leadership skills and strategic business knowledge in a global context.
Field: Business Administration
Career outcomes: CEO, Operations Manager, Business Consultant - Master of Conservation Biology (MSc) — 12 months · English · $40,000/yr · STEM
Focuses on the protection and restoration of biodiversity through ecological research and management strategies.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Conservation Officer, Ecologist, Environmental Policy Advisor - Master of Professional Accounting (MSc) — 18 months · English · $42,000/yr
A conversion program for graduates of any discipline who want to become a chartered accountant.
Field: Accounting
Career outcomes: Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant - Master of Software Development (MSc) — 12 months · English · $46,000/yr · STEM
An intensive program designed to transition students from non-IT backgrounds into professional software engineering roles.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Full Stack Engineer, IT Consultant
PhD Programs (1)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (PhD) — 36 months · English · $8,000/yr · STEM
The highest level of research degree, involving original investigation and the production of a substantial thesis.
Field: Research
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Lead
Scholarships & Tuition at Victoria University of Wellington
Annual tuition for international students: $23,000 – $37,000/year
✅ Victoria University of Wellington offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Victoria University of Wellington
- National Ranking: #4 in New Zealand
- QS World University Ranking: #240
- Times Higher Education (THE): #401
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #401
- Ranking tier: Top 200
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at Victoria University of Wellington
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Top-ranked research university in New Zealand
- Capital city campus locations
- Triple Crown accredited business school
- Strong connections to government and industry
- High global ranking for law studies
- Diverse international student community
Accreditation
- AACSB
- AMBA
- EQUIS
Fields of Study at Victoria University of Wellington
- Law
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Architecture
- Business
Notable Alumni
- Taika Waititi
- Karl Urban
- Sam Neill
- Fleur Adcock
- Bill English
Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria University of Wellington
What is Victoria University of Wellington?
Victoria University of Wellington is a public university located in Wellington, New Zealand, founded in 1897. It has approximately 22,000 students, with 18% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Victoria University of Wellington?
Tuition fees at Victoria University of Wellington for international students range from $23,000 – $37,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Victoria University of Wellington?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 120. GPA minimum: 3. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Trimester 1: December 1; Trimester 2: May 1; Trimester 3: September 1.
What language are courses taught in at Victoria University of Wellington?
Courses at Victoria University of Wellington are taught in English and Te Reo Māori and French and German and Japanese and Mandarin Chinese and Spanish and Latin and Greek and Sāmoan. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Victoria University of Wellington offer?
Victoria University of Wellington offers 20 programs: 10 Bachelor's, 9 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Victoria University of Wellington ranked?
#4 in New Zealand · QS World #240 · THE World #401 · ARWU #401.
Does Victoria University of Wellington offer scholarships?
Yes, Victoria University of Wellington offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Victoria University of Wellington provide visa support?
Yes, Victoria University of Wellington provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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