Victoria University of Wellington, also known as Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, is a public research university in Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 1897, it has built a strong reputation for teaching, research, and international engagement. The university has around 15,700 students, with international students making up about 12% of the student population.
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate study across areas such as business, law, architecture, engineering, computer science, education, health, science, humanities, social sciences, and creative disciplines. Its location in New Zealand's capital city gives students access to government, business, cultural organisations, research institutions, and professional networks. The university operates three main Wellington campuses: Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro.
Victoria University of Wellington has strong international recognition. It is ranked #240 globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and placed 401–500th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Its subject strengths include Law, Education, Computer Science, Psychology, Arts and Humanities, and several social science fields. The university is a good choice for students who want research-led education, a wide choice of programmes, and study in a capital-city setting.
| Intakes |
November,July,February |
| All Campuses |
Kelburn Campus , Pipitea Campus , Te Aro Campus ,Auckland Premises |
| Website |
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz |
| Monthly Living Cost |
NZ$2,700–NZ$3,000 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
NZ$20,000 |
| Application Fees |
null |
| Currency |
|
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Eligible international students may work part-time while studying, subject to the conditions on their student visa. Many full-time international students can work during study and full-time during university holidays.</p> |
Ranking
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: 401–500th globally, 2026.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: In 2026, the university had 16 subjects in the world's top 1% and 5 subjects in the global top 100. Law was ranked #91 globally by THE subject rankings.
- UK University League Table: Not applicable. Victoria University of Wellington is in New Zealand, so UK domestic league tables do not rank it.
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable. The Guardian University Guide is a UK-focused ranking and does not provide a standard UK league-table position for this New Zealand university.
English Language Requirements
| Test |
Minimum requirement |
| IELTS Academic |
Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT |
80 |
| PTE Academic |
50, Communication score at least 42 |
| Duolingo English Test |
105, no band below 95 |
| Cambridge English |
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, 169, no skill below 162 |
Postgraduate
| Test |
Minimum requirement |
| IELTS Academic |
Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT |
90, with at least 20 in Writing |
| PTE Academic |
58, Communication score at least 50 |
Scholarship Policy
Victoria University of Wellington provides scholarships for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university introduced the VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship and VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship in 2025, replacing several older scholarship schemes.
The VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship currently provides NZ$15,000 toward tuition fees for eligible international students enrolling in a bachelor's degree. For eligible students, the scholarship is processed automatically after the programme application is accepted.
There is also an International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship worth NZ$10,000, though its eligibility is aimed at international students who have completed their final two years of secondary school in New Zealand.
Postgraduate students can search the university's scholarship database for awards linked to their programme, academic record, research area, or student category.
Fees & Funding
International tuition fees vary by programme and subject area. The university calculates fees based on the number of points studied and the cost per point.
For 2026, examples include:
- Bachelor of Arts: approximately NZ$35,400 per 120 points.
- Bachelor of Commerce: approximately NZ$37,550 per 120 points.
- Bachelor of Science: approximately NZ$40,500 per 120 points for Computer Science.
- Bachelor of Engineering with Honours: approximately NZ$46,500 per 120 points for Cybersecurity Engineering.
Students should check the exact fee for their selected programme. The university also charges a Student Services Fee; for 2026, the Wellington rate is NZ$10.44 per point, or about NZ$1,252.80 for 120 points.
Funding options include university scholarships, external scholarships, education loans, personal or family funds, and permitted part-time employment.
Application Guidelines
International students can apply online through the university's student portal. The main process is:
- Select a suitable programme and check its academic and English requirements.
- Create an account on the university's online application portal.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload the required academic and identity documents.
- Provide English-language test results where required.
- Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
- Wait for the admission decision and Offer of Place.
- Arrange tuition payment, accommodation, insurance, and the appropriate New Zealand student visa.
Typical documents include academic certificates and transcripts, passport identification pages, English-language results, and programme-specific documents where required. The university states that applicants may need official or certified copies of documents.
Apply Online
Yes. International students can apply online through the university's student portal, Pūaha. Applicants can create an account and complete their application online.
Immigration Support Service
Victoria University of Wellington provides international student support covering areas such as visa information, orientation, insurance, wellbeing, and general assistance before and during study. The university's International Office provides information about student visa applications and requirements.
International students must have a valid visa that names Victoria University of Wellington as their education provider and matches their programme. The university advises students on the documents needed for a student visa, including an Offer of Place and evidence of sufficient funds.
For a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students to show NZ$20,000 for one year of living costs, separate from tuition and other expenses.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington was founded in 1897 as Victoria College, part of the University of New Zealand. Teaching began in April 1899 with 115 students. Its early classes were held in rented buildings in Wellington before the university moved to the Kelburn site, which remains its main campus. Research began in 1899 with four founding professors. The Hunter Building, one of the university’s best-known historic buildings, opened in 1906. Student numbers grew steadily during the early 20th century, supported by the development of teaching and research. In 1962, after the University of New Zealand system was dissolved, Victoria University of Wellington became an independent university. The institution expanded further through the addition of the Wellington College of Education in 2005 and the creation of the New Zealand School of Music in 2006. Today, the university has three Wellington campuses, a wide range of academic schools, research centres, and international partnerships.
Victoria University of Wellington attracts students through its wide range of programmes, research-led teaching, specialist facilities, and location in New Zealand’s capital city. Students can study subjects ranging from architecture and business to law, science, engineering, education, health, humanities, and computer science. The university has seven faculties covering a broad set of academic areas, with specialist schools and institutes within them.
Students have access to academic advisers, student support services, libraries, research facilities, career services, health and wellbeing support, and international student assistance. Its Wellington location gives students access to government agencies, businesses, cultural organisations, and research institutions. The university's three campuses are close to the city centre, making study, housing, transport, and everyday services convenient.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
Victoria University of Wellington offers scholarships and other financial support for students. Available awards vary by study level, academic record, nationality, programme, and other eligibility conditions.
Key options include:
- VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship – provides financial assistance toward tuition for eligible new international undergraduate students.
- VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship – supports eligible international students beginning postgraduate study.
- International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship – provides financial support for eligible international school leavers who meet the programme conditions.
- Andrea Brander Accommodation Scholarship – helps with university accommodation costs.
- Weir House Alumni Scholarship – provides accommodation-related support.
- Welcome Back to Wellington Scholarship – the 2026 award offered up to NZ$20,000, covering one year of eligible university accommodation for successful recipients.
Students can search the university's scholarship database for awards that match their study level and circumstances. Some scholarships require a separate application, academic records, personal statements, references, or other supporting documents.
Student Accommodation
Victoria University of Wellington operates a range of halls of residence and student apartments across Wellington. Options include catered halls, independent apartments, shared flats, single rooms, twin rooms, and studios. Most first-year halls are within walking distance of the university campuses.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Students who prefer private housing can rent rooms in shared houses, apartments, studios, or homestays around Wellington. Areas close to the university include Kelburn, Te Aro, Aro Valley, Thorndon, Mount Cook, and the central city. These areas provide access to shops, public transport, cafés, libraries, and university facilities.
Private accommodation gives students more choice over room type, location, and living arrangements. Shared houses and flats can reduce individual housing costs when rent and household bills are divided between several students. Students should budget separately for rent, electricity, internet, food, transport, and other household expenses. The university provides information on private accommodation and different housing options for international students.
For students under 18, accommodation rules are more specific. The university states that students under 18 need to arrange a homestay, catered hall, or approved caregiver arrangement.