University

Victoria University of Wellington

Number of students

22000 approx

International students

2300 approx

Region

Multiple regions

See all courses

Summary

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top 1 percent of the world’s universities in 15 subject areas (2024 QS World University Rankings). The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, transport, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, and science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance:

170+ subjects
33 undergraduate degrees
140 postgraduate programmes
43 research institutes
4 libraries
2,000 of our 22,000 students are international students, from 100+ countries
140+ clubs and societies.

Top rankings:

5+ stars from QS Stars Rating of Excellence
#1 in New Zealand for research intensity (Tertiary Education Commission)
Top 2 percent of the world’s more than 18,000 universities (2024 QS World University Rankings)
Top 100 in the world in 10 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Victoria University of Wellington consistently ranks among the world's best universities. In addition to receiving Five Stars Plus in the 2025 QS Stars audit, the University earned five stars in each of the eight audited categories: arts, employability, facilities, inclusiveness, global engagement, research, teaching, and library and information management.

Graduate outcomes*:

91% of students employed within 6 months of graduating
76 percent were in full-time employment
16 percent went on to full-time study, and 9 percent of graduates pursuing full-time study also worked either full time or part time.

*Based on those who completed the 2022–2023 Graduate Destinations Survey.

Entry Requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

a good command of the English language
a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.

If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

English language—students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
Undergraduate study—students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
Postgraduate study—students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree.

More about Victoria University of Wellington

Student Support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Support services include:

help with international applications and admissions
dedicated international student orientation and events
free airport arrival meeting service
the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
personal, cultural, and academic support and referral
Studentsafe insurance support
student visa support.

While at Victoria University of Wellington, students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved. With more than 140 clubs, societies, and sports to choose from, students can embrace new experiences, develop skills for their future careers, and connect with new groups. Victoria University of Wellington encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the free Wellington International Leadership Programme.

Connect with our students

Interested in connecting to one of our international student ambassadors to find out what studying at Victoria University of Wellington and living in Wellington New Zealand is really like?

Connect with our student ambassadors now.

The University’s campuses
We have three main campuses, each focused on specific areas of study. These are the Kelburn campus, Pipitea campus, and Te Aro campus, and they are all within walking distance from one another around Wellington city. Students may also be eligible for a free bus pass if they are travelling between campuses for classes on the same day.

The Kelburn campus is the central hub of the University. It is home to the University’s main services and facilities, as well as the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, the NZ School of Music, the Faculty of Graduate Research, and the Faculty of Science, Health, and Engineering. Perched on a hill overlooking the city harbour, the Kelburn campus is always abuzz with activity. The Student Union building, recreation centre, coffee shops, and library provide great opportunities to socialise and study with fellow students.

The Pipitea campus is in the heart of Wellington’s government and central business district. You can study at the Wellington School of Business and Government or at the Faculty of Law in historic buildings just across the road from Parliament, the Wellington High Court, and District Court.

The Te Aro campus is centred in the lively Cuba Street district and is home to the University’s Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. The campus’ specially designed facilities include collaborative studio spaces, high-tech 3D printers, large photography studios, and New Zealand’s largest robotic arm.