Victoria University of Wellington

University Overview

Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka is New Zealand's capital city university, founded in 1897. Ranked 240th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 4th in New Zealand, Victoria is particularly respected for its programmes in law, humanities, architecture, public policy, and information management. With approximately 22,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students from over 100 countries, Victoria combines academic rigour with a vibrant cultural setting at the heart of New Zealand's political, cultural, and creative life.

Wellington is home to New Zealand's parliament, central government, the national museum (Te Papa), and the country's creative and film industries, providing Victoria students with unparalleled access to policymakers, cultural institutions, and industry leaders. The university operates 40+ research institutes and centres, and has the highest average research grade in New Zealand's Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) exercise a testament to the quality of its research culture.

Why Choose Victoria University of Wellington?

Victoria University's location in Wellington New Zealand's capital city and creative hub gives students direct access to government, policy, arts, and innovation sectors that are unavailable at any other New Zealand university. Victoria is ranked among the world's top universities for library and information management, and development studies. With the highest PBRF research grade in New Zealand, Victoria attracts world-class academics who bring cutting-edge research directly into the classroom. The university's international student support services are extensive, and Wellington's compact, walkable city layout makes it one of New Zealand's most liveable and student-friendly cities.

Highlights

• Ranked #240 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 — 4th in New Zealand
• Highest average research grade in New Zealand's Performance Based Research Fund
• Located in Wellington — New Zealand's capital city, centre of government and culture
• World top ranking in library and information management, and development studies
• 40+ research institutes and centres across all disciplines
• 3,000+ international students from over 100 countries
• Outstanding access to government, policy, arts, and innovation sectors

Study Pathways

Victoria University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across six faculties: Architecture and Design Innovation, Education, Business and Government, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health, Engineering, Law, and Science. Unique programmes include the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Government, Bachelor of Architecture, and an internationally recognised Masters in Public Policy.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Pathways

Victoria offers both direct entry and pathway options for international students who do not meet entry requirements. Bridging programmes are available to support students in achieving the academic standards required for first-year undergraduate entry.

English Language Preparation

Victoria's English Language Institute (ELI) offers a range of general and academic English courses, from beginner to advanced levels, to prepare students for degree-level study.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate applicants must hold a recognised university entrance qualification equivalent to New Zealand NCEA Level 3, or an approved international equivalent. Some Law and Architecture programmes have competitive entry. Postgraduate applicants require a relevant bachelor's degree.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for undergraduate study; IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for postgraduate programmes; IELTS 7.0 for Law and some other professional programmes.

Scholarships at Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships for International Students

Range of merit-based awards across undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Tongarewa Scholarship

Prestigious full scholarship covering tuition and living costs for outstanding international students.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Available in Law, Business, Architecture, Science, and Humanities.

Doctoral Scholarships

Full tuition and stipend for research students enrolled in PhD programmes.

Career Outcomes

Victoria University graduates are in high demand among New Zealand employers, particularly in government, policy, law, finance, technology, and the creative industries. The university's Wellington location offers direct access to some of New Zealand's top employers, including central government agencies, law firms, consulting companies, and technology firms. Victoria's Career Development and Employment team provides career guidance, internship facilitation, employer networking, and industry events. Victoria's alumni network includes leading figures across New Zealand's public sector, creative industries, and international organisations.

What Sets Us Apart

New Zealand's Capital City University

Victoria's Wellington location gives students unmatched access to New Zealand's government, parliament, judiciary, and major cultural institutions. Many students intern at parliament, government agencies, or national arts organisations while completing their degrees.

Research Excellence

Victoria holds the highest average research grade of any New Zealand university in the PBRF exercise, meaning students learn from researchers who are genuinely at the forefront of their fields.

Architecture and Design Innovation

Victoria's Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation is internationally respected for producing graduates who blend creativity, sustainability, and technical expertise, with strong links to Wellington's vibrant architecture and design sector.