Victoria University of Wellington

Two of Victoria University of Wellington’s building projects have received prestigious awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

Te Toki a Rata and the Rutherford House extension have each won an NZIA annual Local Architecture Award in the education category. The awards honour the best new architecture in each of the NZIA's eight regional branches.

The New Zealand Institute of Architecture runs the annual awards to recognise and promote excellence in architecture.

“We are proud that these two major campus redevelopments have been recognised for their excellence in architecture,” said Stephen Costley, Director Property Services. “Both projects reflect the close and positive relationship that the university’s Campus Development team had with the architects – Warren and Mahoney Architects and Athfield Architects Limited. Together we have created spaces which contribute to a first-class student experience and to being a globally ranked capital city university,” he added.

The quality of teaching at Victoria University of Wellington is highly rated for several reasons, including:

Learning and teaching

The university’s teaching staff help students uncover their talents and passions.

Intellectual firepower

At Victoria University of Wellington, students will learn from academics who are among the best and brightest in their fields. The university’s teaching and tutoring staff use learning and teaching practices that meet high international standards and reflect global trends.

Innovative teaching

A number of the university’s staff have won National Tertiary Teaching Excellence awards for innovative teaching. Most have undertaken research at the highest levels and all are encouraged to integrate their research into their teaching right from the first year.

Top in research

Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s top university for research intensity (Performance-Based Research Fund 2018). This is the place to be for students who are interested in postgraduate study. They will have access to world-class facilities and work with top supervisors and teachers who can inspire them and keep them on track.

Easy access

Most courses include tutoring in small groups where the students can discuss their ideas, ask questions and get individual help. Students will also have access to a range of academic resources and student services that will help them succeed at the university.

The university offers study options across its faculties and schools:

Faculty of Architecture and Design

The faculty is a leading provider of innovative education across a wide selection of disciplines encompassing design, architecture, and the built environment.

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education offers challenging and thought-provoking programmes to encourage students to put their study into practice both critically and creatively.

Wellington Faculty of Engineering

The faculty’s industry-focused programmes will start the students on practical projects while learning the current theory, such as helping to make robots to explore damaged buildings, designing large scale networks or developing mobile communication systems.

Faculty of Graduate Research

The Faculty of Graduate Research oversees all doctoral degrees and works to ensure that the student’s experience as a thesis student is a positive one.

Faculty of Health

This is the newest faculty at the university, established in January 2017. It brings together researchers and teachers from across the university to help prepare the next generation of health sector professionals.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

The faculty’s diverse range of courses and location in the nation’s capital and cultural heart will provide students with unrivalled opportunities to build their future.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment. It is ranked among the top 100 law schools in the world and is home to scholars of international standing.

Wellington Faculty of Science

The faculty’s staff are world leaders in their fields of research. Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in New Zealand.

Wellington School of Business and Government

This faculty develops leaders who have the ability to consider the commercial, governance and social implications of economic activities.

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students require a good command of the English language and a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The university considers each individual’s academic and English background on a case-by-case basis when it assesses applications.

If a student doesn’t meet the English-language requirements for their chosen course, they can enrol in Victoria University of Wellington’s English Proficiency Programme. The English Proficiency Programme (EPP) is a 12-week course taught at the university that aims to develop a student’s English skills for academic study. Students may need to take two or more consecutive courses to meet their study goal.

If a student doesn’t meet the academic requirements for their undergraduate courses, they can enrol in the foundation studies programme. This flexible programme is taught by UP Education and offers successful students guaranteed entry to Victoria University of Wellington’s undergraduate programmes.

International scholarships

• Tangiwai Scholarship – (School Leaver Scholarships for Academic Excellence)

This scholarship valued at NZD 5,000 celebrates excellence, both academic, and outside the classroom, and is awarded to top New Zealand secondary school leavers,

• Wellington International Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship for international students enrolling in undergraduate study awards NZD 10,000 for the first year of study, and a further NZD 5,000 for the second and third years. The scholarships are competitive and based on academic merit.

• New Zealand Scholarships programme

New Zealand Scholarships are funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These provide fully funded study at Victoria University of Wellington for eligible students from more than 80 partner countries.

• Master’s fees scholarships

International applicants for some taught master’s programmes are eligible for automatic NZD 10,000 or 17,500 scholarships, if they meet the programme entry requirements. Current scholarships include the Master of Conservation Biology, Master of Marine Conservation, Master of International Trade, and Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation.

• Master of Law International LLM Fee Scholarship

International students may apply for the LLM Fee Scholarship for one year of full-time study, valued at NZD 5,000. The scholarship may be granted to students with a good academic record who can show financial need.

The university’s Careers and Employment team helps students achieve their career goals by offering professional advice on career planning, job exploration and career development. It can help international students apply for jobs and internships and runs free workshops on CVs, cover letters, interview tips and career-related topics.

On CareerHub, students can find useful resources and study-related part-time jobs, summer internships, work experience and graduate jobs. Career expos and other events held throughout the year bring together students, employers and graduates to discuss career opportunities and establish valuable networks. The Alumni as Mentors programme matches final-year students with successful graduates who can offer valuable tips and advice for transitioning from study to the world of work.

Graduate profile

Victoria University of Wellington prepares its graduates to:

• have a specialised understanding of their chosen field(s) of study
• exhibit well-developed skills in critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and teamwork
• communicate complex ideas effectively and accurately in a range of contexts
• demonstrate independence of thought, openness to ideas and information, and a capacity to manage their own learning
• demonstrate intellectual integrity and understand academic ethics.

Graduates from Victoria University of Wellington (Graduate Destinations Survey 2017-18) are:

• 70 percent in full-time employment
• 17 percent in full-time study
• Eight percent in part-time employment and/or part-time study.