Entry requirements

International students need to meet our English-language and academic entry requirements to study at Victoria University of Wellington.

We welcome applicants from all around the world. Select your level of study to find your academic and English requirements:

• undergraduate
• postgraduate.

Undergraduate entry requirements

Select your country to find out your minimum English entry requirements. Some programmes may require a higher level of English—the relevant degree page will provide more detailed information.

We also accept the Duolingo English Test to meet the general English requirement for most undergraduate programmes. You will need to achieve 110 overall and good scores in each sub score. If your English language test is not listed above, or to enquire about Duolingo, please contact international@vuw.ac.nz

Don’t meet these requirements?

If you don’t meet the undergraduate requirements listed here, we offer two pathway programmes to help you achieve entry into undergraduate study:

Credit transfer and exemptions

If you already have a tertiary-level qualification, or part of one, from a recognised institution, you may be eligible for academic credit transfer or exemptions from required courses.

Postgraduate academic requirements

For entry into postgraduate study, you will need the equivalent of a Bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree from a recognised institution with at least a B- average.

Postgraduate programmes include Graduate Diplomas, Honour’s degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Master’s degrees. For PhD study, you need to meet the PhD entry requirements. You should contact the Faculty of Graduate Research with any questions about applying.

A background in a particular subject area may be required or recommended. Entry is at the programme director’s discretion. For more information, check the requirements tab on your chosen degree page before you apply.

Postgraduate English requirements

Select your country to find out your minimum English entry requirements. Some programmes may require a higher level of English—the relevant degree page will provide more detailed information. If your English language test is not listed below, please contact international@vuw.ac.nz.

If your previous studies were in a native English-speaking country, including passing literacy at a New Zealand secondary school, you may not need to meet these English requirements. This will be assessed by the admissions team when you submit your application.

Don’t meet these requirements?

If you don’t meet the English requirements listed here, there are pathways to help you achieve entry into postgraduate study:

How to apply

Once you know the entry requirements for your degree or programme, you can apply at any time. Find out how to apply to study.

You can still apply if you don’t meet our minimum English-language requirements. You will get a conditional Offer of Place and must meet the requirements before you apply for your student visa.

Related links

• How to apply to study
• Find a programme