How to apply
Follow these steps to apply for a degree or other qualification, pathway programme, or study abroad programme at Victoria University of Wellington.
This guide is for new international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications, excluding doctorates.
There is separate guidance if you are:
- applying as a New Zealand secondary school student
- applying to do a PhD or other doctorate; apply via the Faculty of Graduate Research
- applying as an agent or partner, on behalf of a student; apply via the Agent and Partner Portal
- applying for Foundation Studies—The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme is taught exclusively through UP International College New Zealand. Apply via the UP Education website.
1. Choose what to study, and check the details
Each of our qualifications and major subjects has a webpage that provides an overview, a list of the courses you need to do to complete the programme (‘requirements’), and what you need to be accepted (‘entry requirements’). Use the switcher at the top right of the qualification or subject webpage to show information applicable to you, depending on your nationality.
Before you start your application, make sure you check:
- the application and start dates
- fees and costs.
2. Check that you meet University entry requirements
To study at the University, you’ll need to meet our English language and academic entry requirements. Check that you meet these before you apply.
3. Prepare your documentation
You will need to show us proof that you meet the entry requirements for your chosen programme.
When you apply, you need to provide certified copies of your original documents. If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll also need to provide certified translations.
Find out more about certifying documents
4. Apply online
Apply by our application deadlines to make sure you have enough time to apply for a student visa and accommodation before you travel to New Zealand.
You can apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, English for Academic Purposes, and Study Abroad programmes via Pūaha, our student portal. You’ll need a personal email address to start your online application.
- You’ll need to know what you want to study (your degree or other qualification) and when you want to start studying (the year and trimester) before you start your application.
- Make sure you read the terms and conditions when you apply.
Start your application Find out more about how to access Pūaha
6. Check your emails
We will send you an email to confirm we have received your application. We’ll then email you to confirm whether your application is successful, usually within one week (undergraduate) or three to four weeks (postgraduate). Some programmes may take longer to assess due to interview, thesis, and audition requirements.
7. Accept your Offer of Place
If you meet the requirements for admission to the University and you're accepted into your chosen programme of study, we'll send you either a conditional or unconditional Offer of
Place by email. This guarantees your entry into your chosen programme, once you have met any conditions of your offer. You can accept your offer online.
Learn more about your Offer of Place
8. Prepare to study
Once you have an Offer of Place, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for your studies, including how to enrol for your courses, and pay your fees.