Funding for international study

You can use a private or government loan or scholarship to fund your studies.

We currently accept student loans and scholarships from:

If your country is not listed here, you can try accessing funding via local banks, private organisations, or government programmes. If you are not sure how to pay your fees, please email international@vuw.ac.nz.

How we can help

Victoria University of Wellington does not give loans to international students, however, we accept and administer a range of approved student loan schemes. We can also certify documents for your loan provider.

If you need a document to be certified, email it to our financial administrator or visit the Wellington University International office.

We directly administer US financial aid and can help you with your application for Veterans Affairs Education Benefits, and Sallie Mae private student loans.

We can also discuss payment plans with students whose loans are not released in time to pay their tuition fees.

Canada

Canadian students may be eligible for a Canada Student Loan. These are available in most Canadian provinces and territories to eligible full- and part-time post-secondary students. Students are automatically considered for a Canada Student Loan when they apply for a provincial or territorial student loan.

Nine participating provinces and territories determine eligibility and assess students’ financial needs based on federal criteria. They award the aid by issuing a loan certificate and designate eligible educational institutions. Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut do not participate in the Canada Student Loans programme—they offer their own Student Assistance programmes.

How to apply for a Canada Student Loan

Check your eligibility and submit an application through the Canada Student Loan website. When completing your paperwork, use our Institution Code: VUAS.

Contact our financial administrator to complete the Confirmation of Enrolment section on your Certificate of Eligibility. This step cannot be completed until after your classes have started.

Deferring an existing Canada Student Loan

If you have an existing Canada Student Loan that doesn’t relate to your current study at Victoria University of Wellington, you can apply to defer your existing loan repayments. To apply for interest-free status for your existing loan, ask our financial administrator to complete the Confirmation of Enrolment (Schedule 2) form on the Canada Student Loan website.

Canadian Revenue Agency forms

If you wish to claim educational expenses from your Canadian taxes, ask our financial administrator to complete the TL11A Tuition and Enrolment Certificate—University Outside Canada form for the Canada Revenue Agency.

Colombia

COLFUTURO

Colombian students who intend to study a Masters or PhD programme can apply for loans and scholarships through COLFUTURO.

ICETEX Student Loans for Postgraduate Studies Abroad

Colombian students who intend to study postgraduate programmes can apply for loans through ICETEX.

Denmark

Danish students may be able to finance their study with a scholarship and/or a study loan from the state’s Study support (Statens Uddannelsestøtte).

Fiji

The National Toppers Overseas Scheme is managed by the Tertiary Scholarships and Loan Service (TSLS) based in Fiji. This scheme offers a full scholarship to high achieving Fijian students who have completed their Year 13 or such equivalent studies to undertake studies overseas.

Victoria University of Wellington is an accredited provider to the scheme. Only studies in priority areas are considered for this program.

Victoria University of Wellington is not responsible for the awarding of these scholarships. Check the TSLS scholarship site for details on selection process, timelines and contact points.

Germany

The BAföG is the main state-sponsored support scheme for students in Germany. Study Abroad students who are enrolled in degree courses at a German university may be entitled to receive a monthly stipend for the duration of their studies. These scholarships are means tested.

Guatemala

GuateFuturo

Guatemalan students who intend to study a Masters or PhD programme can apply for loans and  scholarships through GuateFuturo. Victoria University of Wellington has an agreement with GuateFuturo.

Honduras

HonduFuturo

Honduran students who intend to study a Masters or PhD programme can apply for loans and scholarships through HonduFuturo. Victoria University of Wellington has an agreement with HonduFuturo.

Mexico

FUNED

Fundación Mexicana para la Educación, la Tecnología y la Ciencia (FUNED) offers scholarships and grants for high achieving Mexican students to study Master’s degree programmes. Victoria University of Wellington is an approved partner of FUNED.

See the FUNED website for full guidance on funding and eligibility criteria.

Norway

Norwegian students may be eligible for a study loan from the State Loan Institute (Statens Lånekassen).

All Norwegian Study Abroad students must submit documentation on academic progress and tuition fees to be eligible for further financial support from the loan fund. You must submit new documentation every year that you want to receive funding using the Documentation of academic progress and tuition fees form.

Sweden

Swedish students may be able to finance their study with financial aid from Centrala Studiestödsnämnden (CSN). Many students also take student loans with CSN to finance a portion of their cost of living during their education.

USA

US students may be eligible for government, private, or veterans financial aid. We administer these loans directly: