Student consumer information

The latest information, tools, and resources regarding US Federal Student Aid in compliance with The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

Contents

Cohort default rate

Victoria University of Wellington’s 2020 three-year cohort default rate is 0.0.

Funding assessment

Your eligibility for US financial aid will be assessed based on the information you provide on your FAFSA and Application form for US Federal Student Aid. Find out more about eligibility and the application process.

Cost of attendance

It is important to read what may affect your COA as well as understand the exchange rate conversion policy before accepting a loan and committing to study.

Find out more about the cost of attendance and the exchange rate conversion policy.

Eligible programmes

The following programmes are eligible for US Federal Student Aid at Victoria University of Wellington:

Victoria University of Wellington’s Bachelor degrees are eligible programmes at Undergraduate level, and our Master's and PhD degrees are eligible programmes at postgraduate level.

The following campus locations are eligible for US Federal Student Aid:

  • Kelburn Campus
  • Pipitea Campus
  • Te Aro Campus

These are not branch campuses. Victoria University of Wellington's faculties are located in different locations throughout the city.

Ineligible programmes

Postgraduate diplomas, graduate diplomas, and certificates are not eligible programmes to receive US Federal Student Aid Direct Loans.

The following programmes are also ineligible for US Federal Student Aid:

  • Master of Fine Arts
  • Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
  • Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)
  • Bachelor of Engineering
  • Master of Nursing Practice
  • Master of Nursing Science

Any Bachelor, Master's, or Doctoral degree programmes that include an internship component are not eligible programmes for US Federal Student Aid Direct Loans at Victoria University of Wellington.

Students enrolled in an online programme are not eligible for US Federal Student Aid.

Students studying an ineligible programme may elect to apply for private education loans.

Contact financial-aid@vuw.ac.nz, if you have any questions about your eligibility.

Foundation Studies programme

The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme is delivered by our partners at UP Education and is excluded from US Federal Student Aid Funding. The Foundation Studies programme is Title IV ineligible.

Find out more about our Foundation Studies programme.

US Federal Student Aid Direct Loan disclosures

See the US Department of Education's student loan information.

Borrower's detailed loan information is available in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

The University reports borrower's enrolment details on NSLDS six times per year.

Before a loan can be approved, a complete US Federal Student Aid application must be completed. See more details on the application process.

Borrower's are required to complete online Exit Counselling before they withdraw, graduate, or drop below half-time.

Budgeting advice

We recommend you have access to at least four weeks’ funds in case there is a delay in your loan money being received.

For further advice about planning for your study costs, see the International Students’ Financial Survival Guide.

For help with developing a budget for your time as a student at the University, contact the Student Finance Advisers or register to attend a financial wellbeing workshop.

Repayments

Borrowers are obligated to make minimum loan payments. See how to manage and repay your loan.

See the US Federal Student Aid website for useful tools and information:

The above information is provided in accordance with the US government’s Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, section 668.

Withdrawals

If you wish to drop or add a course, you will need to make sure you follow the correct procedures within specified timelines. For withdrawal processes and deadlines, see our course additions and withdrawal information.

Withdrawal and return of Title IV

Under US federal law, Victoria University of Wellington is required to report any changes to your enrolment and perform a Return of Title IV if applicable. You may also have to return the unearned funds.

Dependency status

A student’s dependency status is determined from information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It affects the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and types of aid that you may be eligible to receive.

You’re considered independent if you are one or more of:

  • at least 24 years old by 31 December of the award year
  • an orphan or ward/dependent of the court, or was a ward/dependent of the court until you reached age 18
  • a veteran of the US Armed Forces
  • working on a Master’s or doctorate programme at the beginning of the award year for which the FAFSA is completed
  • married as of the date the FAFSA is completed
  • the parent of at least one child who receives more than half of his or her support from you
  • live with a dependent, other than a spouse or a child, who receives more than half of his or her support from you at the time the FAFSA is completed and through 30 June of the award year.

You are considered dependent if you do not meet any of the preceding criteria for an independent student unless Wellington University International determines that you are independent based on special circumstances.

To apply for a dependency override, contact the financial aid coordinator at financial-aid@vuw.ac.nz.

Victoria University of Wellington information

Completion and graduation rates can be found in the University’s Annual Report.

Studying at Victoria University of Wellington

Safeguarding your information

The collection, use, storage, disclosure, and correction of personal information by the University are governed by the Privacy Act 1993. View the University's information about privacy.

Alcohol prevention

Victoria University of Wellington is part of the New Zealand-wide alcohol screening and intervention coordinated by Health Promotion Agency (HPA) whereby all current students are emailed each year with a screening invitation and brief online intervention. More information is available on the Student Health website.

Drug prevention

Students can also seek help about drug or alcohol issues from Student Counselling or Student Health.

Victoria University of Wellington will impose disciplinary sanctions on students for the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol in accordance with the Student Conduct Statute. Such sanctions could include exclusion from the University for a period of up to two years and the matter may be referred to the police. For more detail, refer to Victoria University of Wellington’s Student Conduct Statute.

For a full view of the University’s student policies.

Find an agent

Find an authorised education agent in your local area to help you apply for your degree.

Additional US Federal Student Aid information

There are several other programmes including Pell Grants and Perkins Loans that may be available under the same US legislation. However, these cannot be awarded to students studying outside the United States. Eligible students may, however, defer the repayment of these loans while attending Victoria University of Wellington.

Further information on Direct Loans is available on these links to external websites:

Visit the US Department of Education's website for advice on entrance and exit counselling, viewing federal loan documents, and signing master promissory notes.