International Experience Grant

Apply for a spot on our international exchange programme before you start university, and you could receive a grant for your tuition fees.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is proud to partner with over 140 universities in 35 countries through our Wellington Global Exchange programme—giving you access to some of the best universities around the globe.

Apply early for a place on our overseas exchange programme (for your second year of study), and you could be awarded an International Experience Grant to cover your tuition fees while you are on exchange.

The International Experience Grant will enable you to explore new cultures, make friends from all over the world, and gain leadership skills that set you apart. You’ll build a global network of contacts and supercharge your CV, making you a standout candidate for future employers.

What’s included in the grant

The International Experience Grant includes:

Wellington Global Exchange

Wellington Global Exchange is a student exchange programme for Victoria University students, offering you an opportunity to broaden your horizons overseas as you study towards your degree. The exchange programme allows you to complete part of your degree at one of our partner universities.

Wellington International Leadership Programme

Wellington International Leadership Programme is an ideal way to get involved and kickstart a globally-engaged career, if you’re interested in global issues, cultural diversity, and social change. It is a co-curricular programme where you’ll participate in three areas; seminars, speaker events and experiential activities.

Eligibility

You’re eligible to apply for the International Experience Grant if you:

  • are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
  • have submitted a completed admission application to study a Bachelor’s degree at Victoria University of Wellington starting in Trimester 1, 2025 by Monday 7 October 2024
  • have not previously studied at level 5 or above on the NZQA framework, unless this was through the STAR programme.

Photos from previous exchange students

A group of exchange students outside St George's Chapel, Windsor.

View gallery

Conditions of offer

If you recieve an offer, there are a number of conditions you’ll need to meet before your place is confirmed.

In order to secure your place you need to:

  • meet the requirements to study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by achieving one of the following admission types: NCEA University Entrance, Cambridge Assessment International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or Discretionary Entrance
  • complete a full-time year of study at Victoria University (a minimum of 120 points) before starting your exchange
  • achieve a minimum ‘B’ (5.0) grade point average (GPA) that is maintained up until the start of your exchange
  • complete the required number of activities for the Wellington International Leadership Programme (attend 8 seminars, 3 speaker events, and gain 50 experiential activity points) prior to leaving for your exchange, and complete the remainder of the programme requirements on your return
  • demonstrate qualities that show you will be a good ambassador for Victoria University of Wellington and for New Zealand while you’re overseas
  • meet any further programme eligibility criteria—this may include any faculty exchange requirements related to your degree, or language or other requirements from the host university
  • complete the registration processes for both the Wellington International Leadership and the Wellington Global Exchange programme in 2025.

The International Experience Grant can’t be held in conjunction with the Exchange grant or the Wellington International Leadership Programme grant. Other conditions may also apply.