Provisional Admission

If you do not achieve University Entrance but meet certain academic criteria, you may be able to start a Bachelor’s degree in a restricted programme of study.

Provisional Admission provides direct admission to Bachelor’s degrees under an initially restricted programme of study. It is only available if you're starting your studies in Trimester 1.

You'll study only two courses in your first trimester. One of these two courses will be an introduction to academic studies where you'll be supported to develop the core skills that will set you up for success in your degree. We'll provide you with additional support throughout your first year. You'll be able to continue with your chosen degree as long as you pass both your courses in your first trimester.

Students accepted under Provisional Admission can enrol in most undergraduate programmes of study—see the provisional admission first-year programme tool below.

Restrictions to programme of study

• In your first trimester, you will be restricted to 2 courses. One of these courses will be EDUC 191: Introduction to Academic Studies—this course is offered in person only.
• Your course schedule for your first year will be set for you based on your chosen degree and major. It will be set to a minimum of 100 points to ensure you are eligible for StudyLink.
• If you pass your Trimester 1 courses, you will be able to change your programme but you will be required to discuss any changes with our advising staff.
• If you fail any of your courses in the first trimester, you will be unable to continue studies toward your degree.
• Provisional Admission is only available for students starting in Trimester 1.

Mandatory attendance and course engagement requirements

In addition to achieving overall pass marks in both Trimester 1 courses, you must:

• complete a University Readiness Quiz
• attend an orientation session for EDUC 191 during Orientation
• attend at least nine workshops in each of the three EDUC191 course strands (Psychology for Learning, Academic Writing, Critical Thinking).

Criteria

To be accepted for Provisional Admission to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you must have:

• an NCEA Level 2 Certificate (or equivalent)
• numeracy and literacy requirements for University Entrance
• an NCEA Level 3 Certificate—or no fewer than 30 credits in approved subjects at Level 3 (or equivalent), including 14 credits in at least one approved subject at Level 3
• been enrolled in Year 13 at a New Zealand Secondary School (or equivalent).

Students over 20 years old who do not have University Entrance should apply through Special Admission.

Application process

1. Apply online. Ensure you provide full information about your schooling background and any required documentation so that we can assess your eligibility.
2. Get in touch with us to discuss your admission pathway.

If you have previously applied under the New Zealand University Entrance category, we will automatically consider you for Provisional Admission, in the event you do not achieve University Entrance. To discuss your admission pathway, get in touch with us.

Provisional admission options

Select your chosen degree and major subject to see the first-year courses you'd complete in each trimester if you start your studies via provisional admission.