Admission is based on previous qualifications and results. You’ll need to meet one of the admission types to gain entry to Victoria University of Wellington.
New Zealand University Entrance
If you’ve achieved NCEA University Entrance, or if you have a Bursary or pre-1986 University Entrance, you’ll be admitted through this category.
Cambridge International Examinations
If you sat and passed the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in New Zealand, you’ll be admitted through this category.
International Baccalaureate
If you’ve completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) at a school in New Zealand, you’ll be admitted through this category.
Qualification assessment at entrance level
If you have another New Zealand qualification or the international equivalent of New Zealand University Entrance, you’ll be admitted through this category.
Qualification assessment above entrance level
If you’ve studied towards a degree or diploma elsewhere, you can be admitted on that basis. This includes transfers from other New Zealand universities.
Victoria University of Wellington entrance qualification
You will be admitted if you have a Certificate in Foundation Studies, the Tohu Māoritanga, or the Diploma in University Studies (Pasifika Pathways).
Discretionary Entrance
This type of admission is for secondary school students who wish to apply to university prior to gaining a university entrance qualification.
Special Admission
Special Admission is for people over 20 who do not have a recognised University Entrance qualification but have relevant work and life experience.
Preparing for degree-level study
Some students may not be ready for degree-level study straight away. We offer a number of introductory courses and programmes to prepare students for study.
Postgraduate entry
To apply and enrol for postgraduate study you must follow certain procedures.
Check your admission type
Answer a few quick questions to find out which admission type applies to you.Begin
Steps to apply
If you’re a new student and want to study at Victoria University of Wellington, follow the steps below to apply and get prepared before you start university.
International and PhD students
If you’re an international student or enrolling in a PhD programme, you’ll follow a different application process and cannot apply using the online enrolment system.
Master’s programmes
You can apply online for most Master’s programmes but some need paper applications. Check the application process with your faculty office before you apply.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before you enrol at Victoria University of Wellington you must meet University Entrance requirements. Check that you’re eligible to apply by meeting one of the admission types. This is required when you complete the application form.
School leavers—waiting on your results
If you’re waiting on your NCEA results, you can apply now. You will receive a conditional Offer of Study and then a confirmation once your NCEA results are available.
Postgraduate programmes (Honours, Master’s, certificates, and diplomas)
To gain entry to a postgraduate programme you need to meet one of the admission types in addition to programme specific requirements.
Pre-degree courses and programmes
If you don’t meet the admissions requirements, consider our pre-degree courses and programmes, these may provide bridging options for you to gain University Entrance and start your university studies early.
Step 2: Choose your degree and courses
Find the right degree for you, explore our study options—browse by degree or subject.
Limited entry—some courses or programmes have a limit on the number of students they can accept. If you want to know more, get in touch on 0800 04 04 04.
Find out how to plan your degree and courses. If you’re stuck or would rather chat to someone, we can help—book a course planning session.
Make a timetable
Check for clashes—download and draft up a weekly timetable to see if any of your classes overlap.
Balance your workload
Make sure you’re not overdoing it—for every hour you spend in class, you should spend around 2 hours working on your own. The average full-time workload is 120 points a year.
Check enrolment deadlines
Find out what our enrolment deadlines are, especially when enrolments are due so you’re well prepared before then.
Step 3: How to apply
Apply online. You need to have an up-to-date email address and a photo for your student ID card. You also need to know what you want to study—your degree or postgraduate programme, majors, and/or minors.
You will need to ensure you select the core courses and any elective courses you need to complete for your degree.
Once you have submitted your application, you’ll get an email confirming we’ve received your application.
If you’re having problems applying, contact the Enrolment Office on 0800 04 04 04.
Step 4: After you’ve applied
Accept your Offer of Study
You should receive an Offer of Study within about 4 weeks of applying.
Send your supporting documents
You’ll need to send us a birth certificate or passport, or proof of citizenship/residency, and academic records (if needed). Find out more about the documents you must supply.
Wait for your NCEA results
If you’re a school leaver and you’ve gained University Entrance, then you’ll be automatically accepted—you don’t need to do anything.
Make a change to your programme
If you want to make a change, you can send back your accepted Offer of Study ‘with changes’. You can still do it at a later date but it may affect your fees.
You’re confirmed
Once we’ve received all of the above, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Study with your confirmed programme.
Step 5: Preparing for study
Student loans and allowances
Calculate your course fees for the year and apply for a student loan or allowance. Make sure to apply early to avoid the rush.
Think about a budget—starting out on your own as a student is a big change, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to manage your money.
Find accommodation
You may have already applied for a hall of residence. If not there are plenty of other accommodation options.
Get a student ID card
If you didn’t submit a photo for your student ID card with your online application you can still send it through to avoid waiting in queues when you arrive.
Don’t miss orientation
You’ll have an Orientation Week at the start of Trimester 1 (or a day at the start of Trimester 2) to familiarise yourself with the campuses and the University before classes start so you can meet other students and get settled in.
Questions
There are lots of different student services and support, so don’t be afraid to get in touch.