Victoria University of Wellington

Recent achievements and news from Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington:

The Living Pā

Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington is redeveloping the university's marae (Māori meeting house) precinct. The redevelopment project to construct the Living Pā will meet the sustainable development principles of the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge, set out by the Living Future Institute. The Living Pā will bring mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and sustainability practices together to create a hub for wellbeing and innovation that sits at the heart of the university.

Celebrating alumni mentorship

In 2022, the university celebrates a decade of its Alumni as Mentors programme, which connects alumni who want to share their skills with students in their final year of study to help set goals for their future. One third of all mentors who are part of the programme return each year, and the university was the first in New Zealand to offer this type of programme.

Introducing new majors

Starting in 2023, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree will be able to major in artificial intelligence or space science-the first programmes of their kind in New Zealand. Students can also study towards a Bachelor of Global Studies degree beginning in 2023. This bachelor's degree is designed to meet a growing demand for interculturally confident and civic-minded graduates who can understand and shape solutions to important issues facing the world.

Best and brightest

At Victoria University of Wellington, students will learn from academics who are among the best and brightest in their fields. More than 850 academics at the university are actively involved in research, and 66 percent of those are operating at the highest levels (Performance-Based Research Fund, 2019-20).

The university has more A-rated researchers than any other New Zealand university in eight subject areas, including earth sciences, political science, international relations and public policy, and English language and literature.

Inclusive teaching

On the 2022 QS Stars audit, the university scored full marks on inclusiveness across performance areas of low-income outreach, student cohort diversity, access to scholarships and bursaries, and access for students with disabilities.

Innovative teaching

A number of the university's staff have won National Tertiary Teaching Excellence awards for innovative teaching. The most recent award winner was Senior Lecturer Dr Awanui Te Huia, who received the award for drawing on her students' life experiences to enhance the impact of her teaching.

Top in research

Students interested in postgraduate study have access to world-class facilities and expertise. Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand's top university for research intensity according to the most recent survey. Most staff at the university have undertaken research at the highest levels, and all are encouraged to integrate their research into their teaching. The university has more than 850 staff actively involved in research.

Supportive environment

In addition to lectures, most courses include tutoring in small groups where students can discuss their ideas, ask questions and get individual help. Students also have access to a range of academic resources and student learning services that will help them succeed at the university.

Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington has a range of scholarships available to international students.

Tongarewa Scholarship

This NZD5,000 or NZD10,000 scholarship rewards academic excellence for international students entering their first year of study at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Up to 19 scholarships are awarded each year.

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship supports high-achieving new international undergraduate students to study in 2023. Scholarships are valued at NZD10,000 towards tuition fees for the first year of study. Scholarships will be awarded competitively on the basis of academic excellence. There is no application procedure, and awardees will be notified if they have received the scholarship.

New Zealand Scholarships programme

New Zealand Scholarships, offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme, provide students from eligible partner countries fully funded study opportunities at the university.

Master's fees scholarships

International applicants who meet the entry requirements for select taught master's degrees, such as the Master of Conservation Biology, Master of Marine Conservation and Master of International Trade, are eligible for automatic NZD10,000 scholarships.

Faculty of Law International Students LLM Fee Scholarship

This NZD5,000 scholarship is available to eligible international students who opt for one year of full-time study in the Master of Laws. Students are required to have an excellent academic record and must be able to show financial need.

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

• a good command of the English language
• a good record of academic achievement

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The university considers each student's academic and English-language background when assessing applications.

If a student doesn't meet the English-language requirements for their chosen course, they can enrol in the university's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme. This 12-week course is taught at the university in every trimester, and aims to develop a student's English language and academic skills for university study. It includes 10 weeks of teaching, orientation, and testing. Students may need to take two or more consecutive courses to meet their study goal.

If a student doesn't meet the academic requirements for their undergraduate courses, they can enrol in the Foundation Studies Programme. This flexible programme is taught by the university's partner UP Education and offers successful students guaranteed entry to Victoria University of Wellington's undergraduate degrees.

International support

The university's dedicated international team is the first point of contact for international students. The team provides support and advice to students from application to graduation.

Support services include:

• help with international applications and admissions
• international student orientation and events
• airport arrival meeting service
• International Buddy Programme
• personal, cultural, and academic support and referral
• insurance claim support
• support with applying for a student visa renewal.

Accommodation

The university's halls of residence offer a variety of accommodation styles, including single rooms, studio rooms, shared rooms, and shared apartments or houses. Some halls provide meals, and others have kitchens for students to cater for themselves. All halls provide support for students and facilities for recreation and study. Living in a hall provides international students with the opportunity to make new friends and live alongside students from all over the world.

Learning support

Success at university requires independence and new skills. The university's Student Learning team can help with:

• transition to university
• workshops on academic writing, study skills, mathematics and statistics
• peer-assisted study support (PASS) groups
• specialist support for international students and students with disabilities.

The university also has a language learning centre, offering students advice on language learning and providing self-study resources spanning more than 80 different languages.

Health and wellbeing

Mauri Ora-Student Health offers a full range of affordable general practice medical services on campus. Highly trained counsellors are also available to confidentially discuss personal and academic issues that affect a student's general wellbeing or their learning.

Safety

Wellington is one of the safest cities in the world. In 2021, it was ranked the 7^th safest city in the world for personal safety (Safe Cities Index).

The university's Careers and Employment team helps students achieve their career goals. It offers professional advice on career planning, job exploration, and career development. The team can help international students apply for jobs and internships, write CVs and cover letters, and learn interview tips and career-related topics.

Students can find useful online resources as well as internships, work experience, and job opportunities. Career expos and graduation recruitment events are held throughout the year and give students the opportunity to meet potential employers and find out about jobs and internships. The Alumni as Mentors programme matches final-year students with successful graduates who can offer valuable tips and advice for transitioning from study to a work environment.

Graduate profile

Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington prepares its graduates to:

• specialise in their chosen field of study
• demonstrate problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork skills
• communicate complex ideas accurately and effectively in many contexts
• demonstrate independent thinking and openness to new ideas.

Of the graduates from Victoria University of Wellington who completed the 2020-21 Graduate Destinations Survey:

• 70 percent were in full-time employment
• 93 percent were employed prior to or within six months of completing their degree
• 18 percent of graduates went on to full-time study, and 70 percent of graduates pursuing full-time study also worked either full time or part time.

International students in Wellington can also benefit from the WorkReady in Wellington and mentor programmes provided by WellingtonNZ.