Victoria University Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington offers an enriching exchange programme for incoming students from partner universities worldwide. Participants can study for a trimester or a full academic year, earning credits towards their home degree. The university provides a supportive environment with orientation sessions, social events, and the International Buddy program to help students integrate into the local culture.

Exchange students can choose from a wide range of geoscience courses and enjoy the vibrant, compact city of Wellington, known for its arts, culture, and natural beauty. Accommodation is guaranteed for international students who apply by the deadline, ensuring a comfortable stay. This programme aims to broaden students’ academic and cultural horizons while fostering global connections.

Available exchanges

VUW hosts the University-wide exchange.

Students on the following degree programme may apply for Subject-specific exchange to VUW:

  • Global Law

Restrictions

Some courses are restricted and will not be available to exchange students:

Restricted Courses at VUW


To search for courses, and for information on how to understand course codes and titles at VUW, you can browse their online Course Finder:

Course Finder

Detailed course outlines are not released for the current trimester until classes begin, however, students are encouraged to refer to previous course outlines available from some Faculty websites.


Guaranteed accommodation?

Yes

University accommodation

University accommodation is guaranteed for exchange students who apply by the 1 May accommodation deadline. Student Accommodation at VUW is very competitive. This means that students may not be placed in one of their initial choices for accommodation.  Find out more about accommodation at the links below:

University accommodation 

Accommodation Guide 

Private accommodation

VUW offers advice about sourcing private accommodation on the webpage below:

Accommodation overview


How much it will cost to go on exchange to VUW?

You will need to consider establishment costs, which may include buying furniture, paying a rental bond, and setting up electricity, gas and mobile phone accounts. Other expenses, such as visa and medical fees (see ‘Health insurance’, below), as well as return airfares, should also be considered. Remember that exchange rate variations may also affect your budget. 

Information about expenses and living costs can be found on VUW's website:

Your fees and costs | International | Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Health insurance

All international students are required to have appropriate health and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. VUW has selected the Studentsafe University policy as its preferred policy:

The insurance fee must be paid by exchange students, unless you are granted an insurance waiver for an alternative policy.  The University of Edinburgh's travel insurance policy has previously been approved as a suitable waiver, but this may be subject to change.  Furhter information about the Studentsafe policy and how to apply for a waiver can be found at the link below:

Studentsafe Inbound Policy

 


VUW's academic calendar can be viewed at the link below:

Academic calendar at VUW

Students on exchange at VUW for a full academic year will attend for Trimester 2 and Trimester 1.  Students will not attend in Trimester 3.


Victoria University of Wellington has published a brochure and a factsheet with further useful information for exchange students. 

VUW brochure

VUW factsheet


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