Full Curriculum at Victoria University of Wellington

New Zealand Student On Road With Mountains
What's Included

We invite you to study abroad with API in New Zealand at Victoria University of Wellington. Located in New Zealand's cosmopolitan capital city, VUW offers high quality academics with a strong focus on regional issues, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development through innovative leadership certificate programs.

Enroll in classes with students from across the world, earn valuable credit toward your degree, experience life in the political heart and "culinary capital of New Zealand," and explore all this beautiful country has to offer!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

API Alumni Network

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Housing

Resident Coordinator

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Excursions

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • 2.7 G.P.A.
  • Open to first year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • Official transcript
  • Some advanced prerequisites and supplemental application materials (portfolio, writing samples, reels) may be required for students studying creative writing, architecture, or music performance
  • Entry requirements: valid passport with student visa
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Jun 30, 2023 - Nov 4, 2023 $25,900 Apr 15, 2023 No Extension May 15, 2023
Academic Year Jul, 2023 - Jun, 2024 $46,900 Apr 15, 2023 No Extension May 15, 2023
Spring Feb, 2024 - Jun, 2024 $25,900 Nov 15, 2023 No Extension Dec 15, 2023

This program has an available scholarship of up to $2,000 for students who wish to apply!

*Please note some universities charge extra tuition/fees for specialty areas in some science and engineering disciplines, for example, to cover laboratory, studio, or fieldwork. These fees will be billed separately but students will know in advance which papers are subject to additional fees.

Excursions

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Wellington programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Wellington - Orientation

    API New Zealand students will begin their program with a 2.5-day arrival orientation in their host city of Wellington. This orientation will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow participants, API, and university procedures, and rules, to explore your new host city and to allow for a smoother transition into New Zealand life. Students will spend two nights together in a hotel before moving into their semester housing on day three.

  • Matiu/Somes Island

    Matiu/Somes Island is a tranquil retreat for wildlife and visitors alike. Maori have occupied this island for generations. In more recent times, Matiu/Somes Island has served as a human and animal quarantine station, an internment camp, and a military defense position. Students will take a ferry boat from Wellington Harbour and have a unique opportunity to volunteer on many important projects, such as assisting with the reintroduction of native plants on the islands.

  • Rotorua

    You will fly to Rotorua, middle of the North Island, for a three-night adventure. This excursion will include opportunities to learn about the Maori culture, the flora and fauna unique to the country, and partake in some fun activities!

  • Wellington Chocolate Factory

    This fun visit will allow students to get a look into how chocolate is made, and provides visitors with the opportunity to taste some of the more unique New Zealand flavors!

  • Wellington - Orientation

    API New Zealand students will begin their program with a 2.5-day arrival orientation in their host city of Wellington. This orientation will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow participants, API, and university procedures, and rules, to explore your new host city and to allow for a smoother transition into New Zealand life. Students will spend two nights together in a hotel before moving into their semester housing on day three.

  • Matiu/Somes Island

    Matiu/Somes Island is a tranquil retreat for wildlife and visitors alike. Maori have occupied this island for generations. In more recent times, Matiu/Somes Island has served as a human and animal quarantine station, an internment camp, and a military defense position. Students will take a ferry boat from Wellington Harbour and have a unique opportunity to volunteer on many important projects, such as assisting with the reintroduction of native plants on the islands.

  • The Seal Coast Safari

    Going beyond the city, this excursion will allow students to experience Wellington’s coast line from above while on an off-road sightseeing tour along Wellington’s mountainous west coast. After traveling through Terawhiti Station (New Zealand’s largest wind farm), the group will come upon spectacular views of the South Island and Wellington’s leaning lighthouse before heading down to the ocean to visit a native New Zealand Fur Seal Colony.

  • Rotorua

    You will fly to Rotorua, middle of the North Island, for a three-night adventure. This excursion will include opportunities to learn about the Maori culture, the flora and fauna unique to the country, and partake in some fun activities!

  • Wellington Chocolate Factory

    This fun visit will allow students to get a look into how chocolate is made, and provides visitors with the opportunity to taste some of the more unique New Zealand flavors!

  • Wellington - Orientation

    API New Zealand students will begin their program with a 2.5-day arrival orientation in their host city of Wellington. This orientation will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow participants, API, and university procedures, and rules, to explore your new host city and to allow for a smoother transition into New Zealand life. Students will spend two nights together in a hotel before moving into their semester housing on day three.

  • Kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sounds

    On this full day excursion ,students will take a ferry across to the South Island of New Zealand. From Picton, the group will kayak in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds region before returning to Wellington by ferry.

  • Matiu/Somes Island

    Matiu/Somes Island is a tranquil retreat for wildlife and visitors alike. Maori have occupied this island for generations. In more recent times, Matiu/Somes Island has served as a human and animal quarantine station, an internment camp, and a military defense position. Students will take a ferry boat from Wellington Harbour and have a unique opportunity to volunteer on many important projects, such as assisting with the reintroduction of native plants on the islands.

  • The Seal Coast Safari

    Going beyond the city, this excursion will allow students to experience Wellington’s coast line from above while on an off-road sightseeing tour along Wellington’s mountainous west coast. After traveling through Terawhiti Station (New Zealand’s largest wind farm), the group will come upon spectacular views of the South Island and Wellington’s leaning lighthouse before heading down to the ocean to visit a native New Zealand Fur Seal Colony.

  • Te Papa Tongarewa Museum

    This is New Zealand's national museum, and its name translates literally to "Container of Treasures." Students will visit the Gallipoli exhibit and learn more about New Zealand’s involvement in World War I, and can participate in an optional visit to see the Terracotta Warriors. (For over 2,000 years the Warriors secretly guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor.)

  • Rotorua

    You will fly to Rotorua, middle of the North Island, for a three-night adventure. This excursion will include opportunities to learn about the Maori culture, the flora and fauna unique to the country, and partake in some fun activities!

  • Wellington Chocolate Factory

    This fun visit will allow students to get a look into how chocolate is made, and provides visitors with the opportunity to taste some of the more unique New Zealand flavors!

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12-15 credits per semester

Students at the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) will be able to take a wide variety of courses with Kiwis and other international students in one of New Zealand’s most comfortable and cosmopolitan cities. Located in the capital, VUW offers top-level academics with a strong focus on regional issues. VUW also offers several opportunities for personal exploration and professional development through innovative leadership certificate programs. This university also holds "Triple Crown" accreditation - AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.

MENTOR PROGRAM

VUW features a special mentor program called the International Buddy Program, wherein international students are introduced and paired with a local student (via email) prior to their arrival in Wellington. These ‘buddies’ provide ongoing information about university life and help advise on local customs and living.

VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

This innovative program was designed by VUW to help students develop leadership potential and advance their international knowledge and intercultural awareness. The program consists of seminars, speaker events, and experiential activities, and is centered on themes of international leadership, cross-cultural communication, global connectedness, and sustainability. Participants are required to attend and submit feedback on two seminars (at least one New Zealand-focused); attend two speaker events; and complete at least 20 Experiential Activity points.

VICTORIA PLUS CERTIFICATE SERVICE & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The goal of this service program is to develop leadership, social responsibility, and employability skills among students. The program may be customized to fit students’ interests, and consists of three different components: extracurricular work with community groups and NPO s/NGO s; personal and professional development; and reflections and building of an ePortfolio, international leadership, cross-cultural communication, global connectedness, and sustainability. Participants are required to attend and submit feedback on two seminars (at least one New Zealand-focused); attend two speaker events; and complete at least 20 Experiential Activity points.

TRANSCRIPTS

Students receive an official transcript from the Victoria University of Wellington upon completion of their program.

  • Stephanni Greenan headshot

    Stephanni Greenan

    Stephanni Greenan will be your Program Coordinator and will help you prepare to go abroad!

    (she/her/hers)

  • Karen Dryden Photo

    Karen Dryden

    Karen Dryden is the Wellington Resident Director and will be there for you during your stay abroad!

    (she/her/hers)

Courses
Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

CREDIT INFORMATION

Courses in New Zealand are commonly referred to as “papers.” Introductory papers are called 100-level papers; subsequent years or semesters are considered 200- and 300-level papers and usually require the fulfillment of academic prerequisites. 400-level papers are considered to be taught at the graduate level and require an advanced background in relevant subject areas. Most papers are offered on a single semester basis and are worth 15 or 20 points (credits). Students will enroll in 3 or 4 papers per semester for a total of 60 points. One 15 point paper is generally equivalent to 3-4 U.S. semester credits. Given that point values vary, the way in which credits completed abroad will transfer to a student's home campus will be under the discretion of the student's home institution and should be verified in advance.

Courses at Victoria University of Wellington (Full Curriculum)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Victoria University of Wellington (Full Curriculum)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Victoria University of Wellington (Full Curriculum)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Highlights
  • Classes taught in English
  • Top business accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
  • Service learning and leadership certificate programs
  • Mentorship programs
Housing

All API Wellington students will be housed close to each other in student dorms on/near campus. Students will have their own private bedrooms, and share common areas such as a kitchen, dining/lounge room, and bathroom facilities with their flatmates. Internet, linens, and utilities are included.

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