Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students must meet both English language and academic entry requirements.

Recognition of Qualifications

We refer to UK ENIC and NOOSR when determining the recognition of institutions and qualifications.

English Language Requirements

Visit the English language requirements page for full details on our English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes .

Find your Requirements

We welcome applicants from all around the world. Select your level of study to find your academic and English requirements:

Undergraduate entry requirements

To be eligible for undergraduate study, you must have completed one of the following:

  • A recognised high school qualification
  • A recognised foundation studies programme
  • At least one year of tertiary-level study towards a qualification equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree at a recognised institution
  • An approved partnership and pathway programme.

All Bachelor’s degrees share the same academic entry criteria.

Country-Specific Requirements

Select the country where your qualification was awarded to view minimum academic requirements.

Select your country

International High School Qualifications

  • IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma: Minimum 24 points
  • CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) A & AS Levels:
    • A Levels
      • UK: Three GCE A-Level passes at grade C or higher
      • Outside UK: Three GCE A-Level passes, with at least one subject at grade C or higher
    • AS Levels: Two AS Levels may substitute one A-Level. AS Levels must differ from A-Level subjects. Total score must equal 120 points on the NZ Tariff.
  • BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 National Extended Diploma: Considered at the University’s discretion

English Language Requirement for Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Standard Requirement: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5
    • Exceptions which require IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with no band below 7.0:
      • Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education
      • Bachelor of Midwifery

Explore our full list of undergraduate degrees.

Credit Transfer and Exemptions

If you’ve completed part or all of a tertiary qualification at a recognised institution, you may be eligible for academic credit transfer or exemptions.

Don’t meet the undergraduate entry requirements?

Our Foundation Studies programme can help you meet both academic and English language requirements. Successful completion guarantees entry into undergraduate study.

Postgraduate entry requirements

Postgraduate programmes Include:

  • Graduate Certificates & Diplomas
  • Honour’s year of a Bachelor’s degree
  • Postgraduate Certificates & Diplomas
  • Master’s Degrees
  • PhD programmes

Explore our full list of our postgraduate programmes.

PhD applications follow a different process from other postgraduate programmes and require a separate application system. For full details, visit the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) page.

To apply for postgraduate study, you typically need:

  • A qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution
  • In some cases, relevant work experience may substitute for a degree. This is subject to approval by the Head of School on a case-by-case basis and only available for selected programmes.

Note: GMAT or GRE scores are not required for admission.

For further entry requirement details, see English language requirements, and for additional academic criteria, or any programme-specific documentation, refer to the relevant postgraduate programme page.

Don’t meet the postgraduate entry requirements?

If you do not meet the academic requirements for your chosen postgraduate programme, we may be able to help.

Contact our international team and we can advise on a possible path of study to prepare you for your degree.

How to apply

Once you know the entry requirements for your degree or programme, you can apply at any time. Find out how to apply to study.

You can still apply if you don’t meet our minimum English-language requirements. You will get a conditional Offer of Place and must meet the requirements before you apply for your student visa.

Document Preparation

For detailed information on the required documents, certification procedures, tips on approaching a supervisor (if required), and more, refer to our prepare your documents overview page.

Foundation Studies

Our Foundation Studies programme helps you meet our undergraduate academic and English requirements and will guarantee you undergraduate university entrance.

English for Academic Purposes

Improve your English on campus or online in our 12-week English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme.

Find a pathway to your degree

If you do not meet the academic requirements for your chosen postgraduate programme we can help.