How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for a degree, pathway programme, or study abroad programme.

1. Find out about your chosen programme

Before you start your application, make sure you check:

You will find this information on your chosen degree or programme page.

Apply by our application deadlines to make sure you have enough time to apply for a student visa and accommodation before you travel to New Zealand.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements

At Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, we are here to help you meet your study goals. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for:

2. Prepare your documentation

You will need to show us proof that you meet the entry requirements for your chosen programme.

When you apply, you need to provide certified copies of your original documents. If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll also need to provide certified translations.

3. Apply online

If you're applying for yourself, you can create an account on Pūaha, our student portal, and complete your application online. Find out what to do if you're an agent.

  • You’ll need a personal email address to start your online application.
  • You’ll need to know what you want to study (your degree or programme) and when you want to start studying (the year and trimester) before you start your application.

You can apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, English for Academic Purposes, and Study Abroad programmes via the online portal. Find out more about how to sign up or sign in to Pūaha.

You will find instructions for how to apply, and a link to the online portal, on your degree or programme page. Make sure you read the terms and conditions when you apply.

Applying as a New Zealand secondary school student

If you are an international student currently studying in New Zealand for NCEA, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), follow our guide to applying for undergraduate study.

Applying to do a PhD or research Master's degree

To apply for a research Master's degree or doctoral programme, you need to apply through the Faculty of Graduate Research.

Applying for Foundation Studies

The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme is taught exclusively through UP International College New Zealand. Apply via the UP Education website.

What happens next

Wait for confirmation

We will send you an email to confirm we have received your application. We’ll then email you to confirm whether your application is successful, usually within one week (undergraduate) or three to four weeks (postgraduate). Some programmes may take longer to assess due to interview, thesis, and audition requirements.

Accept your offer

If you are accepted to study at Victoria University of Wellington, we will email you an Offer of Place letter. This guarantees your entry into your chosen degree or programme, once you have met any conditions of your offer. You can accept your offer online.

Prepare to study

Once you have an Offer of Place, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about preparing for your studies.

Find out more about how to get ready to study.