International Orientation

International Orientation is your introduction to life at Victoria University of Wellington.

Orientation dates

International Orientation is held before your first classes start. Check your orientation and start dates to find out when you need to attend.

Orientation timetable

International Orientation is compulsory for all new international students in their first trimester of study. This includes PhD students as well as students who have finished the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme and who are starting their degree.

The Orientation materials are available for you to explore before you arrive in Wellington.

After you have fully enrolled, you can access the orientation module through your Nuku account and revisit the resources whenever you need them.

Compulsory sessions

International welcome session: Tuesday 10 November
Keeping safe for international students: Tuesday 10 November
Introduction to Aotearoa: Wednesday 11 November
Insurance and Visa: Thursday 12 November

Highly recommended sessions

Get connected: Tuesday 10 November
Renting privately for international students: Wednesday 11 November
City Walking Tour: Wednesday 11 November
International welcome night: Thursday 12 November

All new international students must complete International Orientation. If you are going to be starting your studies late due to circumstances beyond your control, contact the International team as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.

What happens at Orientation

International Orientation is an information session that will be delivered in person. You will be able to learn about the University, Wellington, and New Zealand at your own pace before classes begin, using the same digital tools which you will be using throughout your studies. Students will receive more information about their orientation programme closer to the start date.

Your orientation activities will include:

opportunities to meet other students from around the world
presentations about your new campuses, living in Wellington, and being a student at the University
optional tours of the University campus and Wellington city
information about the student services and support available on campus
tips on adjusting to the cultural differences you may experience living here
activities to help you feel connected to your new University community
tips on how to prepare for your academic study.

Enrolment

Enrolment will be completed online before your orientation begins. You must be enrolled in order to access our digital orientation content⁠. If you are having trouble with enrolment, contact the international team and we will help you.

If you are an international PhD student, you will enrol through the Faculty of Graduate Research. Please get in touch with them directly about your enrolment.

Find out more about enrolling.