Your online study options
Many courses in Trimester 1 2021 will be available online for students who are unable to come to campus. There are some exceptions for courses where face-to-face learning is an essential part of your study. International students studying online in their home country can study part-time.
Popular programmes starting in Trimester 1 by distance
Bachelor of Science
Our science degrees are flexible. There are hundreds of unique combinations to choose from in more than 20 specialised scientific areas.
Bachelor of Commerce
You'll get a strong foundation in private business and public administration, and gain skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Bachelor of Arts
Ranked in the top 1 percent worldwide, our Bachelor of Arts will challenge your thinking and expand your view of the world.
Master of Professional Accounting
Start your career in accounting and fast-track your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Master of Professional Business Analysis
Develop industry learning and practical skills for a career in business analysis. For graduates from any non-ICT background.
Master of Arts TESOL/Applied Linguistics
Study alongside teachers from around the world. Develop expertise in teaching English to speakers of other languages and in research on language-related issues.
Explore undergraduate degrees
Discover the undergraduate degrees that you can commence online at Victoria University of Wellington.
Explore undergraduate degreesExplore postgraduate programmes
See which of our 140 postgraduate qualifications you can commence online at Victoria University of Wellington.
See postgraduate programmesYour online experience
When you study online, you will be part of our wider university community. Classes are taught by distance through the University’s Blackboard online content system, with opportunities to connect remotely with your lecturers and tutors. If timezone differences allow, classes may be delivered live via Zoom. Some classes, however, may only be available as pre-recorded lectures.
We offer support for all students taking classes online, wherever you are in the world. Get advice and tips for online learning, access to health services and counselling, and ongoing wellbeing support if needed from our International Support team.
I enjoyed studying my courses online over lockdown. Lecturers intentionally increased class interaction by dividing us into small groups. Recorded lectures are more clear, easier for revisiting.
Tsung-Han Wu, Taiwan
Master of Global Business
Explore our scholarships
We award more than NZ$12 million in scholarships each year. Scholarship applications for Trimester 1 2021 are now open.
Explore scholarships
Studying remotely can be challenging, but all my tutors and lecturers are patient and supportive. It also means I have enjoyed weekend outings with my parents at home in China—a memorable experience.
Yuelin Yao, China
Data Science and Statistics
Online learning—the way of the future
While studying online is the new normal for students around the world, academic Dr Anne Yates weighs up what this means for the future.
Read moreStudent visas
You do not need a visa to study online outside New Zealand. After the border opens, if you plan to come to New Zealand to continue your study on campus you must then apply for a student visa. You must have a valid visa before you can enter New Zealand after the border opens.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is not currently accepting applications for temporary visas, including student visas, from outside New Zealand until February 2021. INZ will review this suspension of visa processing monthly. We will provide updates as soon as any new information is available.
To be eligible for the post-study work rights visa, students must study on campus in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.
For the latest information about New Zealand border and visa processing, go to the Immigration New Zealand website.
Contact us
If you have any questions about your online study options, talk to us. Our international team is here to help.
Ask us about online studyHow to apply
Follow our steps to apply for a degree, pathway programme, or Study Abroad and Exchange programme.
Apply now
Studying in person
Online study is a great learning opportunity, and may be a pathway to future study in person. We are working closely with the New Zealand Government to explore options that would allow entry of international students back into New Zealand.
Read our COVID-19 updates