Exchange Suspension - update for students
Kia ora tātou,
We hope that you are keeping safe and well during the current alert levels.
Thank you for your interest in the Wellington Global Exchange Programme. For the information of all students, we are confirming that Victoria University of Wellington is suspending inbound and outbound exchanges with all partners for Trimester 1 2022 (January – June), excepting possibly those partners in a destination with which New Zealand may establish a ‘travel bubble’ (i.e. Australia).
We know that this comes as a disappointment, particularly to those of you who may have already deferred your exchange applications from previous trimesters. We have come to this decision based on the following factors:
- Safeguarding student safety and wellbeing is our priority. The COVID-19 situation remains highly changeable, and current guidance from the New Zealand Government advises New Zealanders not to travel overseas.
- The potential difficulties around securing a place in a managed quarantine facility upon returning to New Zealand.
- Immigration New Zealand’s restrictions on entry to New Zealand and visa processing outside the country mean it will not be able to process any new international student exchange visas until the end of February 2022 at the earliest, which in turn means we would not be able to engage in any reciprocal exchanges with our partner universities for T1 2022 (excepting our Australian partners).
- This decision is in keeping with universities across New Zealand that have also suspended global exchanges (outside of Australia) for T1 2022.
Possible T1 2022 Exchanges – Our Australian Partner Universities
However, there remains the possibility that New Zealand could resume a travel bubble with Australia, thereby enabling students to go on exchange to our Australian partner universities for Trimester 1 2022.
We're excited to announce that we've added two new Australian partners, doubling our exchange options to comprise the following universities:
- Australian National University
- Macquarie University
- Queensland University of Technology
- University of Wollongong
The deadline to apply to Trimester 1 2022 exchanges at our Australian partner universities has been extended to 1 November. If you are interested in the possibility of going on exchange for Trimester 1 2022, we encourage you to consider applying for an exchange with one of our Australian partners sooner rather than later. Reach out to our office for more information.
Our selection of Australian partner universities offer geographical diversity and a wide range of course offerings, research avenues, and opportunities for cultural exchange. We will be planning information sessions with these partners and will update our website with more information as it becomes available.
Our team is keeping a close eye on the situation as it evolves, and will provide updates concerning exchange prospects with both our Australian partners for T1 2022 and all other exchange partners from T2 2022 onwards. Please reach out to our office for more information.
We send very best wishes to you and your whānau in these uncertain times. Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart.
Kia haumaru te noho,
