Refugee-background students

Information, support and advice tailored specifically to students with a refugee background.

Nau mai haere mai—welcome

Congratulations on all your hard work and achievements so far. There are more than 100 students from diverse refugee-backgrounds across the University, and even more who have successfully completed their studies. It’s great to have you with us at Victoria University of Wellington.

The University offers you many exciting opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and there is a network of students and staff who can help you achieve your goals.

Ask questions, have fun, work hard and make contact with those around you. Learning is more enjoyable when you do it with others, and their support will add to your success.

Types of support

Teaching support

There is a strong network of teaching and support staff across the University, who have a particular interest and commitment to supporting refugee-background students.

To find out who may be in your area, contact Kirsten Reid by email on kirsten.reid@vuw.ac.nz or call her on +64 4 463 6841.

Other key student support services

At Victoria University of Wellington, we offer a wide range of services so students have the support they need to ensure a successful university experience.

The following services are available to all students enrolled at the University:

Student Learning

Student Learning advisors are interested in working with students from diverse backgrounds. Student Learning offers individual appointments, workshops and resources to help you develop your academic skills and writing, and become an independent learner.

Drop-in centre

Would you like to help set up a drop-in centre for students from refugee backgrounds and student leaders/mentors? There is space in the Bubble (in the Student Union Building) to host this. If you have ideas for what a drop-in centre could offer, please email Muna Yem or Kirsten Reid.

For more information, visit our Facebook page or email vuw.dropin@gmail.com.