Study support
Find out about the study support available to international students.
International student advisers are here to support all current international, study abroad, exchange, English programme, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. If you are not sure where to find help, the International Student Experience team is a great place to start.
We understand that living and studying in a foreign country can be challenging, and that it comes with its highs and lows—talking about it can help. You can talk to us if:
- you’re finding learning at our University very different from home
- you’re finding it hard to meet people and are feeling isolated
- things aren't going so well back home, and you can’t concentrate on your studies
- you need help with practical or day-to-day life matters.
You can book an appointment with an international student adviser, or find out about the services on offer at the University and how to access them.
Manage your studies
If you need help managing your studies or have questions about your course or qualification, your Tītoko—Student Success Adviser is here to help with everything you need for a smooth academic journey. You can contact them for degree planning, enrolment, changes to courses, assessments, grades, or other academic matters.
Find out how to manage your studies.
Learning support
Student Learning offers individual appointments to support students in developing the writing, thinking, study, and maths skills necessary for success.
Student Learning also runs interactive workshops for international students. These workshops can help you to:
- prepare you for studying in New Zealand
- improve your confidence in communicating with Kiwis and overcoming cultural barriers
- give presentations in English
- practise conversational English
- improve your grammar and punctuation
- learn how to use AI responsibly
- improve your exam skills.
Find out more about Student Learning courses for international students.
Academic monitoring programme
Support is available at the University to help you succeed academically. We run an academic monitoring programme to help identify and provide one-to-one assistance to students who are struggling in their courses. Under the Admission and Enrolment Regulations, students’ enrolment can be restricted if they do not make satisfactory progress. Making good progress is also a condition of your student visa.
If you fail more than 50 percent of your courses in a trimester, you will be referred to an academic monitoring programme with the International Student Experience team. An international student adviser will provide confidential support to help you:
- improve your study performance
- identify the areas where you need to improve
- achieve academic success.
Learn more about study support.
Language support
Learning in a different language can be challenging, and proficiency in academic English is key to your academic success. There are several ways you can get support to practise your English skills at the University.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Proficiency in English is your key to academic success. The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme develops your English language and academic skills for study at university.
There are two courses:
WRIT 151 (Academic writing for bilingual and multilingual writers)
WRIT 151 is designed to improve the writing skills of students for whom English is a second or additional language. During the course, students practise techniques for generating, drafting, and revising writing for a range of purposes, with a focus on addressing problems faced by second-language writers.
English conversation hour (in-person)
The English conversation hour provides a relaxed and informal environment where you can make social connections with other international students. Sessions are student-led and some of the activities include language games and conversations on topics such as New Zealand culture and your own culture.
Every Friday, 3 pm, KK001
Virtual English conversation hour
The virtual English conversation hour is an informal online space where you can connect and practice English with other international students. Led by students, sessions include language games and conversations about New Zealand culture and your own culture.
Join us online to meet others and improve your English, wherever you are.
Register for the virtual English conversation hour.
Language learning resources
Discover a range of helpful resources, including free online practice materials and learning tips. These are designed to enhance your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in your preferred language. Explore instructional videos from the English Language Institute at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, demonstrating effective language learning techniques.
Find out more about language learning resources.
IT support
Digital Solutions offers specialised support in:
- software and hardware
- learning and teaching technologies
- research assistance
- project management
- application development
- procurement
- training
- IT security.
Pastoral care for international students
As an education provider, the University is responsible for the welfare of international students. The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice sets out the University’s role and responsibilities for ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our students. The Code applies to all domestic and international students, including those studying remotely or outside New Zealand.