Admissions
Admission is based on previous qualifications and results. You’ll need to meet one of the admission types to gain entry to Victoria University of Wellington.
There are a number of different ways in which you can meet the requirements to become a student at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. These admission pathways are listed below. If your first language isn't English or Te Reo Māori, you'll also need to meet our English language requirements.
We'll work out your admission type when you apply to study online, but it's a good idea to know in advance what you'll need to achieve. If you don't know what type of admission is right for you, use the tool below to figure it out.
New Zealand University Entrance
If you’ve achieved NCEA University Entrance, or if you have a Bursary or pre-1986 University Entrance, you’ll be admitted through this category.
Cambridge Assessment International Examinations
If you sat and passed the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) in New Zealand, you’ll be admitted through this category.
International Baccalaureate
If you’ve completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) at a school in New Zealand, you’ll be admitted through this category.
Qualification assessment at entrance level
If you have another New Zealand qualification or the international equivalent of New Zealand University Entrance, you’ll be admitted through this category.
Qualification assessment above entrance level
If you’ve studied towards a degree or diploma elsewhere in New Zealand, you can be admitted on that basis. And you may be able to get your courses transferred.
Victoria University of Wellington entrance qualification
You will be admitted if you have a Certificate in Foundation Studies, the Tohu Māoritanga, or the Diploma in University Studies (Pasifika Pathways).
Discretionary Entrance
This type of admission is for domestic secondary school students who wish to apply to university prior to gaining a university entrance qualification.
Provisional Admission
If you do not achieve University Entrance but do meet certain academic requirements, you can start a Bachelor’s degree in a restricted programme of study.
Special Admission
Special Admission is for people over 20 who do not have a recognised University Entrance qualification but have relevant work and life experience.
Preparing for degree-level study
There are study options available if you have not achieved University Entrance or do not meet undergraduate entry requirements or English language requirements.
Check your admission type
Answer a few quick questions to find out which admission type applies to you.
BeginEnglish language requirements
When applying for admission to Victoria University of Wellington, you will need to demonstrate you have the minimum level of English required to succeed in your programme.
If English or Te Reo Māori is not your first language, you may be asked to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, such as official results from a recent English language test or qualification (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, NZCEL, EAP).
If your previous studies were taught and assessed in English, or undertaken in a native English-speaking country, you may not need to meet these English requirements. This will be assessed by the admissions team when you submit your application.