Study the science behind all living things
Study Biology and apply your knowledge of living things to make life better for humans and our planet.
Biology is the most flexible major offered by Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora—School of Biological Sciences. It's ideal whether you're passionate about biology, or you want to add scientific knowledge of Biology to degrees in subjects like Law, Chemistry, or Arts. Discover the areas that excite you most in your first year, then choose from courses in your second and third years to deepen your expertise.
You’ll gain skills and be inspired by our world-class facilities, laboratory classes, and fieldwork. Graduate with skills and knowledge for work areas like scientific and environmental management, hands-on laboratory roles, and education.
Study with the School of Biological Sciences
Explore biology at a school ranked highly for its research quality. Our world-class staff can introduce you to range of areas of science. Engage in ground-breaking international research and discovery.
Choose your study path
You can study Biology as your major in the Bachelor of Science (BSc).
The Biology major is flexible—it allows you to add a second major in another area that interests you. Broadening your degree with a second major also helps prepare you for a postgraduate qualification and diversifies your career options.
For example, you might take a double major in Biology and:
- Ecology and Biodiversity
- Cell and Molecular Bioscience
- Data Science
- Space Science
- Māori Studies.
You could also take Biology as a minor subject, or as part of a conjoint degree.
The BSc page (see below) explains your options and how you can structure your study. See our flexible study page for more information on double majors and conjoint degrees, and subjects you can combine when you study.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Biology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
If you already have a degree
If you already have a degree, you can study this subject without having to complete a three-year qualification.
Future careers
Your Biology major gives you the skills employers in the science sector look for:
- practical lab and field experience
- the ability to critically evaluate and communicate complex information
- confidence in analysing complex biological data.
Our graduates go on to work in:
- government ministries
- schools
- biotech and private research companies
- environmental consultancies
- healthcare and diagnostics
- sales and marketing of science-ralated products and services
- science communication
With further postgraduate study, you could go on to research roles or academia.
If you structure your study with other subjects you may have other career options too. Find out about your career opportunities in more detail.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Biology.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Biology
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The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme in ecological or environmental sciences the year following application. The award is open to graduates of any university within or outside of New Zealand.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Biology
-
The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme in ecological or environmental sciences the year following application. The award is open to graduates of any university within or outside of New Zealand.
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve completed your BSc, you can choose to expand your knowledge with a postgraduate qualification. Currently we do not offer postgraduate qualifications specifically in Biology. If you're interested in postgraduate study in a related area, we will help you choose the 200- and 300-level courses you need for the pathway you want to take.
For example, with the right courses, you could study:
- Postgraduate Biotechnology
- Postgraduate Cell and Molecular Bioscience
- Postgraduate Ecology and Biodiversity
- Postgraduate Molecular Microbiology.
You might take these postgraduate subjects as majors within a Master's or an Honour's degree.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.