Victoria Early Career Academic Programme (VECAP)

The Victoria Early Career Academic Programme offers professional and career development to early career academics on permanent contracts.

VECAP 2026

Applications are not yet open for the next intake, Trimester 2, 2026. VECAP is a professional and career development programme open to early career academics on permanent contracts in the first five years or so of their academic careers.

The 2026 programme runs from June onwards. It begins with an off-site retreat from 2–4 June, with monthly meetings thereafter. There is no cost to schools or applicants.

For early career academics

The Victoria Early Career Academic Programme (VECAP) is open to early career academics on permanent contracts at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. It is designed to provide support and professional development for academics within the first five years of their career.

The programme provides opportunities for independent and collaborative learning about all aspects of the academic role, including teaching, research, leadership, service, and engagement. The programme encourages individual reflective practice with a community of supportive peers and mentors.

VECAP is designed for early career academics to develop and enhance the following areas of their academic lives:

  • confidence in research and publishing
  • confidence in teaching
  • confidence in developing scholarly networks, relationships and connections
  • opportunities  for service, engagement and leadership
  • time-management skills and work-life  balance
  • workplace satisfaction.

What the programme involves

Participants in the programme will be expected to commit to the following activities:

  • a two-day, two-night expenses paid off-site retreat
  • participation in monthly group meetings that will include seminars and workshops
  • monthly peer mentoring
  • completion of two questionnaires: one at the beginning and one at the end of the programme.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 VECAP programme will be advertised and announced through Oko and this page will be updated at that time.

After the online application, the applicant's head of school or director is immediately contacted to provide a statement of support. Participants selected for the programme will be notified of their acceptance after the advertised closing date.

Contact

Email CAD-contact@vuw.ac.nz with any questions.