New Zealand’s top university for research intensity
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has a unique and proud history as the country’s globally ranked capital city university. We are consistently ranked within the top 1.5 percent of universities internationally, and are New Zealand’s number one university for intensity of high-quality research (2018 Performance-Based Research Fund).
The University’s connections and influence at local, national and international levels are strengthened by our capital city status. As a global civic university, our researchers lead thinking on the big questions facing society. Their work addresses global challenges for the benefit of communities in New Zealand and internationally.
Rating of excellence
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is one of only 12 universities in the world to hold the maximum 5 Stars Plus in the QS Stars rating of excellence.
Our University at a glanceSolutions in Indigenous science
Associate Professor Ocean Mercier is using Māori knowledge to create a richer, deeper picture than Western science can provide alone.
Explore the research on this topic
Justice reinvention
How can we transform a broken justice system? Professor Elizabeth Stanley is using Justice Reinvestment to reimagine a community-led approach to justice.
Explore the research on this topicUnlocking the power of teleportation
Teleportation has been a dream of science fiction and scientists alike. Dr Taehyun Rhee and his team are blending the real and the virtual to make it a reality.
Explore the research on this topic
The cost of climate change
What is the cost of not responding to the climate crisis? Professor Ilan Noy is calculating the costs of climate change and how to manage the economic impacts.
Explore the research on this topic
Who's keeping an eye on the kids?
Can any of us have a reasonable expectation of privacy in an age of mobile phones, drones and the internet?
Whose responsibility is it to keep our first language alive?
Only around 3 percent of New Zealanders speak te reo Māori. Our research is focused on making te reo part of everyday conversation.
If you saw this, what would you do?
Bullying is a life-long problem that can have a lasting negative impact—how can it be most effectively tackled?
It was designed to keep people out ... Here's how to get your business in
We are committed to enhancing New Zealand’s role as a trading nation in the Asia-Pacific region. An area of focus is helping kiwi companies do business in Asia.
If you can 3D print a playing violin, why not 3D print a pumping heart?
3D printing is transforming how we create things and pushing the boundaries of what is possible—could it be the way forward for manufacturing in New Zealand?
Imagine converting sunlight into enough energy to power the world
We are making advancements in capturing and utilising sunlight through low-cost solar cell technology that could sustainably meet the world’s energy needs.
Does our justice system treat people equally?
Whether people are treated equally when it comes to welfare, pensions and sentences for financial crimes reveals a lot about New Zealand society.
What happens when your body's defences attack you?
Our researchers are devising ways to treat auto-immune disorders using repurposed medications.
Is Antarctica reaching the end of its shelf life?
Our climate scientists are leading international research into how Antarctica is responding to global warming and what that means for the future.