About the university
Victoria University of Wellington, also called Te Herenga Waka, was founded in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It is the university of New Zealand's capital city and is ranked =241st in the world by QS and in the 401–450 band by Times Higher Education in 2027.
Being in the capital shapes its strengths: law, public policy, international relations and government are closely linked to Parliament and the public service, which are next to the Pipitea campus. It is also known for architecture and design, the creative industries (Wellington is home to the film and visual effects studios behind many international films) and for computer science and engineering.
The main Kelburn campus sits on a hill above the city centre and is linked to it by the Wellington Cable Car. Wellington is compact, so the campuses, the waterfront and the central city are all close together. The city has a reputation for cafés, culture and wind, and is smaller and calmer than Auckland.
For Indian students, Victoria's undergraduate fees for 2027 range from about NZ$37,500 to NZ$49,200 a year, and an undergraduate international scholarship gives NZ$15,000 off first-year tuition. Postgraduate law, engineering practice and international relations programmes are popular one-year options.
- Founded
- 1897, as Victoria University College; also known by its Māori name, Te Herenga Waka
- Type
- Public research university
- Total students
- About 15,900 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- International students
- 14% (THE 2027 data)
- Student–staff ratio
- 18.6 to 1 (THE 2027 data)
- Campuses
- Kelburn (main), Pipitea (law, government and business, next to Parliament) and Te Aro (architecture and design)
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (February/March) and Trimester 2 (July); some programmes also start in Trimester 3 (November)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
=241 in the world
THE World University Rankings 2027
401–450 in the world
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Master of Engineering Practice
- Fee / year
- NZ$52,396
- Duration
- Check the programme page
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$46,298
- Duration
- 1 year (120 points)
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
Master of International Relations
- Fee / year
- NZ$40,600
- Duration
- Check the programme page
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$40,600
- Duration
- Check the programme page
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Teaching programmes set a higher band; check the programme page
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
- Fee / year
- NZ$49,237
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Fee / year
- NZ$47,137
- Duration
- 3 years
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$44,399
- Duration
- 3 years
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- NZ$43,802
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- Trimester 1 (late February) and Trimester 2 (July)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS band
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (NZD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Engineering Practice | Check the programme page | NZ$52,396 | ≈ ₹28.3 lakh |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | 1 year (120 points) | NZ$46,298 | ≈ ₹25 lakh |
| Master of International Relations | Check the programme page | NZ$40,600 | ≈ ₹21.9 lakh |
| Master of Teaching | Check the programme page | NZ$40,600 | ≈ ₹21.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Engineering with Honours | 4 years | NZ$49,237 | ≈ ₹26.6 lakh |
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies | 3 years | NZ$47,137 | ≈ ₹25.5 lakh |
| Bachelor of Design Innovation | 3 years | NZ$44,399 | ≈ ₹24 lakh |
| Bachelor of Laws | 4 years | NZ$43,802 | ≈ ₹23.7 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Victoria University of Wellington with similar universities in New Zealand.
Scholarships
- Bachelor's
Victoria University of Wellington Undergraduate International Scholarship
Value: NZ$15,000 towards first-year tuition
Eligibility: New international undergraduate students; see the scholarship page for current criteria and dates.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Bachelor's and taught master's
New Zealand Excellence Awards (India)
Value: Set each round
Eligibility: Exclusive to Indian students; offered through New Zealand universities in yearly rounds.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - First-year bachelor's
International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship
Value: NZ$10,000 towards second-year tuition if a B+ average is kept
Eligibility: Only for international students who completed Years 12 and 13 at a New Zealand school. Applications close 1 September.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Bachelor's entry is based on your Class 12 results; the university lists its requirements for Indian boards.
- Engineering expects mathematics and physics; architecture and design may ask for a portfolio.
- Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies is a pathway if you need extra preparation.
Postgraduate
- Master's degrees need a relevant bachelor's degree with a good average; some programmes need work experience.
- Professional master's programmes and the MBA set their own fees, so check those programme pages.
- Apply online; most programmes start in Trimester 1 or 2.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (bachelor's)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (master's)
- English test result
- Portfolio for architecture and design where required
- Evidence of funds for the student visa (NZ$20,000 a year for living costs)
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Each programme lists its band; check the programme page before applying. |
| Other tests | PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and other tests are accepted. |
| English courses | The university's English Language Training for Academic Purposes and Foundation Studies programmes lead into degrees. |
Accommodation and living costs
The university offers halls of residence for first-year and international students, and later-year students usually flat in Kelburn, Aro Valley or the city. Wellington rents are high for New Zealand. The costs below are our estimates built from the figures in our New Zealand study guide.
| Item | In NZD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flatOur New Zealand estimate; Wellington is towards the upper end | NZ$650–1,400per month | ≈ ₹35,100 – ₹75,600 |
| Hall of residenceOur estimate; choose a hall or a flat, not both | NZ$1,450–2,400per month | ≈ ₹78,300 – ₹1.3 lakh |
| Public transportBuses and the Cable Car link Kelburn with the city | NZ$60–160per month | ≈ ₹3,240 – ₹8,640 |
| Living funds to show for the visaImmigration New Zealand requirement | NZ$20,000per year | ≈ ₹10.8 lakh |
Campus and location
Wellington is New Zealand's compact capital city on a harbour at the southern tip of the North Island, with Parliament, government agencies and a strong creative industry.
- Kelburn, above the city centre, is the main campus for arts, science, engineering and computer science.
- Pipitea, next to Parliament, hosts law, business and government programmes.
- Te Aro, in the city centre, is home to architecture and design.
- The Wellington Cable Car runs from Lambton Quay up to the Kelburn campus.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Wellington's employers include the public service, technology firms and the creative and film industries. Graduates can apply for post-study work; outcomes depend on your course, experience and English.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Post-study work after a master's (at least 30 weeks in NZ) | Up to 3 years, open work rights | Immigration New Zealand |
| Work allowed during study | Up to 25 hours a week (since 3 November 2025); full time in holidays | Immigration New Zealand |
| Minimum wage | NZ$23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026 | New Zealand Government |
| International students at the university | 14% | THE World University Rankings 2027 data |
Studying in New Zealand
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in New Zealand. Our country guide covers them in detail:
Other universities in New Zealand
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FAQs
How are fees worked out at Victoria University of Wellington?
Fees are charged per point by subject area. A full-time year is usually 120 points, so in 2027 a Bachelor of Commerce costs about NZ$39,798 a year and a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours about NZ$49,237.
What are the fees for professional master's and the MBA?
These are set individually for each programme, so check the programme page.
Is there a scholarship for new international undergraduates?
Yes. The Undergraduate International Scholarship gives NZ$15,000 towards first-year tuition. Indian students can also look at the New Zealand Excellence Awards.
Why study in Wellington?
It is New Zealand's capital, with Parliament, government agencies, creative industries and technology firms close to campus, in a compact city that is easy to get around.
Can I work while studying?
Most student visas allow up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time work in scheduled holidays.
Sources
- Victoria University of Wellington: fees for international students (2027) (opens in a new tab)
- Victoria University of Wellington: International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Victoria University of Wellington: your fees and costs (opens in a new tab)
- Times Higher Education: Victoria University of Wellington (WUR 2027) (opens in a new tab)
- QS World University Rankings (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: staying to work after study (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: student visa work rights (opens in a new tab)
- Study with New Zealand: cost of living (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.wgtn.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details