Wellington, New Zealand

Victoria University of Wellington Partnership

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Victoria University of Wellington Partnership

Program Overview

THE CAPITAL’S LARGEST UNIVERSITY ADDRESSES GLOBAL CHALLENGE

Nestled in the hills of this artsy, compact capital city, Victoria University has a vibrant campus with an AACSB-accredited business program and excellent ratings for intensity of high-quality research. Its award-winning Wellington International Leadership Program combines leadership, cross-cultural communication, global connectedness, and sustainability.

Before class, grab coffee a local café—Wellington has more per capita than New York City! Need a study break? Explore more than 15 free museums, including world-famous Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand), or catch a free concert at New Zealand School of Music.

There’s much to discover beyond the city, too, so take advantage of outings to beautiful places like South Island and Kapiti, all included.

Looking for a scholarship?
A special Victoria University of Wellington scholarship is available. See IFSA Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for more information.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Fall: April 15

Spring: Oct. 1

Minimum GPA

2.70

Credit load

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Instruction language

English

Language prerequisites

None

Visa required?

Yes. Learn More.

Apply Now

Academics

Open the Victoria University of Wellington online course catalog to see the classes available.

Credit Conversion
Students take 3 or 4 classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded. A full load of courses at Victoria is 60 Victoria points. Credit conversions are as follows:
15 Victoria Points = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
20 Victoria Points = 5 U.S. semester credit hours

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students

Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.

Study abroad students are not permitted to take practical education courses.
You can only take yearlong courses if you plan to study abroad for the calendar year (semesters 1 and 2, in that order).
Victoria University of Wellington has course restrictions in certain faculties and disciplines. Click here to view the list of restrictions.

Leadership Program
Participate in the Wellington International Leadership Program, an academic extracurricular program focused on themes of international leadership, cross-cultural communication, global connectedness, and sustainability—the first program of its kind in New Zealand.

Internships
Consolidate your academic learning, enhance your ability to transition into the workforce, and make your own networks and connections in a potential career field through the Victoria University of Wellington internship program (FHSS 302).

Offered through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, you will will complete an approved and supervised work-based project while on a voluntary placement in a public sector agency, private sector establishment, or a non-governmental organization. This class consists of the internship placement (75–100 hours) as well as lectures, readings, and assignments.

The FHSS 302 class has limited enrollment, is offered only for the Fall Term, and is graded on a pass/fail basis. You will earn the equivalent of 5 U.S. semester credit hours.

Students interested in the FHSS 302 Internship class must meet the prerequisites and submit a Statement of Intent by May 1 for the Fall Term. In order to be eligible for selection into the internship, you will also need to attend an interview and provide a CV.

For more information on the application process and requirements, see the FHSS Internship webpage.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letter

An academic letter of recommendation and GPA statement are required for GPAs under 2.8.
An internship site may request a reference letter before placement is finalized.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.

Activities

Learning Plan Check-in: Three times during the semester, catch up for a one-on-one with an IFSA team member to discuss your academic progress, housing, and general well-being. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions about roommates, lecturers, and new experiences.
Weekly Catch-up: Meet your IFSA Student Experience Coordinator on campus or at a local hiking trail, farmers market, museum, or pub quiz night for a snack and take a bit of time out with your IFSA community.
Reentry Workshop: Study abroad in New Zealand is a great addition to your resume. Learn how to highlight all the transferable skills gained in a powerful and succinct way that will appeal to prospective employers. Reflect on your experience and consider the transition back to your home culture.
Celebration Dinner: The farewell dinner is the last official get-together with the IFSA crew. It’s time to recount great experiences and reflect on personal and academic growth before preparing for final exams! It’s a fun and memorable send-off, with an awesome culinary experience and plenty of laughs.

Excursions

Explore the Escarpment: Catch a train out of the city for an amazing day tramp and enjoy the beautiful scenery the Kāpiti Coast has to offer! The Escarpment track is part of the national Te Araroa Trail, by which walkers travel the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The Paekākāriki Escarpment section of the trail is a 9.1km walk offering some of the most spectacular views on the Kāpiti Coast.
Wellington Overnight: Mountain bike through the Rimutaka rail trail. The Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington with Wairarapa, winding through a variety of stunning landscapes: a river valley, rolling foothills, bush-clad ranges, old railway tunnels, lake sides, farm land, and a rugged coastline. Then stay overnight in the historic town of Featherston.
Mana Māori Te Papa Tour: Embark on a journey through Te Papa, the New Zealand national museum. Experience the living and breathing taonga (treasures) of te iwi taketake (first peoples of the land). From great journeys across vast oceans to hopeful visions for the 21st century, these taonga speak to historical and contemporary Māori perspectives.
Wellington Volunteer–Kaitiakitanga: Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of environmental resources) is a concept underpinning much of New Zealand’s identity. Volunteer for a shift at Everybody Eats, a pay-as-you-feel dining concept for everyone. They serve delicious, chef-prepared meals that feed bellies, not bins.
Wellington Cultural Activity: Wellington is known as the cultural capital of New Zealand, reflecting the local presence of national arts organizations and vibrant arts and events. Have a fun night watching a local performance.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

IFSA students live close to campus, sharing co-ed apartments called flats or small houses operated by the university. Keep in mind that the university places students where space is available, which makes it difficult for us to meet all preferences.

Explore these locations to see what your New Zealand home might be like.

Everton Hall

Location: Everton Hall is next to Wellington’s iconic cable car, a 5-minute walk to Kelburn campus and a 20-minute walk to Pipitea and Te Aro campuses.
Living space: Furnished flats and houses for three to five students, with single bedrooms. Student rooms have a bed, desk, chair, mirror and storage. Complete bedding set provided. Flatmates share two bathrooms, living space, and a fully equipped kitchen with oven, refrigerator, toaster, and kettle.
Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare or purchase meals, and flatmates often tell us meals are a fun, social part of the day.
Other details: Wi-Fi and electricity included. 24-hour security. 24-hour residential advisors. Student support coordinators available. Social events like formals and quiz nights. Laundry facilities on-site or close by. Indoor and outdoor common areas include music rooms, games room, gardens, and barbecue space.
Nearby: University library and campus facilities. Wellington Waterfront. Cuba Street. Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Supermarkets.