The Victoria University of Wellington

» General Information

Location:

Wellington, New Zealand (North Island, population 450,000)

Description:

With over 100 years of history, Victoria University of Wellington, also called the "Vic", offers you an opportunity to study a wide variety of subjects in New Zealand's cultural and political capital. With over 17,000 students, 1,800 of them international, studing at Vic as a study abroad student will allow you to become part of this lively multi-cultural community.

Most students will take courses at the Kelburn campus.  Perched on a hillside overlooking downtown Wellington, this picturesque campus provides many stunning views of Wellington Harbour and the rest of the city.  A cable car ride down or up the hill puts you in the heart of the city in less than five minutes.  If you have courses at either of Vics two downtown campuses, commuting time will probably be no more than ten or fifteen minutes.

Become an active member of Vic's student body (and meet Kiwis!) by joining some of their 100 clubs focused on sports, culture, language, area of study, politics and social activities.

Another great way to get involved is to join Vic's International Leadership Programme (VILP).  Open to all Vic students, including those on study abroad, VILP is an academically-oriented extra-curricular programme comprised of seminars, speakers and outdoor activities related to the themes of international leadership, cross-cultural communication, global engagement, and sustainability.  Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Participation.  Enrollment in this extra-curricular programme takes place on-site. 

About Wellington:
Wellington, New Zealand's second largest city, is situated at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, and is the nation's political and cultural capital.  It's a compact city nestled into the foothills with all the advantages of a big city: a large arts scene, theatre and film industry, galleries, museums, and a fabulous sports stadium.  Downtown Wellington is also famous for its café culture.  The city has a very temperate climate, and is nestled in between scenic hills and the beautiful Wellington Harbor.



Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter), Spring Semester (Winter-Spring Quarters), or Full Year

Sponsor:

The College of Global Studies (Arcadia University)

Website:

Study Abroad at Victoria University of Wellington


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» Other Programs in New Zealand

Northwestern Requirements

Northwestern Study Abroad requires that you enroll in at least the following amount of credits (points) at Victoria University of Wellington:
  • Fall Semester: 55-60 points (3-4 courses)
  • Spring Semester: 60 points (3-4 courses)
  • Full Year: 110-120 points (6-8 courses)

Academic Specialties

Particularly strong fields of study include political science, women's studies, indigenous studies, film/theatre, and earth sciences while some of the more unique study opportunities include public policy, deaf studies, criminology, development studies, media studies, and tourism management with an environmental focus.  Opportunities for research and field experience in the earthquake and Antarctic studies, criminology and women's studies are also available.

Course Type

Direct enrollment in the Victoria University of Wellington facilitated by Arcadia University.

Additional Information

About the Terms of Study:
This program follows the New Zealand calendar.
  • Fall Semester program begins in early July and ends in November.
  • Spring Semester program begins in early February and ends in late June.
  • Full Year is either February through November (the New Zealand academic year) or early July through late June (the U.S. academic year). Students can choose either option.

Housing

Student Apartments with other international students and Kiwis.

Most Northwestern students are placed in Stafford House, Everton Hall, or Te Kotahinga, self-catered housing options that are all within walking distance of each of Vic's three campuses and the city center. Detailed housing descriptions are available at Arcadia's website.


Program Costs

Estimated Costs:  Fall 2011
For the most updated program cost information, please refer to your program provider’s website.

  • Tuition:  $13,370
  • Room & Board:  $4,805
  • SAAF:  $2,355
  • Transportation:  $1,525
  • Books:  $375
  • Personal Expenses:  $1,095
  • HTH: $134
  • Total Estimated Costs:  $23,659

Additional Information:

For more information on billing and financial aid, visit the Financial Considerations section of the website.

Approximate Program Size

  • Arcadia's program: 20-35 students, with approximately 3-6 Northwestern students
  • Victoria University of Wellington: 17,000 students

Application Requirements

Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. Arcadia program application, available on the Arcadia website.
  2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.