Victoria University of Wellington

About the University

• Established in 1899, Victoria University of Wellington is comprised of three campuses located within Wellington.
• The main campus of Kelburn houses the Departments of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, and Engineering. Many Business courses are also taught at Kelburn. Kelburn is elevated in an idyllic setting with views of the harbor. The Department of Business and Law is located on the Pipitea campus which is opposite Parliament and the High Court. The Te Aro campus houses Architecture and Design. Most TEAN participants study at the Kelburn campus, however all of the campuses are walking distance from each other.
• For students who are interested in learning about New Zealand, Māori and Pasifika people and cultures there is a broad range of courses available at Victoria University.
• Victoria University ranks in the top 250 universities in the world based on the QS World Rankings, and in the top 100 internationally for arts and humanities and psychology.

Location

Victoria University of Wellington has three campus locations all within walking distance, located within Wellington. Visit the google map link below to see the main Kelburn campus location.

Courses

Update to: Courses are available in the below disciplines. For detailed instructions on how to find and select courses, and a list of popular courses, see our course selection instructions. Students enroll in 3-4 courses per semester (45-75 VUW points) which usually transfers as 12-16 US semester credits or 18-24 US quarter credits. 

Students enroll approximately two weeks prior to departure through Victoria University of Wellington’s online system. Enrollment will be finalized once students are on-campus at the Victoria University of Wellington International Orientation.  

Academic Departments and Schools at Victoria University of Wellington are divided into 9 academic divisions: Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, School of Business and Government, and School of Music.

Eligibility

• 2.7 GPA
• Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution at the time of participation.

Activities / Immersion

Our local staff arrange various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you into the local culture. These activities are included in your semester program. In addition, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Wellington-based Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities may change each semester.

In addition to the TEAN events, to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities, our local staff send out frequent emails letting you know what is happening in Wellington and throughout New Zealand – ranging from community events to music festivals. We aim to tap you into the local culture right from the start.

SOMES ISLAND 

Take a ferry to Maitu/Somes Island. Enjoy the scenery and history of the largest of the three islands in the Wellington Harbor!  

WINE TASTING IN THE WAIRARAPA  

Tour picturesque vineyards among some of the famous wine areas of New Zealand and see a different side of the North Island!  

COFFEE BREAKS 

Wellingtonians love their fabulous coffee. We follow their lead and meet up for coffee and cake at various times during the semester. This is a great opportunity to catch up with your TEAN local support staff. 

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

APPLICATION DEADLINES

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from June for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here

spring 2025

fall 2025

fall 2024

• Tuition and program fees: $16,950
• University on/off-campus housing: $5,300

spring 2025

• Tuition and program fees: $16,950
• University on/off-campus housing: $5,895

fall 2025

• Tuition and program fees: $16,450
• University on/off-campus housing: $5,195

What’s Included

• Full tuition (4 courses)
• Guaranteed, pre-arranged housing including internet
• Bedding Pack
• Comprehensive health and travel insurance
• Services of local TEAN support staff throughout the semester
• 4-day Orientation Excursion Program with meals, excursions, accommodations and transportation
• Local SIM card
• Cultural events and catch ups during the semester such as attending a rugby match
• Access to unique and exciting optional excursions in Fiji, Cairns, or New Zealand’s South Island
• Access to pre-arranged flight itineraries and booking agent
• Extensive pre-departure advising
• University and course selection advice
• Official academic transcripts from host institution
• Credit approval and transfer assistance
• Help with student visa preparation
• Financial aid transfer planning
• Airport pickup and reception upon arrival at TEAN Orientation and in host city
• Student association fees
• Host university orientation
• Farewell Dinner at conclusion of program

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare ($1,800)
• Domestic airfare in U.S. ($500)
• Books ($200)
• Meals during the semester ($1,700)
• Student visa ($70)

*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on the student.

PASSPORT

Students must submit a current passport valid for at least 6 months after the program end date for acceptance.

If you do not currently hold a valid passport, please apply for one immediately as processing times can be very lengthy.

Visa

All students participating in a semester program are required to obtain a Student Visa. Students can apply for their student visa once required documents are received from the university in New Zealand.

Visa application will be 2-3 Months prior to departure

• Fall semester visa application will start in late April
• Spring semester visa application will start on late October

You cannot apply for your visa until you receive the required documents from your Program Manager. Once documents are received from the university in New Zealand your Program Manager will email you the documents along with step-by-step instructions. The application is electronic.