Study Abroad in Wellington: Academics

Students must have completed their freshman year at an American college or university and have a 2.7 GPA to be considered. Study abroad students are considered as Victoria University of Wellington students, with all the rights and privileges that entails.

Course Load

New Zealand universities offer 3-year undergraduate degrees. Students begin at the equivalent of the U.S. sophomore level with no introductory courses offered.

The academic program in New Zealand works on a points system. Students are advised to check the points of each course on the University website before selecting courses: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/subjects/coursecatalogue.aspx

The typical course load per semester is 3 courses for suggested 4 credits; totalling 12 credits. Students receive 2 credits for their studies in Fiji, which brings the total up to a normal full-time load for the semester. At Victoria University, the International Office recommends that students select 3 courses (comprising 15- or 20-point courses) as full-time load. The absolute maximum is 4 courses (comprising two 15-point courses and two 20-point courses), but this is exceptional and can lead to a very demanding schedule. Please note that the workload per course is much heavier than in the U.S.

Transcripts and grades

Official transcripts are issued by Victoria University after the examination period when all grades are available. It is at the discretion of your home university how many credits you will receive for your studies at Victoria.

Special Programs at Victoria University

Maori Studies – Maori Studies courses examine the Maori people - their language and culture, past and present, and their place in relation to the other cultures of New Zealand, Polynesia and the world. Maori culture is a living and dynamic reality in New Zealand today and provides the nation with many of its unique qualities. Historically, interaction between Maori and non-Maori has shaped the economic, social and political development of New Zealand. The Maori Studies academic program focuses on developing awareness, appreciation and understanding about the issues and complexities associated with these things.

Pacific Studies – Through Pacific Studies students are exposed to the ideas and work of the region’s foremost thinkers, political leaders, activists, and artists. Pacific Studies offers critical perspectives on the region’s imperial and colonial legacies. The Pacific Islands are an important part of New Zealand’s economic and political sphere of influence. While facing significant social challenges, Pacific communities in New Zealand are also generating a cultural vibrancy in the nation.

The university has seven Faculties: Architecture and Design, Commerce and Administration (Business), Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, and Science. Students many choose courses across Faculties. AIFS students enrolled at Victoria University are fully-matriculated students of the university and can choose from a wide range of undergraduate courses as long as they fulfill the course prerequisites. Some courses may have additional application requirements, such as Architecture and Design, Creative Writing, and Music.