Snow-capped mountains in New Zealand under a clear blue sky

University Study in New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington —

  1. Program Details

    Take advantage of all this vibrant capital city and university have to offer. Wellington's arts scene and diversity provide a unique environment for you to take advantage of the wide offerings of this well-known university.

    Location Wellington, New Zealand
    Term Academic Year, Calendar Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
    Housing Apartment
    Credit Type Resident Credit
    Sponsor Learning Abroad Center

    Program Eligibility

    GPA 2.7
    Student Type UofM Students
    Student Year Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
    Language No Language Prerequisite
  2. Three students take notes on sea life on a beach in New Zealand
    Green pools of water found in the mountains of New Zealand
    A road winds through rolling green hills in New Zealand
    A large herd of sheep walks down a road toward mountains in New Zealand

  3. About University Study in New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington

    Wellington is the political, scientific and cultural capital of New Zealand. As the seat of New Zealand's government, the city provides students of political science and law a unique place to study. The university has close ties to business, industry and research institutes.Creative arts students will benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art studios and close relationships with the country’s world-leading film, animation and game design industries. There are also countless opportunities to experience New Zealand's culture: Wellington offers a multitude of cafés, galleries, museums, theatres, cinemas, sporting events and festivals—in fact, the city is reputed to have the most  cafés and restaurants per capita in the world.. Take advantage of all this vibrant capital city and university have to offer.

    Go to the At a Glance Comparison page to learn some quick facts about the Learning Abroad Center's other University Study in New Zealand programs.

    Housing & Meals

    Choose between on- or off-campus accommodations. A meal plan is available with on-campus accommodation. The University's accommodation service is dedicated to placing Kiwi students with international students in order to maximize your integration into New Zealand society.

    Excursions

    Victoria International staff arrange a wide variety of social activities, including horse races, bowling nights, mountain biking, barbecues, quiz nights, movie nights, and ski trips.

    You also have the opportunity to participate in a conservation volunteer weekend at some point during your studies. This opportunity to participate in a project and learn about the New Zealand environment is a highlight of the program.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students studying at the Victoria University of Wellington will: 

    • Augment their cross-cultural understanding through interaction with New Zealand and international students and community members
    • Experience New Zealand and international perspectives on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at the New Zealand host university
    • Enhance their intentionality through independent, though supported, living and learning opportunities

    Faculty & Staff

    Victoria University of Wellington has staff available to provide orientation, on-site support, and advising to help you adjust to a new educational system and integrate into campus life.

    About the Learning Abroad Center

    Learning Abroad Center programs are:

    • Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
    • Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
    • Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
    • Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from extensive pre-departure advising and online orientations to reentry programming. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding and safe experience abroad.

  4. Program Structure

    Program Type Host University Study
    Program Level Lower and upper-division classes are available
    Courseload

    14–16 credits per semester

    Coursework

    Classes

    Handbook

    You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies page for more information.

    You can find other academic information—as well as program dates, housing options, and special classes—at Victoria's main study abroad page. 

    Major Advising Pages

    Victoria University of Wellington offers coursework, and has been identified as a strong curricular match, for the following UofM degree programs:

    Global Identity

    Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return.  Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

    This course is offered at no additional cost on this program. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.

    Syllabus for Global Identity (PDF)

  5. Dates & Deadlines

    Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
    Term Program Dates Application Deadline
    Spring Semester Mid Feb–early July Nov. 1
    Calendar Year Mid Feb–early July Nov. 1
    Fall Semester Late June–late Nov Mar. 15
    Academic Year Late June–late Nov Mar. 15

    Applications after this deadline may be considered. Contact Ryan McCarthy at mccar313@umn.edu to inquire.

    *Program dates are subject to change. Contact the LAC for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.
    **If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

    Orientation Dates & Locations

    Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

    See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

    Term Abroad Date/Time Location
    Spring 2020 TBD TBD

  6. Fees for University Study in New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington

    University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

    Fall 2019

    Spring 2020

    The Total Program Fee reflects Arcadia’s posted base program fee, plus the Learning Abroad Center’s APAAC ($1925 one semester / $2925 Academic Year) and required UofM international health insurance, minus the negotiated discount for UofM students ($1000).

    Housing costs indicate standard housing fee; some housing options carry additional fees. Check with Arcadia when selecting your housing option for exact cost.

    If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

    Education New Zealand offers scholarships specifically for students coming to study in New Zealand. 

    Billing & Payments

    Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

    Bridging Loan

    Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

    Cancellation Policy

    Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

  7. Prepare

    Complete pre-application advising.

    Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

    To complete the online application for this program, you will need to select or provide the following information on the online application:

    Center Name TC Learning Abroad Ctr
    Education Abroad Term See Program Dates for term options
    Program Name University Study in New Zealand
    Track Name Victoria University of Wellington
    Country New Zealand

    Submit

    University of Minnesota Student—apply

    Use your University of Minnesota internet ID and password to log into the Education Abroad application system. Your student account will be charged a $50 application fee.

    Complete

    After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

    Submit to the Learning Abroad Center:

    • University Study in New Zealand Academic Statement
    • University Study in New Zealand Approval Form

    In addition to completing the Learning Abroad Center's Online application checklist, you must also submit an application and supporting materials to Arcadia.

    Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center.  Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process. 

    Next Steps

    1. Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
    2. Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
    3. Complete the affiliate program's application requirements as applicable.
    4. Your completed application is reviewed by our program team. If nominated for participation, the Learning Abroad Center contacts the affiliate's staff to notify them of your status.
    5. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.
    6. Do not pay the affiliate’s confirmation deposit. The affiliate accepts the Learning Abroad Center’s deposit as indication of confirmation. The Learning Abroad Center deposit is submitted by completing the Confirmation and Payment Agreement found on the confirmation checklist assigned to you.
    7. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log in to the online application and submit a Cancel Request. You must also notify your affiliate of your cancellation.

  8. Program Contact

    For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

    Ryan McCarthy or call at 612.626.9373.

  9. Contact Program Alum

    Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.