Program Reviews

I'm getting my master's degree in conservation biology at VUW and it has been amazing so far! The professors are really passionate about their work, which leads to interesting hands on activities and discussions. Doing things like planting trees and designing management plans for invasive species has taught me so much more about my chosen field than sitting through dry lectures would. I cannot speak to the accomodations as I am renting a flat in the city center rather than forming. The food on campus is tasty and there are comfortable places to sit and relax with friends as well as fun clubs to join. I've really been enjoying board game club! This is a program I would recommend for people who want to help preserve ecosystems and study in a gorgeous city!

VUW was awesome!! I loved living in Wellington and having housing close enough to walk downtown while still being in a quiet neighborhood. VUW was much, much bigger than my home school, so it was really fun and different getting to attend a school with such a different culture and feel. My classes were pleasantly challenging and had a really fun mix of undergraduate and auditors. There were tons of resources that VUW offered and sooo many clubs. I really enjoyed my time there. There's a lot of really artistic and interesting people who were fun to get to know. It was great going to a school with such a big international population, too. Shoutout to the Ramsey House for hosting all us crazy international students!!!

It was incredibly easy to meet and interact with other international students through the programs that VUW sets up. The campus allows for easy socialization, with clubs and organizations allowing for many opportunities to do so. The city is nearby, and depending on which dorm you are placed, it can be a 5-20 minute walk into the downtown area, with many restaurants, pubs, and other activities being plentiful. The classes allow for easy communication between lecturer and student, and what is expected of you is always known from the start. Overall, it is an exciting and enriching experience to take part in both the campus and social life when studying at VUW.

Studying abroad in Wellington, NZ was the best choice I could’ve possibly made! It’s truly the most surreal country. While I adapted to life there, I was surrounded by the most incredible new friends from all over the world, who I had the pleasure of flatting with. Living just a ten minute walk from both Kelburn campus and Lambton Quay, it was manageable to fulfill my role as a student and my personal needs in independent living. In terms of academics, I will say that I think the academic rigor at VUW is contingent on what you study/major in. I experienced a lot of challenges in my studies at VUW, given my academic areas, as it was completely different than what I’m used to at my home institution.

Studying abroad in Wellington at Vic has been an incredible journey! The international orientation made me feel at home right away, connecting me with like-minded people from all over the globe. Moving across the world was daunting, but the warm and friendly staff created a supportive environment, making the transition smooth. Wellington's vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and endless activities have enriched my experience. From exploring the captivating museums to hiking the picturesque hills, every moment here is an adventure. I've grown academically, personally, and culturally, and I can't help but cherish this amazing chapter of my life. Wellington is a truly remarkable city that embraces diversity and leaves an indelible mark on your heart!

Awesome home base for an exchange experience! Staff for university was typically easy to contact and resolved problems well. Staff for housing a little less accessible but were great and quick to resolve issues when they were available. Wellington is a very cool city and a great place to be around. Also good for jumping off to explore either island of NZ. Loved the many people I met there who came from many different backgrounds. Overall a great experience and I have absolutely no regret in choosing VUW!

I’m very grateful to have been a student living in Wellington from Feb-June. I had an incredible time meeting new people, making new friends and immersing myself in the culture of New Zealand. VUW had a lot of clubs that I was able to join, including meditation club and tramping club, in which I made some fun memories. These activities helped me be more mindful as well, and I’ll continue to pursue these hobbies in my home country. I still keep in touch with the people I met after moving back and I hope to keep those wonderful connections.

Wellington is definitely a city based on walking, so bring good walking shoes and be prepared for your legs to hurt. Figure out public transportation because it is a life saver! Other than that there are so many amazing small stores and restaurant/cafes to explore so try something new as much as possible. And going for walks everyday can help with finding your way around the city and getting the most out of Wellington in general. Definitely go up to the botanical gardens also, during the day and at night it's beautiful all of the time.

I was here for just one trimester, which definitely wasn't enough. The city is fantastic (my favorite in NZ), and you could definitely spend your entire time just staying nearby. We traveled a TON, which was really easy from Wellington as it's pretty central to everything. The academic standard is definitely way below the U.S., at least from my institution, but in my experience that just allows you to spend more time in the city and traveling. Don't study abroad to study -- you can do that every other semester :)
The housing is pretty good, though I know they changed locations for this semester. I will say that all the Americans noticed that the Kiwis typically have less experience flatting, so they often don't clean... hopefully, your flatmates will listen when you tell them this, but if now, trimesters are short enough to deal with it. There's a fantastic hiking and backpacking scene, and even as a solo woman I felt very safe and frequently freedom camped. I definitely recommend going in the northern summer (so the first trimester) -- best temperatures and climate. The attempts at indigenous reintegration are really interesting, and NZ in general is a great place to study indigenous land management and knowledge. NZ is NOT the place to come and spend all your time in the city -- I would recommend it most for those interested in the outdoors or at least willing to explore other cities! It's very difficult to get to the country since it's so far away from pretty much everything, so you really want to make the most of it.

I studied abroad for a semester at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington during my third year of undergrad. After graduating, I came back to New Zealand to pursue a Master's degree which turned into a PhD in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience.

I have absolutely loved my experience doing postgrad studies at Te Herenga Waka. The staff are excellent in terms of student support and knowledge in their field. My research, laboratory, and writing skills grew immensely throughout my PhD experience. I had opportunities to present my research at various academic conferences throughout New Zealand and was supported by my supervisor to publish research as well.

I have just submitted my PhD for examination and will be working at the University conducting research in my PhD supervisor's lab. Would strongly recommend Te Herenga Waka for a well-rounded postgrad experience.