Victoria University of Wellington - Foundation Studies (UP Education Group)

PROFILE VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON - FOUNDATION STUDIES (UP EDUCATION GROUP)

locationNew Zealand

Ranked #=240

QS World University Rankings 2026, overall university ranking for Victoria University of Wellington

Ranked 401–500

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, overall university ranking band for Victoria University of Wellington

Established in 1897

Year of Establishment

Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies, delivered by UP Education at UP International College New Zealand in Wellington, is a pathway for international students who need additional academic and English preparation before entering degree study at Victoria University of Wellington. It offers structured options across multiple durations, including Foundation Connect, Standard, Fast track, and Accelerate, plus a separate Pathways Link Programme for younger students who want a staged route into Foundation Studies. The programme focuses on academic reading and writing, academic integrity and referencing, presentation skills, critical thinking, and independent study skills, with compulsory orientation and on campus delivery at Wellington Railway Station. Successful completion is presented as a route into Victoria University of Wellington undergraduate study, supported by student services and a central city campus location close to the university’s Pipitea Campus

ACHIEVEMENTS

The programme is delivered by UP Education as Victoria University of Wellington’s partnered Foundation Studies pathway, positioned to prepare international students for undergraduate study with guaranteed progression language used in official international pathway descriptions. It provides multiple study-length options across the year with published start dates, and includes a staged pathway option for students who are not yet ready for Standard Foundation entry. The published curriculum emphasis includes academic skills development such as academic reading and writing, academic integrity, critical thinking, presentation skills, and independent study readiness.

  1. Partner delivered Foundation Studies pathway to Victoria University of Wellington, described as offering successful students progression to undergraduate study.
  2. Multiple 2026 intakes across the year with published on campus orientation dates and term start windows.
  3. Skills based academic preparation focus including academic integrity and referencing, critical thinking, and academic communication.

FACILITIES

Facilities and student support are split between the UP International College teaching site and nearby Victoria University of Wellington campuses that the pathway references for wider university experience and services. The teaching site is at Wellington Railway Station and orientation includes timetable guidance and IT support information. Victoria University of Wellington is described as having three campuses in Wellington with access to student support, administration offices, and the Central Library at Kelburn, plus specialist locations at Pipitea and Te Aro.

  1. Teaching classrooms, in UP International College Wellington Campus
  2. Orientation and student handbook support, in UP International College Wellington Campus
  3. IT support information during orientation, in UP International College Wellington Campus
  4. Student support and administration offices, in Victoria University of Wellington Kelburn Campus
  5. Central Library, in Victoria University of Wellington Kelburn Campus
  6. Faculty of Law, in Victoria University of Wellington Pipitea Campus
  7. Wellington School of Business and Government, in Victoria University of Wellington Pipitea Campus
  8. Architecture and Design Innovation programmes, in Victoria University of Wellington Te Aro Campus

LOCATION

UP International College New Zealand Wellington Campus

Level 1, Wellington Railway Station, 2 Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Victoria University of Wellington Pipitea Campus

33 Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Victoria University of Wellington Kelburn Campus

Rankine Brown Building (Library) 21 Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

Victoria University of Wellington Te Aro Campus

139 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.0

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: NA

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: NA

Programmes

List of all foundation programmes

  1. Foundation Studies Programme Accelerate, 6 months
  2. Foundation Studies Programme Fast track, 8 to 9 months
  3. Foundation Studies Programme Standard, 12 months
  4. Foundation Connect, 6 months

List of all certificate programmes

  1. Pathways Link Programme, 12 months

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

NZD 500

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

NZD 18,533 to 35,438

NA

NA

Living Cost

Approximately NZD 440 per week for homestay accommodation

ACCOMODATION

on-campus
University halls of residence and apartments, Te Kopanga University Accommodation Wellington

These are university managed accommodation options in Wellington, typically offering furnished rooms and student community living. Fees and inclusions vary by hall and room type, and published 2026 examples often include utilities and internet in the hall cost

  1. Capital Hall, Wellington, On Campus
  2. Boulcott Hall, Wellington, On Campus
  3. Victoria House, Wellington, On Campus
  4. Te Puni Village, Wellington, On Campus
  5. Weir House, Wellington, On Campus
off-campus
Homestay, UP Education coordinated option

Homestay places you in a New Zealand home and is available to all students, positioned for daily English practice and cultural immersion. It includes a private room setup and meal provision, with oversight and support processes described for safety and wellbeing.

  1. Benefit: meals included and utilities typically included within the homestay fee
  2. Room and facilities: own room with bed, desk, heating, Wi Fi, laundry included
  3. Price range and fees: NZD 440 per week (standard homestay full board) plus NZD 350 one off placement fee if UP Education coordinates the accommodation
off-campus
Independent student apartment, student arranged option for 18+ only

This option is described as the responsibility of the student or their parent or guardian or agent to arrange, and is only for students aged 18 and over. It allows more independence compared with homestay, but requires students to manage contracts, budgeting, and day to day living.