Study Abroad in Wellington: Living Abroad

Visa

It is mandatory for international students to obtain a student visa for entry to study in New Zealand. Once they are accepted by Victoria University, students should visit the Immigration New Zealand website www.immigration.govt.nz for an application form and the U.S. branch contact details.

Services

AIFS students have access to a full range of student services. Victoria International (VI) is the first point of contact for international students. Students are met at the airport, delivered to pre-arranged accommodation, and must attend International Orientation.

Ongoing support is coordinated by VI with separate services including health services, counselling, disability support, mediation services, an accommodation service, student finance advisors, and learning support. Each Faculty also has an Academic Advisor for international students.

Insurance

The New Zealand government requires international students to have medical and travel insurance, which is included in the AIFS program fee.

The Victoria International Leadership Program (VILP)

The Victoria International Leadership Program (VILP) is open to all Victoria students, including study abroad students. VILP is the first of its kind in New Zealand and requires participants to attend seminars, speaker events and experiential activities during the semester. VILP enables students to better understand pressing global issues and develop valuable skills of interest to employers.

The program is a new internationalization initiative and extracurricular opportunity for students to enhance their global competency, intercultural awareness and leadership potential while studying at Victoria University of Wellington. It takes advantage of the capital city by involving the diplomatic community in seminars, as well as senior members of the public sector.

VILP is open to all students for no additional cost and, upon successful completion, acknowledged with a Certificate of Participation for study abroad students.