Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington (VUWL), also known as Victoria, is a public research university in Wellington, New Zealand.

The history of Victoria University of Wellington (VUWL) can be traced back to 1897, when it was founded as Victoria College. The college was named after Queen Victoria, on the 60th anniversary of her coronation. Teaching at Victoria College began in April 1899, with 115 students enrolled in the first year. The college offered a limited range of courses at first, but it gradually expanded its curriculum over the next few decades.

In 1904, Victoria College became a constituent college of the University of New Zealand. This meant that Victoria College students could earn degrees from the University of New Zealand, even though they were taught at Victoria College. Victoria College continued to grow and develop throughout the early 20th century. In 1920, the college moved to its current campus in Kelburn. The new campus was much larger than the previous one, and it allowed Victoria College to expand its facilities and programs.

In 1961, Victoria College gained full university status and became Victoria University of Wellington. This was a significant milestone in the history of the university. It meant that Victoria University could now award its own degrees, and that it was no longer subject to the control of the University of New Zealand.

Since gaining full university status, Victoria University of Wellington has continued to grow and develop. The university now offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and it is home to a number of world-leading research centers.

Victoria University of Wellington is a major contributor to the cultural and economic life of Wellington. The university is also a significant employer in the region.

Victoria University of Wellington is a proud institution with a rich history. The university is committed to providing its students with a world-class education and experience. It is also committed to conducting cutting-edge research and making a positive contribution to the world.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Victoria University of Wellington is positioned as the #244 top university in the world, which makes it the #5 top university in New Zealand. The university's global rank decreased by 3 points from last year.