4 April 2006
Student demand for Victoria University grows
New Zealand students are flocking to Victoria University of Wellington—more than compensating for the slowdown in
international enrolments. Domestic student enrolments have increased by 4 percent compared to the same time last year.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pat Walsh, explained that the high quality of Victoria University’s programmes and the appeal
of Wellington as a student-focussed city were an attractive package for students, particularly for those enrolling from
the Auckland region.
“Victoria University strives for the highest standard of research-led teaching and we aspire to continuous improvement
in the student experience,” he said. “This year we completed a $5 million upgrade of our student recreation centre and
we will have invested $1.5 million more in our Library collections. A state-of-the-art student portal system is under
development and we have recently commissioned our wireless network.”
Students readily found part-time or casual employment in Wellington he said. “The exciting, vibrant cultural and social
life of the city provides our students with a much-needed change in pace from their studies.”
An analysis of student enrolments after the third week of lectures this year shows significant increases in nursing & midwifery, chemical & physical sciences, electronic & computer system engineering, as well as history, philosophy and politics. “It is particularly pleasing to see a strong
increase in demand for our long-standing film and theatre programmes, reinforcing the fact that Wellington is our
creative Capital."
Professor Walsh said that a 9 percent decrease in international enrolments was anticipated, although a delayed start for
some block courses has led to an increase in international enrolments since the report was prepared.
“We have seen an overall increase of more than 2 percent in total enrolments, which puts us right on track for achieving
our strategic targets.
This year we will focus on encouraging the Government to increase its level of direct investment in New Zealand
universities to enable us to continue to provide the quality higher education that New Zealanders deserve.”
ENDS