Information for Parents
We appreciate the concerns and expectations that you have when sending your sons and daughters overseas to study, So we make sure that we provide support and solutions to the problems that you may face.
It is our aim that you can keep in touch with your children, not only by communicating with them directly but also by being able to share their experience of Victoria University, Wellington and New Zealand. Through a range of images, information and advice, we hope to make you to feel closer to your children.
How to Apply – Parents Guide
Before you and your child make an application to an overseas institution, please read this page. We will raise some issues that you should consider and inform you of the expectations Victoria University has of it’s students.
We strongly recommend that you become involved in you child’s application process, understand all the details and enjoy the experience with them.
Before making the application
Before your child makes an application you should carefully consider the following:
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That you are able to financially support the whole of your child’s study (both course fees and living expenses). We recommend that you factor in at least an additional 25% of the total cost for unforeseen expenses / course extensions.
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That your child will be able to fulfil the criteria for a study visa.
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That your child is emotionally and mentally equipped to move away from their home to live and study in a foreign country.
Having confirmed this, we then suggest you do the following:
- Encourage your child to gain a sound understanding of the country and culture that they could end up living a significant period of their life in. To learn more about life in Wellington and New Zealand, CLICK HERE.
- Carefully review the different institutions available to your child. Consider their location; is the institution in a supportive study environment, is it easily accessible, what’s the cost of living, is it safe, would you want your child to live there? Consider the reputation; is the institution established, is it recognised by the national government, does it have sound resources? Make sure the institution offers the programme of study that your child is interested in. Investigate the support services available to your child and don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask for references. To learn more about life at Victoria, CLICK HERE
- Make sure that your child researches the programmes of study that they are interested in, what is really involved and what will be expected of them. To find out more about Victoria's programmes of study, CLICK HERE
Please note: Research shows that a student is far more likely to be successful when they are studying a subject that they enjoy and are genuinely interested in. Victoria encourages students to develop themselves to become the best they can be – Encourage your child to pursue a programme of study that they are interested in rather than programmes that are simply assumed to be prestigious or well rewarded. There is a good career ahead of any student who truly fulfils their potential at Victoria University regardless of their qualification.
Once you and your child have selected the programmes that you wish to apply for, you should check that they have the required academic background to gain admission. To check academic requirements for Victoria University programmes, CLICK HERE
Is your child ready for life at Victoria?
We expect Victoria students to be able to develop independent learning skills and work determinedly towards their goals. If your child does not have the academic background, English Language ability or social skills to be able to meet these expectations, you should not try to push them into a programme of study at Victoria.
Additional preparation like the Foundation Programme or the English Proficiency Programme, may give your child valuable confidence and study skills before entering a full academic programme.
Make sure that you plan ahead and give your child a realistic amount of time to prepare for their intended start date. Important factors to consider are:
Flight and accommodation availability. Arriving late or having nowhere arranged to live could have an extremely negative effect on the start of your child’s university career!
