The Victoria University of Wellington Council voted today to increase undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees by four percent in 2015.
University Chancellor Ian
McKinnon said the Council’s decision was made after in-depth debate and
discussion over the challenges the University faces as a result of increasing
costs and limited funding.
A number of students appeared
personally before Council to explain the impact fees have on them and the
effect the increase would have.
“In the current fiscal
environment, if we are to continue delivering a high quality of education with
appropriate resources and facilities and an excellent student experience, the
University must continue to develop and increase its funding streams. Student
fees is one of those funding streams.
“Such decisions are never easy
for the Council but the Council remains determined that the University must
offer a quality tertiary education at Victoria—so important for both students
and staff. Obviously though, quality does come at a cost,” said Mr McKinnon.
The Victoria University Council
also voted to increase tuition fees for most international student programmes
by four percent next year.
Mr McKinnon said: “We recognise
the important role that our diverse community of international students plays
in the culture of the University and, at Victoria, we place a strong emphasis
on an international perspective and approach.”
International students pay full
tuition fees while domestic student fees are subsidised by a Government grant.
Council also voted to increase
the Student Services levy by two percent in 2015. The levy helps meets the
extensive range of services available to students at Victoria, including careers
guidance, pastoral care, financial support and advice and sport, recreation and
cultural activities. This level of increase in the levy was the result of a
recommendation by a committee jointly run by Victoria staff and students.
Victoria’s increases are in line
with fee increases at other New Zealand universities for 2015.
