The announcement by Victoria University establishes a collaborative partnership that will help attract more international students to Wellington.
Professor Grant Guilford, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, says Victoria is privileged to be able to work with ACG on pre-degree preparation for future Victoria students.
“ACG is a respected organisation with a proven track record in delivering high quality academic programmes and a positive student experience by way of accomplished New Zealand registered teachers.
“We expect to expand our international reach through this collaboration with ACG and bring many more talented international students to Victoria and to Wellington.”
Victoria is a signatory to the Wellington International Student Growth Strategy, which is designed to double the number of international students studying in the Wellington region by 2023.
Professor Guilford says in addition to the contribution international students make to the vibrancy and diversity of Wellington, they also have a significant effect on the economy of the capital city.
“The impact of these talented young people will be especially beneficial in the Wellington region where more than 75 percent of the projected population growth through to 2031 is forecast to be in the 65 years and over age group.
“Approximately 30 percent of international students stay in New Zealand at the end of their studies contributing significantly to the pool of talented ‘knowledge workers’ living here. Those students who return home usually maintain their links to New Zealand, acting as influential cultural, business and political ambassadors for our country.”
ACG delivers education to over 10,000 students in three countries through its 15 schools and colleges.
ACG Group Chief Executive John Williamson says the arrangement with Victoria University is part of ongoing diversification of ACG’s portfolio of high quality educational services.
“For 17 years, we have been preparing young international students for their undergraduate degree entry into the University of Auckland and, since 2004, to AUT University.
“We are pleased to now be offering those same trusted services to international students intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington.”
The first Victoria University-branded pre-degree pathway programme to be delivered by ACG in Wellington will begin in January 2017, and will be offered in a central city location, close to Victoria’s Pipitea campus.
There are currently more than 3,000 students from over 100 countries enrolled at Victoria University.
About ACG
ACG is New Zealand’s largest quality provider of private school education, university foundation studies and tertiary training programmes. ACG opened its first school in 1995. Today, ACG comprises 15 schools and tertiary colleges in three countries and offers a comprehensive range of academic and career pathways. Each year, ACG welcomes over 2,500 international students from approximately 50 different countries to its New Zealand schools and tertiary colleges.