The programme is being delivered near Victoria’s Pipitea campus in Wellington’s CBD, with classes beginning today.
Victoria announced a collaborative partnership with ACG last year which is designed to extend Victoria’s international reach and bring more talented international students to Victoria and Wellington.
“Victoria is proud of the impact these talented young people bring to the Wellington region. International students bring variety and new perspectives to the University environment as well as the greater Wellington community,” says Victoria’s Provost, Professor Wendy Larner.
“Approximately 30 percent of international students stay in New Zealand at the end of their studies contributing significantly to the economy, while those who return home often maintain links to New Zealand, acting as influential cultural, business and political ambassadors for our country,” says Professor Wendy Larner.
Hosting the programme in the heart of Wellington city will allow Victoria’s future students to engage with University services from their first day.
“Offering the programme alongside Pipitea campus will forge strong connections with our future students,” says Professor Larner. “They will have access to student services, including Victoria’s libraries, health services, recreation centre and learning support systems.
“ACG is a highly regarded and successful provider of pre-degree programmes for students. This is an exciting opportunity for Victoria to leverage their expertise to bring more international students to the capital city and to Victoria.”
Bryce Pedersen, ACG’s Deputy Principal for the Victoria University programme says ACG is delighted to bring its experience working with other universities, to its partnership with Victoria.
“We are pleased with the demand of our very first intake of students. It demonstrates the demand that international students have for academic pathway programmes in Wellington,” says Mr Pederson.
“Providing the course alongside Victoria’s Pipitea campus is a great move as it will enhance our students’ sense of belonging.”
The study pathway offered by ACG is a straightforward system designed to allow students to enrol in courses at Victoria at different times of the year, and offering a range of options to suit students’ academic background and level of English.