Foundation Studies programme marks its first year

Victoria's Foundation Studies programme, which offers a pathway to university study, has celebrated its one year anniversary.

The programme is delivered on behalf of the University by ACG Education and run at the ACG Pathways campus in Wellington’s historic Railway Building. Students in the programme study English and four compulsory core subjects to prepare them for university.

At an event to celebrate the anniversary, Victoria’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford emphasised the pivotal role that international students play in the future of New Zealand. “Their talent and intellect enhance our world,” he said. “I look forward to welcoming more of these exceptional young people to the University in the coming year.”

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Rawinia Higgins likened the relationship between ACG and the University to two sets of waka, “stronger and stable bound together as we face the challenges of the future”.

ACG Education CEO John Williamson remarked on the growth of the programme and the diverse body of students who have enrolled since the launch in January 2017.

“A total of 126 students studied with us last year, and these students came from 24 different countries. All of them chose to travel an extraordinary distance from their home countries in order to pursue their tertiary studies here in Wellington. These students’ commitment is a further confirmation of the recent QS rankings of Victoria University’s strong and growing reputation in the international arena as a globally ranked capital city university.”

ACG Pathways alumnus Daryl Neo Kit completed the programme in 2017 and was awarded a $5,000 study scholarship for his academic achievements.

“ACG Pathways gave me the opportunity to change my path and achieve success after a poor performance in my final year at school in Singapore. The help and support I received from the teachers and staff at ACG have helped me achieve my dream of attending Victoria University of Wellington. I am excited about my future.”

Students in the programme have guaranteed enrolment at the University if they successfully complete the course, which has four intakes a year.