Guide for Bangladeshi Students: Applying to Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Last Updated: September 2025
Are you a Bangladeshi student aspiring to study at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), ranked 240 in QS World Rankings 2026? This comprehensive guide outlines the step-by-step process for applying to Bachelor’s or Master’s programs and securing a New Zealand student visa. Based on VUW’s official resources, Immigration New Zealand guidelines, and a September 2025 webinar by RBS Intellect, this guide also highlights automatic scholarships up to NZD $15,000 for 2026 intakes. For the latest details, visit VUW’s International Applications or Immigration New Zealand. For free application and visa support, contact RBS Intellect at hello@rbsintellect.com.
Why Choose VUW?
- Academic Excellence: Ranked in the top 1% globally for 15 subjects (QS 2026) and #1 in New Zealand for research intensity.
- Scholarships: Up to NZD $15,000 for international students (automatic for 2026 intakes: November 2025, February 2026, July 2026).
- Location: Study in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, with vibrant campus life and proximity to the Parliament (Beehive).
- Work Opportunities: 25 hours/week part-time work during study (from November 2025), full-time during holidays.
- Residency Pathways: Post-study work visas (up to 3 years for Master’s) and transparent residency options.
Part 1: University Admission Process
Step 1: Research Programs and Check Eligibility
- Browse Programs:
- Bachelor’s: Explore programs in business, law, humanities, sciences, engineering, and more at VUW Undergraduate Programs.
- Master’s: Options include business, environmental studies, data science, and more at VUW Postgraduate Programs.
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s:
- Academic: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent with strong grades (equivalent to New Zealand’s NCEA Level 3). If grades are insufficient, complete VUW’s Foundation Studies program for guaranteed entry.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) or PTE Academic 50 (no score below 42). Higher for some programs (e.g., Education: IELTS 7.0, no band below 7.0).
- Other: Minimum age 18; some programs (e.g., design) require portfolios or interviews.
- Master’s:
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 2.7/4.0 (B- average). Relevant work experience may help for some programs (case-by-case).
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or PTE Academic 58 (no score below 50). Bangladesh is not considered an English-speaking country, so waivers are rare unless prior studies were in English (submit proof for evaluation).
- Other: Research proposals for research-based Master’s; specific requirements for programs like nursing or teaching.
- Bachelor’s:
- Scholarships: Automatically considered for international scholarships (up to NZD $15,000) based on academic merit for 2026 intakes. No separate application needed.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates (HSC for Bachelor’s; Bachelor’s degree/mark sheets for Master’s). Provide certified translations if not in English.
- English test results (IELTS or PTE; valid within 2 years).
- Valid passport copy.
- CV/resume (for Master’s, include work experience).
- Personal statement or motivation letter (program-specific).
- References or portfolios (if required, e.g., for design or research programs).
- If using RBS Intellect: Email CV, transcripts, and English results to info@bds.vision for free profile evaluation and program options.
Step 3: Submit Application
- Directly via VUW:
- Apply online through myVictoria portal (free; no application fee for most programs).
- Create an account, select your program, upload documents, and submit.
- Through RBS Intellect: Free application support. Send documents to RBS, and they will submit on your behalf and provide tailored options based on your profile and budget.
- Deadlines (for 2026 intakes; apply early for scholarships and visas):
- Trimester 1 (February): December 1, 2025.
- Trimester 2 (July): May 1, 2026.
- Trimester 3 (November): September 1, 2026.
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks for a conditional or unconditional Offer of Place.
Step 4: Receive and Accept Offer
- Receive an Offer of Place via email (conditional if documents like English tests are pending).
- Accept by signing and returning the offer (online or via RBS).
- Pay tuition deposit only after visa approval (as advised by RBS Intellect).
Step 5: Prepare for Enrollment
- Secure mandatory health insurance (approx. NZD $600/year).
- Arrange accommodation.
- Attend orientation upon arrival.
Part 2: New Zealand Student Visa Process
Once you have an Offer of Place, apply for a Fee-Paying Student Visa (valid up to 4 years for full-time study). Bangladeshi applicants apply online and must provide strong proof of genuine intent due to high-risk country status.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Valid Offer of Place from VUW (an approved provider).
- Proof of funds: NZD $20,000/year for living expenses + full tuition fees (or scholarship confirmation). Funds should be 3-6 months old; explain the source clearly.
- Health and travel insurance for the entire study duration.
- Good health (TB test required due to Bangladesh’s high-TB risk status).
- Good character (police clearance if staying over 24 months).
- Genuine intent: Show ties to Bangladesh (e.g., family, job prospects) to prove you’ll return post-study.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Valid passport (valid 3 months beyond stay).
- Offer of Place from VUW.
- Financial proof: Bank statements, fixed deposits, or sponsor affidavit (3-6 months old; explain fund source).
- Academic transcripts and English test results.
- Health insurance policy.
- Medical certificate with chest X-ray/TB test (from approved panel doctors in Bangladesh).
- Police clearance certificate (from Bangladesh Police for stays over 24 months).
- Passport-sized photos.
- Completed INZ 1012 Student Visa Application form (online).
Step 3: Apply Online
- Create a RealMe account at Immigration NZ Online.
- Complete the INZ 1012 form and upload documents.
- Pay the visa fee: NZD $850 (approx. BDT 60,000; non-refundable; pay via credit card).
- Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (e.g., VFS Global in Dhaka; fee ~BDT 2,000).
- Submit the application online.
Step 4: Processing and Decision
- Processing time: 18-30 weekdays (up to 90 days if additional documents are needed).
- Receive Approval in Principle (AIP) if approved.
- Pay tuition fees to VUW after AIP.
- Upload tuition receipt to Immigration NZ.
- Receive e-Visa (electronic; no passport stamp required).
Step 5: Post-Visa Steps
- Book flights to New Zealand.
- Attend VUW orientation.
- Work rights: 25 hours/week during study (from November 2025; currently 20 hours), full-time during holidays.
- For Master’s students: Spouses can apply for an open work visa; dependent children can study free at primary/secondary schools (dependent on spouse’s visa).
Key Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants
- Start Early: Apply 2-3 months before deadlines to secure scholarships and allow visa processing time.
- Use RBS Intellect: Free application and visa support. Email CV, transcripts, and English results to info@bds.vision for evaluation.
- English Proficiency: IELTS or PTE is mandatory for Bangladeshi applicants. Waivers are rare; submit proof of English-medium education for consideration.
- Funds: Ensure funds are 3-6 months old and explain their source (e.g., savings, sponsor). Insufficient proof is a common reason for visa refusals.
- Costs: Tuition ~NZD $30,000-40,000/year (Bachelor’s), $35,000-45,000 (Master’s). Living costs ~NZD $18,000-20,000/year. Scholarships reduce expenses.
- Residency Pathways: Master’s graduates get a 3-year post-study open work visa, enhancing residency prospects (consult a licensed immigration advisor like Sun Lim at RBS).
- Verify Updates: Check VUW and Immigration NZ websites for changes (e.g., work hours increasing to 25 in November 2025).
Contact Details:
- VUW: visit https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/international.
- BDS Email: info@bds.vision for free guidance.
- Immigration NZ: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/.
Start your journey to VUW today! Apply early to secure your spot and scholarship for 2026. Good luck!
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify requirements with VUW, Immigration NZ, or Centre for Bangladesh Digital Services (BDS), as policies may change.
Presented by:
ExecutantCentre for Bangladesh Digital Services (BDS)
58, A Block, Main Road, Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet, Bangladesh


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