Study a science that influences society
Biotechnology is the science behind using yeast to bake bread and the development of antibiotics. Modern biotechnology uses advanced techniques to modify organisms to make new products—like engineering enzymes that can recycle plastics, using fast-growing switchgrasses for biofuels, or growing meat in labs.
Study Biotechnology to discover new solutions to the problems facing society. Your discoveries could benefit people and the planet. You could improve areas such as health, the environment, or agriculture.
You’ll explore molecular biology and the uses of biotechnology. Understand the commercial, legal, and societal effects of new developments, and think critically about related issues like gene patents.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With a high number of biotech startups, it’s a great place to study Biotechnology.
Industry connections
The Faculty of Science and Engineering has well-established links with the many Wellington-based science organisations and government agencies.
Several research centres and institutes are based in the Faculty, including:
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology—New Zealand’s top research institute in materials science
- Te Kāuru—Ferrier Research Institute—a team of internationally recognised chemists and biochemists
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research—the country’s largest private medical research institute
- Antarctic Research Centre—a leading research group on Antarctic research and the global climate system
- Paihau—Robinson Institute—the institute melds innovative engineering and applied physics to build advanced technologies for businesses worldwide
- Te Matapihipihi—Centre for Biodiscovery—the centre unites researchers from around VUW to ethically and sustainably develop products inspired by New Zealand's unique resources.
- PHF Science (PHF Science)
- Earth Sciences New Zealand (Home | Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA)
- The Bioeconomy Science Institute (Home | Bioeconomy Science Institute)
- The Cawthron Institute (Cawthron Institute | Independent Science, Aotearoa New Zealand)
- a range of local biotechnology companies.
Choose your study path
Major in Biotechnology as part of the Bachelor of Science.
You could also study it as a minor of the Bachelor of Science, or add another study area by studying a double major or conjoint degree.
Adding another major or degree such as Marketing, International Business, Law, or Communication adds breadth to your degree, can expand your career options, and hone your business skills.
The BSc page explains your options and how you can structure your study. Our flexible study page defines double majors and conjoint degrees and offers a list of subjects you can combine when you study.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Biotechnology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Use your scientific knowledge to investigate the use of biological processes for industrial, medical, or environmental purposes.
This degree is also an excellent starting point for medical school if you have achieved a B+ average. You can apply to a medical school in the ‘graduate entry category’ after completing your undergraduate study.
More career information
Find out more about careers in biotechnology.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
TeachNZ scholarships
TeachNZ offers scholarships if you enrol in an approved undergraduate or graduate teaching course. They are awarded based on specific areas where teachers are needed.
Scholarships for Biotechnology
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for biotechnology
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. You could continue on to study for a Master’s or for a PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.