Resources shape choices

Why do people, firms, and governments make the choices they do—and how can they make better ones?

Economics gives you the tools to answer those questions. You’ll study how limited resources shape choices in everything—from choosing a university, to expanding a business, to making health or trade policy.

In this subject you'll learn about micro- and macroeconomics, data analysis and modelling, and applying theory to real problems—pricing, inequality, climate, health, and trade. Economics is more than money and maths. It’s a way of thinking you can use anywhere. Graduates work in business and finance, tech, consulting, government, NGOs, and international organisations.

Why Wellington

Wellington is the administrative and financial centre of New Zealand. Take advantage of the University's connections with government agencies such as the Treasury and the Reserve Bank, and many private sector institutions and professional bodies. 

Choose your study path

You can study Economics in a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) as a major or a minor. You might also be able to study Economics as a second major or minor in one of our other flexible degrees.

Economics is commonly studied alongside Finance or Accounting. It also goes well with other disciplines like Law and social sciences.

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.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study Economics at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Paetahi Tauhokohoko

Bachelor of Commerce—BCom

UNDERGRADUATEBACHELOR'S DEGREE

As society evolves, you need to adapt fast. Study a degree that builds future-ready skills to think flexibly and shape business and government.

Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn and Pipitea campuses, Wellington · Flexible
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Paetahi Aronui

Bachelor of Arts—BA

UNDERGRADUATEBACHELOR'S DEGREE

Study a flexible degree to cultivate your creativity and critical thinking—skills that are highly valued in any workplace.

Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington · Flexible
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Future careers

A degree in Economics opens the door to a wide range of careers, including:

More career information

Find out more about careers.

The government careers website, Tahatū, also offers 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. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.

Scholarships for Economics

  • Worth: $6,000 Closing: 15 March, 2027

    In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.

  • Worth: $4,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    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

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.

We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.

Scholarships for Economics

  • Worth: $6,000 Closing: 15 March, 2027

    In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.

International recognition

Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.

Commerce accreditations

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 a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.

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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.

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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.

Wellington Global Exchange
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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. 

Study Abroad and Exchange

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū