Study policy where decisions are made
Government decisions shape our lives every day—on issues like climate change, child poverty, liquor licensing, student loans, and cyberbullying.
Study Public Policy in Wellington, close to the nation’s key decision-makers. Here at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll gain practical, transferable skills to improve policy and help put it into action.
Public policy and regulations affect every business, non-profit, and government organisation. After you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply your policy skills in a wide range of work environments.
Why Wellington
Study where policy gets made—with the people making it. As New Zealand’s capital, Wellington is at the heart of policy-making.
Make the most of the University's strong ties with the public sector. Build valuable networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies. Listen to guest lectures from policy professionals, MPs, and government ministers.
Choose your study path
You can study Public Policy as a major within several of our Bachelor’s degrees, each offering a different focus to suit your interests:
- Bachelor of Arts—for a focus on the social sciences, development, and the media
- Bachelor of Commerce—for exploring connections with economics or the business world
- Bachelor of Politics—for more emphasis on politics or international relations.
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 Public Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A degree majoring in a policy-related field prepares you for leadership roles in areas such as:
- central, local, or regional government
- businesses or not-for-profits
- consultancies or iwi.
More career information
Find out more about careers in public policy.
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.
Scholarships for Public Policy
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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
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 Public Policy
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Postgraduate study
After completing your Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, you can choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Along with our Master of Public Policy, we offer a range of postgraduate qualifications in Public Policy to suit your career goals. Our flexible professional programmes are designed to let you study while you work.
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.