Extension Programmes

Pathways Link

This programme aims to equip you with essential foundational knowledge, skills, and the confidence necessary to excel in your future Foundation studies. The accelerate one-year programme will offer successful students entry into Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies programmes.

The Pathways Link Programme (PLP) is an innovative educational initiative designed specifically for international students aged 14-17 who have recently finished their junior high school education and aspire to study abroad.

This unique programme provides a direct pathway for students to access Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Pathways Link Programme offers a specialised curriculum combining rigorous academics with an immersive English-language learning environment, ensuring students are well-prepared for future academic endeavours.

PLP is registered as Pathways Link – L1A and L1B (Level 1) with NZQA.

Students must meet the minimum English language and academic entry requirements.

  • Be aged from 14 to 17 years old
  • Have English level: IELTS (Academic) score of 4.5 with no band lower than 4.0,
    or equivalents including UP English Language Test (UPELT) 
  • Have completed:
    • China: Completion of Middle School with Year 3 at 70%, or an average of 70% across all three years.
    • New Zealand: Completion of Year 10 with a good school report, including satisfactory attendance (90%) and teacher comments. This assessment will be conducted by the HOC.
    • South Korea: Completion of Middle School or attainment of 70% in the Middle School GEE.
    • Taiwan: Completion of Junior High School Diploma with either 65% in Year 3 or a 65% average across all three years.
    • Rest of World: Completed the equivalent of New Zealand Year 10.

A package offer and visa will be issued to students including:

  1. Pathways Link
  2. Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme 
  3. Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor

A pathway student visa can be applied subject to Immigration New Zealand requirements.

Guaranteed enhanced pathway to Victoria University of Wellington

 

The Pathways Link Programme is ideal for ambitious and motivated international students who are seeking a seamless transition from their junior high school education to pursuing higher education in New Zealand.

Whether students aim to pursue undergraduate studies or embark on a long-term academic journey in New Zealand, this programme equips them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and language proficiency to thrive in an English-speaking university setting.

  • Upskill in academic English and gain essential subject knowledge, critical study skills, computer proficiency and research techniques.
  • Gain skills, knowledge and confidence to grow as a person as you learn.
  • Every student will have a weekly meeting with their pastoral care tutor, to talk about progress, and to listen to the student’s personal experience of studying and living in New Zealand, which can be shared with parents.

Course structure​

The Pathways Link Programme caters specifically to the unique needs of younger international students, providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment to excel academically and culturally.

Students will receive a broad and varied curriculum, to help them learn English, prepare for Foundation Studies, and find their preferences for degree study.

Example subjects studied are:

  • PLP1A: English, Maths, Biology, Economics, Global Studies
  • PLP1B: English, Maths, Physics, Business, Media Studies

There will be regular opportunities for individual and team games and sports, using different locations across Auckland. Students should bring physical education clothing and shoes.

Example timetable: ​

Time(NZT) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:00 – 10:00 English English No class English English
10:00 – 11:00 Science English English Liberal Arts Math
11:00 – 11:20 Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time
11:20 – 12:20 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
11:20 – 13:20 Math Science English Business Health
13:20 – 14:20 Business Business Math Self-Study Health
14:20 – 14:40 Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time Individual Conferences/ Circle Time PE
14:40 – 15:40 Liberal Arts Liberal Arts Science English PE

NZ Time. Check Time Zone Converter here.​

Progression requirements ​

  • English 60%
  • Minimum score in all subjects 50%
  • Average score in Maths and two other subjects 60%

Students who successfully complete the programme (50% pass in all PLP1A and PLP1B subjects) but do not meet the required grades to progress to Foundation Studies will have the opportunity to enroll in Foundation Connect.

Scholarship

The scholarship is valued at $5,000 NZD of the tuition fee for the students who apply and are accepted into the Auckland University of Technology Pathways Link programme in the February intake of 2025.

Duration

12 months

Intake Dates

  • 3 February 2025
  • 21July 2025

Fee

$33,750 NZD 

Other fee

Resource Fee: $2,000

Enrolment Fee: $500* 

*Note that when you progress onto the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme students will not need to pay this again.