This university partnership will be the third for ACG, which also offers similar foundation programmes at the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology.

John Williamson, chief executive of ACG Group, said offering this pathway with Victoria University is part of the diversification of the group’s portfolio.

“Approximately 30% of international students stay in New Zealand at the end of their studies”

“For 17 years, we have been preparing young international students for their undergraduate degree entry into the University of Auckland and, since 2004, to AUT University,” he said.

“We are pleased to now be offering those same trusted services to international students intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington.”

Grant Guilford, vice-chancellor of Victoria University, said the university expects to expand its international reach through this partnership.

“Approximately 30% of international students stay in New Zealand at the end of their studies, contributing significantly to the pool of talented ‘knowledge workers’ living here,” he said.

“Those students who return home usually maintain their links to New Zealand, acting as influential cultural, business and political ambassadors for our country.”

The first programme will be delivered to students in January next year, close to the Pipitea campus.

The programme can take six, eight or 12 months to complete, depending on the student’s academic background or level of English.

In addition to pathway programmes, ACG operates 15 schools and tertiary colleges in New Zealand, Vietnam and Indonesia, which host over 2,500 international students from 100 different countries each year.