Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington was established in 1897 as Victoria College, named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The college was originally affiliated with the University of New Zealand. Classes began in 1899 with just four professors and 115 students. The iconic Hunter Building on the Kelburn campus opened in 1906 and remains a symbol of the university. In 1961, following the dissolution of the University of New Zealand, Victoria became an independent university. The university expanded significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, adding new faculties and research centers. Victoria established its Pipitea campus in the 1980s, close to Parliament and the central business district, becoming the university of choice for public policy and law students. The Te Aro campus, housing architecture and design, was developed in partnership with the city. Victoria has produced numerous distinguished alumni including Prime Ministers, Nobel laureates, and leading writers. The university continues to build on its reputation as New Zealand's capital city university.