Victoria University of Wellington is not accepting any new domestic applications for undergraduate programmes and courses of study for the remainder of 2010.

"Due to a considerable surge in demand and limited resources, Victoria has been forced to make this difficult decision," says Chancellor Ian McKinnon.

"The University has no further capacity for new domestic undergraduate applicants this year. In addition, enrolling new domestic undergraduate applicants could compromise the quality of outcomes for current students."

The University is encouraging all potential applicants to reapply before 10 December for study in 2011.

The decision was made based on the capacity of the entire university and it does not affect currently enrolled students.

"This is not a decision Victoria has taken lightly," says Vice-Chancellor Pat Walsh.

"All universities are working in an environment where they must manage their enrolments as outlined in their investment plans, which are agreed to with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

"Our enrolment targets have been based on what we can achieve as an institution and to exceed those means we would not be able to cope with the additional call on teaching resources including staff workloads, space and equipment."

"The university took steps to manage its enrolment numbers at the beginning of the year, including applying a late enrolment fee and firmly applying the academic progress statute. However, while these measures have had a considerable impact, it was not enough to cope with recent acceleration in demand.

"Managing our enrolment numbers will require some adjustment in culture for those who want to go to University, and the universities themselves. But it is a reality and all universities have to work within the current framework."

The University is currently implementing its plan to manage enrolment numbers in 2011 which involves new admission criteria.