Volunteer Service Abroad

Becoming a UniVol is a unique experience of a lifetime, providing many personal and professional opportunities that will have a positive impact for years to come.

What is UniVol?

The UniVol programme is a collaboration between VSA and some of New Zealand's tertiary education institutions. If you are accepted into the programme, you will be offered a placement with one of VSA’s partner organisations in a Pacific country. UniVol assignments typically begin in February each year and run for 6-10 months.

As a university graduate, our UniVol programme gives you a unique opportunity to expand your horizons through volunteering – living and working with VSA's partner organisations overseas will transform your own life as well as the lives of others. 

The experiences and challenges on assignment will provide you with both personal and professional development that will set you apart from others. Make the most of your time abroad by learning new life skills which will be valuable wherever your career takes you. 

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must be graduating this year or, have graduated within the last 2-years, aged between 18-30-years, and are a NZ citizen or NZ permanent resident.

Applications for next year's deployment will open in April and the recruitment process will be finalised by the start of October.  The UniVol team will be visiting universities between May and August so keep an eye on our website for when our Roadshow will coming near you!

Timelines: 

Applications Open: 15th June 2026

Applications Close: 2nd August 2026

1st Round Interview week: 18th August 2026

Panel Interviews: 1st September 2026

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the team at univol@vsa.org.nz