Victoria University of Wellington is considering changing its name, to end confusion with other similarly named universities around the world and boost its international standing.

Grant Guilford, the university¡¯s vice-chancellor, said that international analysis had shown that the ¡°very high quality¡± of the university¡¯s research and teaching ¡°isn't being as well recognised offshore as it should be¡±, the reported.

¡°We also know that confusion arises with our name because there are a number of other universities around the world that are similarly named,¡± he said.

¡°This means the achievements of our staff and students ¨C and for that matter our city ¨C can be attributed to other institutions and countries, dimming our international standing.

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¡°Given the importance of the clarity of our name, we are considering whether changes are needed.¡±

The institution was founded as Victoria College, named after Queen Victoria, in 1897.

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Online rumours suggested that the university was looking to change its name to University of Wellington New Zealand: Te Herenga Waka, the Herald said.

Other similarly named institutions include Australia¡¯s Victoria University, Canada¡¯s University of Victoria, Uganda¡¯s Victoria University and Bangladesh¡¯s Victoria University.

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com