The University was founded in 1897 and teaching began in April 1899 with 115 students enrolled in the first year.
A pattern of growth was quickly established. Student numbers rose from 254 in 1905 to over 700 in 1923, with three additions made to the building over this period. A reputation for fine teaching and research also grew, thanks to the efforts of early academics such as Professors ‘Tommy’ Hunter, J.C. Beaglehole and George von Zedlitz.

In 1961, the University of New Zealand system was dissolved, and on 1 January 1962, Victoria University of Wellington was established as an independent entity.