Victoria University will on Monday decide whether to ditch its regal name in favour of something more distinctive.
The university's council is set to make a final decision on whether to change its official title from 'Victoria University of Wellington' to just 'University of Wellington'.
Vice-chancellor Prof Grant Guilford says weighing up the pros and cons has been a lengthy process.
"Just to understand any risks and how they might be managed of the proposal, there's also been a prolonged period of consultation, which has taken a fair amount of time."
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Mr Guilford says seven institutes overseas share the university's current name.
"That's resulted in a lot of confusion - that confusions means it's difficult for us to build a significant global reputation," he told Newshub.
"Universities have to differentiate themselves from others now, because there is very tough international competition for local markets like New Zealand from the big international brand universities."
Mr Guilford expects it will be a close vote. Staff submissions on the name change had been narrowly in favour of change, but a poll of staff, students and alumni found 75 percent opposed, Stuff reported at the weekend.
If the change goes ahead and gets approval from Minister of Education Chris Hipkins, it will be rolled out over the next three years at an expected cost of almost $1 million.
Newshub.
