Auckland is the largest and most diverse city in New Zealand, located near North Island. The city is located near the equator, offering a mild (almost) year-round climate that allows for many outdoor sports such as biking, hiking and water sports. Located not only between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, but also above about 50 inactive volcanoes, Auckland offers an interesting landscape to explore. It is also a hub for exceptional flavors, business, arts and culture. All these factors make Auckland a very attractive city, attracting both New Zealanders and foreighers.

Auckland is still considered to be one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world and has two top-ranked universities, The University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology. The University of Auckland ranks 83th, and Auckland University of Technology ranks 442th according to QS World University Rankings 2020. If you want to study in New Zealand, the two universities are good options.

 

History

The University of Auckland began as Auckland University College, which was part of the now-defunct University of New Zealand on May 23, 1883. It had a courthouse as well as a prison disused and consisted of four teachers and 95 students. In 1961, the University of New Zealand closed, giving way to Auckland University College, now The University of Auckland, which is now able to award its own degrees. It has since grown exponentially, currently covering five campuses across Auckland and hosting more than 40,000 students.

 

Ranking

The University of Auckland is the largest and also the highest ranked university in New Zealand. She is 83nd in the QS World University Ranking 2020, making her the only university in New Zealand in the top 100. It is also the heart of the fields of employment, research, teaching, structures, internationalization, innovation and inclusivity that earns it a 5-star rating. It ranks among the top 250 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.

 

Courses

The University of Auckland offers more than 120 undergraduate and 130 graduate courses in faculties of Arts, Commerce, Creative Arts and Industries, Teaching and Social, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Sciences. Archeology is their highest ranked program in the world. Other notable subjects are Law, Engineering and Care. Undergraduate students have the choice of dual degree or double degree. Thanks to a new government system, foreign doctoral students pay the same fees as New Zealand students. Of its 40,000 students, 6,000 are foreign, representing more than 110 different countries.

If you plan to study in New Zealand, The University of Auckland is a fairly good choice. To apply for courses, you need to do meet the English level requirements and admission requirements. These requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and depending on the degree you want to acquire. If you want to study graduate education, you will need to provide an undergraduate degree with excellent marks and probably an additional study background depending on your subjects, regardless of whether you are doing a taught program or a dissertation. For more information on the specifics of admission programs, visit the university website.

 

Tuition Fee

The tuition fees of foreign students vary considerably depending on the study program. In 2017, the cost of a study semester abroad costs on average NZ$ 12,750. You can check latest tuition fee of each course on University of Auckland’s official website.

There is also an additional Student Services fee. However, this is included in tuition fees abroad. If you opt for a dual degree program, your fees will be slightly more expensive than single programs, since they require 135 credits per year.

The costs of higher education also vary depending on the subjects you have previously chosen, and range from N$25,050 to NZ$72,922 for a teaching diploma. Graduate programs also require the same Student Services fees.

The University of Auckland has several scholarships available depending on the circumstances. All information related to admissions and applications for undergraduate funding can be found in the Scholarships and Awards section of their site.

As an international student, it is more difficult to get help for student loans, but it is still accessible to certain nationalities and programs. It is always better to contact the university directly and to discuss with them the possibilities available to you. Most financial aid will come more from your country of residence than from the government or New Zealand universities.

 

Visa, Registration, and Other Info

Most international students must apply for student visa throughout their period of study on the territory of New Zealand. Your university will require to see the visa documents before accepting your registration and if you are unable to provide these you are not allowed to register. The majority of schools will accompany you in the visa process if you need help. All student visa information is available on the New Zealand Immigration page. The options depend on your nationality, your age, your means of financing and the duration of your studies.

Universities may differ slightly but, in general, the New Zealand school year starts in late February / early March and continues until November with a break in July. December and January are New Zealand’s summer months and serve either summer vacation or summer term. Most potential candidates will have a deadline to register in December before the start of the new term in March. However, this differs depending on your curriculum and the expectations required to apply. You will need to do this in advance to ensure you have the time to get your student visa and plan your trip to your new host country.

 

Student Accommodation

First-year students at the University of Auckland can apply for a place in the university residences. These are single rooms with common areas, large buildings that share bathrooms and kitchens on each floor. A food program provides you with already prepared meals.

More independent students may prefer a more independent lifestyle in student residences. Here you can have a single room with a 3-4 bedroom apartment while sharing the kitchen, the bathroom, and the living room with the other students. If you have a family, there are also 2-3 family-friendly apartments.

The fully furnished apartments are around NZ$ 361 per week, while apartment-only accommodation varies according to the type of room and apartment. Bi-monthly rates start at NZ$ 370 for shared flats and NZ$ 1,040 for family flats. All housing information, including price details, is available on the University of Auckland website.

 

Work and Internships in Auckland

Most student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during your schooling, and full-time hours during the school holidays if you are in a program of 120 credits or more. Visas may vary so be sure to know the work allowances and restrictions of your student visa. Your potential employers will be sure to check the status of your visa during the hiring process. However, note that you must work as an employee because student workers can not qualify for independent contractor status. Depending on your level of qualification, you may be able to exchange your student visa for a work visa after graduation. For detailed conditions refer to the NZ Study Work website.

If you plan to work, you will need a New Zealand bank account and an IRD to pay the appropriate taxes.