Studying after school can be one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. It allows you to advance academically, make friendships for life and grow independently. However, finding the right university that suits you can be a challenge. So, you should read through these eight NZ university introductions and find the one that best matches you!
The University of Auckland
There’s no doubt that this university should be on the top of the list. Right in the centre of Auckland, you are bound to have experiences that you’ll never forget. The University of Auckland is the largest university in New Zealand. It has six campuses throughout the city and houses 41,866 Students.
Apart from social life, this university has some astonishing academic achievements as well. The University of Auckland is the highest-ranked New Zealand University, according to QS World University Rankings. In The QS University Rankings by Subject, the University of Auckland ranks first in New Zealand for 37 of their 40 subjects, with 16 of those subjects ranking in the top 50 in the world. These are just a few of the fantastic achievements this university has.
However, the university comes with some disadvantages as well. This university has high tuition fees and is the most expensive university to attend in New Zealand according to College International. This is a hefty amount considering the high accommodation and rent rates within the city.
To find out the entry requirements for this University click here.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
This University has three campuses around the country, making accessibility to the city more comfortable. They have a campus in the North, South and the City Centre. Studying here will also give you a great social life as 29,014 students attend AUT.
Similar to the University of Auckland, there’s one thing that sets it apart. This University specialises in a few of their subjects. So, if you’re planning on studying these courses, you should highly consider this university as your first choice. They specialise in Design, Computing and Technology; Health and Environmental Sciences; Culture and Society; Business, Economics and Law; and Māori and Indigenous Development.
This university has some outstanding awards and rankings as well. AUT ranked 1st in Australasia and the top 20 worldwide for international outlook and rank in the top 150 for universities younger than 50 years old, according to Times Higher Education. Five of their subjects rank in the top 250 in the world and have been rated a 5-star university by QS World University Rankings. These are just some of the remarkable rankings this university has.
However, this is another expensive university to attend, with around the same average intuition fees for domestic and international students as the University of Auckland for undergraduates.
Massey University
Massey University is one of New Zealand’s leading educational institutions. Massey University has had a strong national and international reputation for over 90 years. This university has campuses throughout New Zealand, making it a fantastic choice for students. There is a campus in Auckland, Manawatū, Wellington, and they even offer distance learning. With 31,501 students, this is yet another massive university.
Apart from stunning campuses, Massey University has some fantastic achievements. This university has a 5-star rating across nine categories and is within the top 3% of the world. Not only that, but most of the subjects offered are within the top 300 in the world, with 4 of those being in the top 100.
This university is also cheaper compared to the other universities situated in Auckland. For international students, fees can range from $17,025 to $58,075. To see the University fees per course click here.
Programmes offered here are available at postgraduate, undergraduate, diplomas and certificate level. You can view their entry requirements here.
The University of Waikato
The University of Waikato lives in the heart of the Waikato District, South of Auckland. This university has two campuses: Hamilton and Tauranga. The University of Waikato is smaller than the others, housing only 12,278 students. So, if you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate university, this one’s for you.
Although The University of Waikato doesn’t have any notable achievements like the others listed above, they do specialise in the following subjects: Education, Management, Cyber Security, Data Mining, Machine Learning, Indigenous studies, Marine, Freshwater, Environmental Studies, Music, Law, Engineering and Psychology.
Another perk of this university is that it’s the cheapest university in New Zealand to attend, according to College International. For more information about their fees, check out their webpage.
You can view their entry requirements here.
Victoria University of Wellington
Situated in the capital city of New Zealand, this university lies South of the North Island. This university has four campuses across Wellington: Kelburn campus, Pipitea campus, Te Aro campus and Miramar Creative Centre. This university started in the 1800s, making it a long-standing, reputable university. With over 21,000 students, you are going to meet amazing people.
Just like many of the other universities within New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington has some outstanding achievements. Wellington University is in the top 2 percent of the world’s universities and 19 subject areas; it is among the top 1 percent of the world’s universities according to QS World University Rankings by Subject. Along with that, The University is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for 12 subjects. These are just some of the achievements this university holds.
Another benefit of this university is that it’s the second cheapest university in New Zealand to attend, according to College International. To view their admission fees click here.
If you’re interested in studying at this university, you should check out their entry requirements for domestic students here, and international students here.
University of Canterbury
Situated in the South Island of New Zealand, this University holds some spectacular scenery. With only one campus in New Zealand, Christchurch, this is a smaller university to attend. Only 14,830 students are attending this stunning university, perfect for those looking for smaller crowds. However, since 2016, they have seen an increase of 20% students.
The University of Canterbury specialises in 6 subjects: Arts; Business and Law; Education, Health and Human; Development; Engineering; and Science. Just like many of the other universities, they have great rankings too. They are ranked 214 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2016), and 19 subjects ranked in the world’s top 200 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016).
This university is also notably cheaper compared to some of the other universities within New Zealand. To see their fees, click here.
To view their entry requirements, click here.
Lincoln University
Although not as well-known as the other universities within New Zealand, this is still an excellent opportunity for students. Situated in Christchurch, this is the smallest university in the country, with only 5,819 students.
This university specialises in agriculture studies. The University’s qualifications range from certificate level through to PhD level – their teaching and research cover all activity associated with agriculturally-based sectors to meet the needs of not only New Zealand but also the world. So, if you’re interested in agriculture, this university is your top choice. To see their admission requirements click here.
Although relatively small, this university still has excellent achievements. They place 317 in the world ranking, have a QS Five Stars rating and are in the top 50 in the field of agriculture and forestry.
To view, their fees click here.
The University of Otago
Last but not least is the University of Otago. This university is spread throughout the whole of New Zealand, making it the most accessible university in the country. They have six campuses throughout the country: Dunedin Campus, Christchurch Campus, Wellington Campus, Auckland Campus and the Southland Campus. They have a student headcount of 20,796.
Otago is the only New Zealand university that offers Dentistry and Surveying and is one of only two medical schools in New Zealand. Making it an excellent choice for medical students. Apart from that, they hold outstanding achievements too. Otago comes 169th in the world and is ranked 12th in the world for Dentistry. In total, the University achieved 13 subjects in the global top 100, and a further 11 subjects in the top 200 in the world.
Otago is a spectacular university for students. To view their fees click here, and to view their entry requirements click here.
All eight universities within New Zealand are outstanding. Although each one comes with their advantages and disadvantages, all of them have a remarkable academic history.