University of Auckland

Established in 1883, the University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most comprehensive, and highest-ranked university. It is a leading research-driven institution offering globally recognised qualifications to students from over 130 countries. With a strong focus on innovation, research, and international collaboration, the university consistently ranks in the Top 100 globally — a testament to its academic quality, employability outcomes, and research excellence.

Why Choose the University of Auckland?

Choosing Auckland offers international students a unique combination of academic prestige, research-driven programs, and vibrant campus life. Here’s what makes the university special:

• Top-ranking institution: It consistently ranks as the #1 university in New Zealand and among the Top 70 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings.

• Global recognition: QS World University Rankings 2026 places Auckland at rank 65 globally, maintaining its top position among New Zealand universities.

• Research excellence: The university is ranked 28th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, highlighting its leadership in sustainability and social impact.

• Diverse and inclusive community: More than 45,000 students study here, including over 14,000 international students from around the world.

• Employability: Ranked #1 in New Zealand and #68 worldwide for graduate employability outcomes.

• International connections: The university collaborates with partners in research and education worldwide, providing extensive networking and career opportunities.

Campus Locations

The University of Auckland’s campuses are strategically located across the city, blending modern infrastructure with a dynamic multicultural environment:

• City Campus: The main campus and academic hub, centrally located in Auckland CBD.

• Grafton Campus: Focused on health sciences and medical programs, situated near Auckland City Hospital.

• Epsom Campus: Known for education and teacher training programmes.

• Tamaki Campus: Focuses on engineering, education, and community development programmes.

• Newmarket Campus: Specialises in postgraduate business and management programmes.

• Whang?rei Campus: Located in Northland as part of the university’s regional outreach.

Courses and Study Levels

The University of Auckland offers one of the most extensive ranges of programmes in New Zealand, spanning foundational to advanced levels.

• Foundation / Bridging Courses: Pathway programmes for students to enter bachelor’s degrees.

• Undergraduate Degrees: Over 100 degrees across faculties like Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Law, and Theology.

• Postgraduate Diplomas & Master’s Degrees: Designed for career advancement or specialization, including research-based and taught programmes.

• Doctoral Programmes (PhD): Research-focused degrees with seed funding from prestigious research centres.

• Professional and Certificate Courses: Short courses and micro-credentials designed to boost employability.

Mode of Learning

The University of Auckland offers flexible learning modes to adapt to global students’ needs:

• On-campus learning (Traditional): Core delivery mode with lectures, labs, tutorials, and interactive classes.

• Blended Learning: Many programs combine in-person classes with online components, ideal for international students who want flexibility.

• Online Learning: Selected programmes, especially at postgraduate and professional levels, are offered fully online.

Scholarship

The University of Auckland offers over 190 different scholarships specifically for international students, with more than NZ $15 million awarded every year. These scholarships are designed to make studying in New Zealand more affordable by helping you with tuition fees, living costs, or both. They are highly competitive and typically awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, country of origin, or academic background in specific fields.

Most of these awards are open to students from all countries who are enrolling full-time in undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, or master’s programmes, and some are also available for PhD research. They often include mentorship, career support, and networking opportunities in addition to financial aid.

Major Scholarships Available in 2025–2026

International Student Excellence Scholarship

The International Student Excellence Scholarship is one of the university’s flagship awards for newly admitted students. It offers up to NZ $10,000 towards tuition fees and is open to students enrolling full-time in an undergraduate degree, postgraduate diploma, or master’s programme with overseas qualifications. Applicants must have received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission and must typically hold a Grade Point Equivalent (GPE) of 6.0 or higher.

Applications open early in the academic year (usually around October) and the deadline falls around 21 November for the first semester intake. Submitting a strong motivation letter and demonstrating academic excellence is essential as the selection process considers merit and potential.

India High Achievers Scholarship

The India High Achievers Scholarship is one of the most notable awards, aimed at attracting top talent from India. It provides up to NZ $20,000 towards tuition fees for up to 30 students each year. To be eligible, applicants must hold an Indian passport, be living outside New Zealand when applying, and not have previously studied at the University. You must be enrolling full-time in an undergraduate degree, postgraduate diploma, or master’s programme. Applications close on 1 April 2025 for the second semester intake and 23 October 2025 for the first semester 2026 intake.

ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship

The ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship supports students from ASEAN countries with up to NZ $10,000 towards tuition fees. To apply, you must have a conditional or unconditional offer and be enrolling full-time in a degree programme.

International School Leaver Scholarship

This scholarship is for international students who have completed secondary education in New Zealand and are enrolling in their first year of undergraduate study. It provides up to NZ $20,000 towards tuition fees, encouraging students to continue their higher education in the country.

Pathway Partner and Foundation Awards

If you study at a recognised foundation or pathway provider and progress to a full degree at the university, you could be eligible for high-value awards such as the Foundation Pathway High Achiever Award (up to NZ $20,000) or the Pathway Partner Scholarship (up to NZ $10,000).

PhD and Doctoral Scholarships

Doctoral students do not need to apply separately for the Doctoral Scholarship, as they are assessed based on admission recommendations. It usually covers three years of tuition, a living allowance, health insurance, and research support. Exceptional applications with strong research proposals, references, and funding will strengthen their chances.

Other Available Scholarships

• Malaysia Accommodation Award – NZ $5 000 towards accommodation for Malaysian students.

• ESET Chillisoft Scholarship in Cyber Security – NZ $5 000 for students pursuing cybersecurity topics in the Faculty of Science.

• WiPLan Scholarship – NZ $4 500 for final-year students in computer science, information systems, or software engineering.

• Dean’s Asia Scholarship – supports students from Asian countries in business and property programmes.

• Colombo Plan Engineering Scholarships – for citizens of Colombo Plan member nations.