Top Universities in New Zealand

Here is our comprehensive guide listing down the top universities in New Zealand.

Rated consistently in the top 10 study destinations across the world for International students and growing every year, New Zealand has a lot to offer. One of the primary reasons why it’s a popular destination is the number of top universities present in the country. We have compiled the list of top-ranked colleges and universities in New Zealand for you along with the details.

For the QS world ranking of top New Zealand universities, please click here.

University of Auckland

Founded: 1883

City: Auckland

Ranking: 83^rd in the World, 1^st in New Zealand

Fee Structure:

Undergraduate: NZD 30,600 -77,000 (Approximately)

Postgraduate: EUR 35,600 -55,000 (Approximately)

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduate: 75-85 % in 12th

Postgraduate: GPE 5.0 in Graduation

Some Facts:

• The University of Auckland is ranked first in New Zealand in 35 of the 40 subjects, featuring in the top 50 in 15 subjects: Archaeology (20), Education (23), Development Studies (26), Psychology (29), English Language and Literature (31), Nursing (32), Law (32), Accounting and Finance (34), Geography (38), Civil and Structural Engineering (41), Architecture (44), Anthropology (44), Social Policy (49), Linguistics (49), Business and Management Studies (50).
• Established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand, the university is made up of eight faculties; these are spread over six campuses

The City Campus in the Auckland CBD has the majority of the students and faculties. It covers 16 hectares and has a range of amenities including cafes, health services, libraries, childcare facilities, and a sports and recreation center

University of Otago

Founded: 1869

City: Dunedin

Ranking: 176^th in the World, 2^nd in New Zealand

Fee Structure:

Undergraduate: NZD 20,600 -89,000 (Approximately)

Postgraduate: EUR 20,600 -89,000 (Approximately)

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduate: 75-85 % in 12th

Postgraduate: GPE 5.0 in Graduation

Some Facts:

• The University of Otago has ten libraries: seven based in Dunedin on the main university campus, the education library in Southland, plus two medical libraries in Wellington and Christchurch. All libraries have wireless access
• The 2006 Government investigation into research quality (to serve as a basis for future funding) ranked Otago the top University in New Zealand overall, taking into account the quality of its staff and research produced
• Each year the first years are encouraged to attend the toga parade and party dressed in white sheets wrapped as togas

Victoria University of Wellington

Founded: 1897

City: Wellington

Ranking: 215^th in the World, 3^rd in New Zealand

Fee Structure:

Undergraduate: NZD 20,600 -35,000 (Approximately)

Postgraduate: EUR 25,600 -60,000 (Approximately)

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduate: 60 % in 12th

Postgraduate: Graduation

Some Facts:

• Victoria had the highest average research grade in the New Zealand Government’s Performance-Based Research Fund exercise in 2012
• It is one of only three institutions (University of Auckland and Unitec being the others) to offer a degree in architecture in New Zealand
• In conjunction with Massey University, it owns the New Zealand School of Music

University of Canterbury

Founded: 1873

City: Christchurch

Ranking: 227^th in the World, 4^rth in New Zealand

Fee Structure:

Undergraduate: NZD 20,600 -35,000 (Approximately)

Postgraduate: EUR 40,600 -60,000 (Approximately)

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduate: 60-75 % in 12th

Postgraduate: Graduation

Some Facts:

• The Department of Physics and Astronomy also has involvement in the Southern African Large Telescope and is a member of the Ice Cube collaboration which is installing a neutrino telescope at the South Pole.
• The University was the first in New Zealand to have been granted five stars by QS Stars
• The University has over 140 academic, sporting, recreational and cultural societies, and clubs

University of Waikato

Founded: 1964

City: Hamilton

Ranking: 266^th in the World, 5^rth in New Zealand

Fee Structure:

Undergraduate: NZD 20,600 -35,000 (Approximately)

Postgraduate: EUR 33,600 -60,000 (Approximately)

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduate: 60-75 % in 12th

Postgraduate: Graduation

Some Facts:

• The University of Waikato operates from two campuses, Hamilton, and Tauranga. Undergraduate degrees are also offered through a satellite location on the campus of Zhejiang University City College in Hangzhou.
• The Waikato Students’ Union represents all students on campus and publishes the student magazine Nexus
• Graduate Nathan Cohen (BMS; 2012) is a two-time world champion and Olympic champion in rowing. The university also has current prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern as a notable alumna

Check out the general eligibility for applying to other New Zealand Universities

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