The top universities in New Zealand for international students

By Ben
Updated on Mar 28, 2024
The top universities in New Zealand for international students

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New Zealand is an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its high standard of education and unique culture. The country boasts several renowned universities for their high-quality teaching, research excellence, and vibrant student life.

In this guide, we will explore the top 7 universities in New Zealand for international students.

Top 7 Universities in New Zealand for international students

Here are the top 7 universities in New Zealand for international students:

1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland, established in 1883, is the largest university in New Zealand and one of the top universities in the world. It is also the highest-ranked university in New Zealand in the QS World University Rankings 2020. Located in the heart of Auckland City, the University of Auckland provides a world-class education and research environment to students worldwide.

The university also has a number of research centres and institutes, including the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, the Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It also has several specialist schools, such as the Auckland Medical School, the Auckland School of Business, the School of Architecture and Planning, and the School of Music.

The university offers a range of support services to international students, including an International Student Support Services Centre, which provides advice and assistance to students on a range of issues, and the University of Auckland International Student Scholarship, which offers financial support for international students.

Also Read: Study in New Zealand for International Students

2. University of Otago

The University of Otago is located in Dunedin and is one of the top universities in New Zealand for international students. It was founded in 1869 as New Zealand’s first university and is the oldest in the country. It is ranked among the world’s top 250 universities and is a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities.

The University of Otago offers a wide range of degree programs in medicine, health sciences, sciences, humanities, business, law, engineering, and education. It also has a range of exchange and studies abroad programs, which offer students the opportunity to study in countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia.

The University of Otago also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to international students. These include the International Student Scholarship, which is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, and the International Student Bursary, which is designed to help students with their living costs.

Also Read: Study a Bachelor’s in New Zealand

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington is a public research university located in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. It was established in 1897 and is the oldest university in the country. It is home to more than 21,000 students from over 90 countries.

The university is renowned for its strong international focus and the high quality of its teaching. It has established partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Japan, India, and other countries. It also has exchange programs with universities in Europe, the United States, Australia, and other countries.

The university has an excellent reputation for teaching and research and is home to several prestigious research institutes. It also boasts world-class libraries and laboratories, as well as state-of-the-art technology. Victoria University of Wellington offers a range of courses and study programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

4. Massey University

Massey University was established in 1927 and is the only university in New Zealand that offers degrees in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience. Located in Palmerston North, Massey is the country’s largest university, with campuses in Auckland and Wellington.

Massey University is home to some of the world's leading researchers in a wide range of fields, including climate change, disaster management, food security, health and technology. The university has achieved excellent research outcomes and has been ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Massey University's reputation for excellence has earned several awards, including the Employer of Choice Award from the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation. It also has a diverse student population from over 140 countries. In addition, the university offers a range of support services for international students, including career advice and counselling, health services, and language support.

5. University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury (UC), located in Christchurch, is one of the top universities in New Zealand for international students. With an excellent reputation for teaching, research and innovation, UC is ranked within the world’s top 200 universities and is a member of the prestigious Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

UC has a strong international focus, with many of its courses being taught in English and Chinese. As a result, international students can learn from experts in their field and gain an international perspective on their studies. UC also has a number of exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad for a semester or a year.

UC has a range of policies and procedures to ensure all student's safety and wellbeing, including an emergency contact system, a 24-hour security service and a dedicated international student support team. UC also provides a range of services to help international students adjust to life in New Zealand, such as orientation programs and cultural events.

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6. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is one of the top universities in New Zealand for international students that was originally established in 1878 as a school of Agriculture. Located in Lincoln, Canterbury, the university is just an hour away from Christchurch and offers international students a safe and friendly environment.

Lincoln University has a long tradition of welcoming international students. It has an International Student Centre that provides support and advice for international students. The centre also organises events and activities for international students to help them adapt to the New Zealand lifestyle and culture.

The university also strongly focuses on sustainability, with various initiatives and projects to promote sustainability on campus. It also has a range of research centres, including the Centre for Agriculture and the Environment, the Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Management, and the Centre for Science and Technology.

7. Auckland University of Technology

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT), established in 1895, is among the top universities in New Zealand for international students. It is the largest and most comprehensive university in the country, with five faculties, 18 schools and two research institutes that offer a wide range of courses and programs to students from all over the world.

The university has a diverse student population of more than 30,000 students from over 100 countries. It is particularly popular with international students due to its strong academic reputation and innovative approach to teaching.

At AUT, international students can choose from more than 200 qualifications in various disciplines. These include engineering, computer science, business, law, media, health sciences, design, and many more. The university also offers several dual degree programs in partnership with universities from the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world.

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Conclusion

These universities offer an excellent learning environment and world-class academic programs to help you reach your educational goals. With a combination of fantastic campus life, cutting-edge research, and international student support, these universities provide the perfect platform for international students to reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the University of Auckland located?

Massey University is located in Palmerston North. It is the country’s largest university and has campuses in Auckland and Wellington.

With which countries universities does Victoria University of Wellington has partnerships and exchange programs?

Victoria University of Wellington has established partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Japan, India, and other countries. It also has exchange programs with universities in Europe, the United States, Australia, and other countries

What are the different policies and procedures to ensure the safety of students at the University of Canterbury?

The University of Canterbury has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, including an emergency contact system, a 24-hour security service and a dedicated international student support team. 

When was the Auckland University of Technology established?

The Auckland University of Technology is the largest and most comprehensive university in the country, which was established in 1895. It has five faculties, 18 schools and two research institutes that offer a wide range of courses and programs to students worldwide.

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