Choosing the right university is crucial in determining your future. Known for its breathtaking scenery and hospitality, the world’s leading universities in New Zealand also offer many study opportunities for international students. Renowned for their high-quality education and globally recognised degree programmes, these institutions are committed to creating diverse, inclusive and innovative learning environments to help international students on their way to a brighter future. Below, we’ll introduce you to some of the best tertiary education in New Zealand that are tailor-made for international students.
New Zealand University Ranking
All eight of top universities in New Zealand have inherited the “bloodline” of British education and are ranked among the top 500 schools in the world. In order of precedence are：
1. “National Treasure” University – University of Auckland
2. New Zealand’s first university – University of Otago
3. Prestigious University – Victoria University of Wellington
4. The best engineering school – University of Canterbury
5. Never Stop learning – Massey University
6. “The Harvard of the Southern Hemisphere” – The University of Waikato
7. “Specialized” – Lincoln University
8. The most innovative – Auckland University of Technology
Top Eight Universities in New Zealand Undergraduate Application Requirements
University of Auckland
Institution Profile
The University of Auckland is one of the world’s top 100 universities. It was founded in 1883 and is known as New Zealand’s “national treasure” university. It enjoys a high international reputation. As the best university in New Zealand, the University of Auckland is famous for various basic disciplines, such as computer science, civil engineering, architecture and planning, medicine, pharmacy, education, media.
QS World University Rankings
The University of Auckland is ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2022, ranking first in New Zealand.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements: high school graduates, college entrance examination average score of 67~80 (different professional requirements are different).
Language requirements:
1. IELTS 6.0 or above (no less than 5.5 for each item).
2. TOEFL (computer-based) score of 80 (writing no less than 21), TOEFL (written) 550 (writing (TWE) no less than 4.5).
Note: an IELTS score of 6.5 is required for some courses.
Accommodation Application
Empire Apartments is an elegant and functional modern apartment comprising studio and triple room types. The apartment features a kitchen, dining room, lounge and bathroom, and is just a 15-minute walk from the University of Auckland and ideal for international students. Located close to Quin Street, surrounded by food courts, restaurants, convenience stores and banks, international students can enjoy a carefree leisure life to the maximum while you are busy studying.
UniLodge Auckland City is an ultra-modern student flat in the heart of Auckland City, relaunching on 1 February 2023, just a few minutes walk from the University of Auckland; this building offers a wide range of room types, including single, double and self-catering flats. The flats feature a gym, study, laundry and more. Rooms are fully furnished and include beds, built-in wardrobe storage units, table and chairs, fridge/freezer, microwave and hob. You’ll also have access to our excellent student common areas, including a resident lounge with a big-screen TV and pool table, a resident kitchen, a quiet study area, an on-site gym, and an outdoor grilling area. In addition, the flats are highly secure, and all apartments have electronic key cards.
University of Otago
Institution Profile
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university, established in 1869. It is the world’s Top 1% university in Dunedin, known as the “Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere,” with a safe, comfortable, pleasant climate.
QS World University Rankings
The University of Otago is ranked 184th in the QS World University Rankings 2022, with New Zealand ranked 2nd.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements: high school education, good college entrance examination scores (usually required to meet the provincial score line).
Language requirements:
1. IELTS score 6.0 or above (no less than 5.5 for each item).
2. TOEFL (Internet test) score 95 or above (writing score of at least 22).
Accommodation Application
Victoria University of Wellington
Institution Profile
Victoria University of Wellington was founded in 1897 in Wellington, New Zealand, and is one of the oldest universities in New Zealand. It is a research-based university that provides students with high-quality education; professional rankings of Victoria University of law, psychology, education, English language and literature, geography, and performing arts are ranked in the world’s top 100.
QS World University Rankings
236th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 3rd in the New Zealand university rankings.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements: have a high school education, college entrance examination score reached a score line.
Language requirements:
1. IELTS total score of 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each item).
2. The total score of TOEFL (IBT) is 80.
Accommodation Application
UniLodge Stafford House is a modern apartment with facilities and a great location. This includes 91 three-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom self-catering student apartments. In addition, the apartment has a gym and a games room where students can enjoy a comfortable and welcoming study and living environment. Staying here, you will be in the city’s heart, with everything close at hand.
Haka House Wellington is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital, Wellington. Victoria University of Wellington is a 15-minute walk away. The apartment has a range of high-end facilities to meet the quality needs of international students. Each room comes with a comfortable bed, a work desk and plenty of storage space. The apartment also features a state-of-the-art gym with modern fitness equipment for all fitness levels. Security is a top priority at Wellington Student Apartment, with 24-hour CCTV monitoring, secure access systems and lockers to keep valuables safe. International students can also enjoy a 24/7 reception service to ensure that their queries and concerns are dealt with in a timely manner, day or night.
University of Canterbury
Institution Profile
The University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch, the capital of Canterbury Province, New Zealand. As one of New Zealand’s public universities, it was the first to be awarded the QS five-star rating and the only university to become a member of the 21st-century International Academic Alliance, which ranks it among the 19 top research universities.
QS World University Rankings
258th in the QS World University Rankings 2022, 4th in New Zealand.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements: the college entrance examination score reached the first level of the province.
Language requirements:
1. IELTS total score of 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each item).
2. The total score of TOEFL is 80 (no less than 19 in reading, writing and listening).
Accommodation Application
140 Ilam Road, Christchurch City, is a 10-minute walk from the University of Canterbury. Its fully furnished flats and excellent neighbourhood infrastructure make it one of the best choices for international students to live in.
Massey University
Institution Profile
Massey University, founded in 1927, is the largest educational and research institution in New Zealand; in business, veterinary, agricultural science, engineering, aviation and art and other academic research, it is highly outstanding, with comprehensive academic research level ranked among the top 100 universities in the Asia-Pacific region.
QS World University Rankings
Massey University is ranked 284th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 5th in New Zealand.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements:
1. High school graduates, college entrance examination scores accounted for more than 70% of the total score.
2. High school graduation, academic examination scores accounted for more than 80% of the total score.
Language requirements:
1. IELTS total score of 6.0 (no less than 5.5 for each item).
2. The total score of TOEFL (IBT) is 80 points (no less than 19 points in writing).
University of Waikato
Institution Profile
Founded in 1964, the University of Waikato is one of the eight public universities funded by the New Zealand government. In 2016, it was accredited as a “QS five-star University,” and its social science, business, economics, and education majors ranked among the world’s top 300.
QS World University Rankings
The University of Waikato is ranked 373rd in the QS World University Rankings 2022, with New Zealand ranked 7th.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements: high school education, college entrance examination scores reached the province of a score line.
Language requirements:
Bachelor of Education: IELTS 7.0 (no less than 7.0 in each item).
Bachelor of Laws
1. IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each item).
2. TOEFL (Internet test) 90 points (writing is not less than 21 points).
Bachelor of Social Work
1. IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.5 in each item).
2. TOEFL (Internet test) 85 points (writing is not less than 22 points).
Other majors
1. IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 for each item).
2. TOEFL (Internet test) 80 points (writing score is not less than 21 points).
Lincoln University
Institution profile
University of Lincoln is one of the oldest institutions in New Zealand. It is the only New Zealand university to be invited to the European Alliance of Universities in the Field of Life Sciences (ELLS), one of the four world partners. One of the eight public universities in New Zealand, it is a world-renowned comprehensive institution.
QS World University Rankings
372nd in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 6th in the New Zealand Rankings.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements:
1. The college entrance examination reached the admission score line.
2. Graduate from high school with an average score of at least 70%, and complete one year of full-time undergraduate study in a regular institution.
3. 2 years of full-time college study.
Language requirements:
1. IELTS total score of 6.0 (no less than 5.5 for each item).
2. The total score of TOEFL (IBT) is 60 points (no less than 18 points in writing).
Auckland University of Technology
Institution profile
Auckland University of Technology is one of New Zealand’s eight public universities. It achieved the highest teaching standards, employability, internationalisation, school facilities, and cultural inclusion and was awarded the QS World Five-Star University.
QS World University Rankings
Auckland University of Technology is ranked 451st in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 8th in New Zealand.
Application Conditions
Academic requirements:
1. Graduate from high school with a one-year bachelor’s degree.
2. Graduate from high school and complete a two-year diploma at an accredited university with good grades.
3. Obtain a score no lower than the local province’s first score in the college entrance examination.
Language requirements:
1. IELTS score 6.0 (no less than 5.5 for each item).
2. TOEFL (Internet test) score 80.
Accommodation Application
Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation is a brand new student accommodation close to Auckland University of Technology, just 10 minutes from school and surrounded by excellent cafes, restaurants and shopping. With a rental price of around NZ $450 per week, staying here will give you the best quality housing experience at the most competitive price.
Top Eight Universities in New Zealand Undergraduate Application Channels
Pre-University and Undergraduate
The eight universities in New Zealand generally require students to complete the foundation programme before admission to the first year of undergraduate study. The foundation programme is usually 5-18 months long.
Requirements: High school average of 70%-80%.
Language Requirements: IELTS 4.5-5.5.
College Entrance Exam Results Directly Impact Undergraduate Admissions
The eight public universities in New Zealand accept GCE results, but you need good grades.
Achievement requirements: achieve a grade of one and have the opportunity to apply to universities in New Zealand (Lincoln University’s GCE direct entry score requirement is 70% of the total local GCE score).
For international students, a language requirement is a crucial aspect. You must have an IELTS score of 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any single item) or an equivalent language level. If you don’t have an IELTS score, you can also choose the language programme of the corresponding institution. This can help you enter into the main undergraduate course through the language programme.
International First Year Programme
Students with an excellent average score in high school can progress towards a New Zealand undergraduate degree through the International First Year Programme.
Achievement Requirements: Gao Kao score of at least two years, or an average score of 65%-80% in high school.
Language Requirements: IELTS 5.5 overall (no less than 5 in any subject).
Study Abroad Programmes of Domestic Universities with Chinese and Foreign Co-operation
After studying in domestic universities for 1-3 years (the specific length of study depends on different programmes), completing the domestic courses and meeting the relevant requirements of IELTS score, students can go to the New Western Cooperative University to continue their study for 1-3 years and obtain the undergraduate degree of the foreign university after completing their studies. Students can also apply for a master’s degree on this basis. A large number of students can make use of the domestic study time to improve their average grades, so students and parents favour it.
- Academic Requirements: some colleges require high school entrance exam results in sophomore or junior year.
- IELTS Requirement: none (if available).
Conclusion
Choosing universities in New Zealand is more than just an educational decision; it’s a step towards a better future. It means joining a community that values authenticity, fosters trust and inspires vision. Universities in New Zealand are not only characterised by academic excellence but also committed to creating an environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking and personal growth. New Zealand’s universities are beacons for international students seeking quality education, vibrant cultures and spectacular landscapes, and their commitment to inclusivity and global perspectives ensures that international students feel welcome and valued. Embark on this journey with confidence, as New Zealand’s top universities will guide and support you every step of the way. Your future awaits you – vibrant, promising and full of potential.
FAQ
Is university free in New Zealand?
The New Zealand government can waive tuition fees for a year at university for students who meet the relevant criteria.
Is New Zealand very expensive?
Rent and cost of living are the two main expenses for international students. The average rent price in Auckland and Wellington area is NZD 240 per week, if you want to know more, please pay attention to uhomes.com. The cost of living mainly depends on the individual’s spending habits.
Is it difficult to get admission in New Zealand?
Getting into a New Zealand university takes work, and international students are expected to have the appropriate language grades and fulfil the university’s specific entry requirements.
