Top Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand has eight public universities recognized for their research output and academic excellence. These universities offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health. New Zealand's higher education institutions are known for their high academic standards, diverse programs, and commitment to research and innovation.

The higher education system in New Zealand comprises universities, polytechnics (also known as institutes of technology), and wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions), each offering unique educational opportunities and catering to a wide range of student needs. Here is the list of top universities in New Zealand.

University of Auckland

• The largest and one of the highest-ranked universities in New Zealand, known for its research initiatives and diverse student body, is located in the heart of downtown Auckland.
• In the QS rankings 2024, it was listed in the top 100 institutions worldwide.
• It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, law, and health sciences.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Engineering	NZD 9,000 per year	NZD 53,000 per year
Master of Engineering	NZD 11,000 per year	NZD 51,000
MBA	NZD 7,700 per quarter	-

University of Canterbury

• Canterbury University, officially known as the University of Canterbury (UC), is a prominent higher education institution in Christchurch, New Zealand. Established in 1873, it is one of the oldest universities in the country and has a rich history of academic excellence and research.
• It offers programs in Arts, Business, Digital Screen, Education, Engineering, Health, Law, and Science
• It is on the outskirts of downtown Christchurch, located on New Zealand's South Island.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Engineering	NZD 8,400 to NZD 9,000 per 120 points	NZD 45,000 to NZD 50,000 per 120 points
Master of Engineering	NZD 1,100 to NZD 9,700	NZD 50,000
MBA	NZD 42,000 (180 points)	NZD 61,000 (180 points)

University of Otago

• The University of Otago, located in Dunedin, New Zealand, is the oldest in the country, established in 1869. The university is particularly well-known for its health sciences programs, including medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, which are highly regarded both nationally and internationally.
• It offers programs in health sciences, humanities, sciences, and business.
• It has undergraduate programs in Biomedical Sciences, Dental Technology, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Radiation Therapy.
• It is less than one mile from the steepest street in the world.
• It has a flexible approach to its MBA programs, having full-time, part-time, and online options for its students.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Undergrad Programs- Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Surveying	NZD 9,100 per year	NZD 41,000 per year
Postgrad Programs- Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Surveying	NZD 11,000 to NZD 13,000 per year	NZD 50,000 per year

University of Waikato

• Waikato University, officially known as the University of Waikato, is a public university in Hamilton, New Zealand. Established in 1964, it has grown to become one of the leading universities in the country, known for its innovative teaching and research programs.
• It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, law, and social sciences.
• In addition to its academic offerings, it has a strong commitment to Māori education and cultural inclusivity, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
• It offers 16 subjects and subject areas ranked by QS, with 11 in the top 350 worldwide.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Arts	NZD 6,700 to NZD 7,800	NZD 29,000 to NZD 38,000
Bachelor of Business	NZD 7,300	NZD 35,000
Bachelor of Laws	NZD 7,300	NZD 37,000
Bachelor of Science	NZD 7,800	NZD 38,000

Massey University

• Massey University is a prominent public university in New Zealand, with campuses in Palmerston North, Auckland, and Wellington.
• Established in 1927, it has grown to become one of the largest universities in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, including arts, business, science, engineering, health, and education.
• It also places a strong focus on distance learning, making education accessible to students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes.
• The Veterinary Science and Development Studies are ranked in the top 30 on QS subject rankings.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Veterinary Science	NZD 14,000 per year	NZD 75,000 per year
Master of Veterinary Science	NZD 9,300 to NZD 15,000 per year	NZD 53,000 per year

Victoria University of Wellington

• Wellington's Victoria University, officially known as Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), is a prominent public research university in Wellington, New Zealand. Established in 1897, it has a rich history and is known for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence.
• It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, sciences, law, business, and social sciences.
• VUW is particularly renowned for its programs in law, international relations, and creative arts, attracting students from both New Zealand and around the world.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Law	NZD 8,400 per year	NZD 39,000 per year
Master of Law	NZD 10,000 to NZD 12,000 per year	NZD 41,000 per year

Lincoln University

• Lincoln University, located in New Zealand, is a prominent institution known for its focus on land-based studies, agriculture, environmental management, and sustainable development. Established in 1878, it has a rich history and is situated in the picturesque Canterbury region near the city of Christchurch.
• It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including agribusiness, environmental science, horticulture, landscape architecture, and tourism.
• It is known for programs in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Environmental Management, Landscape Architecture, Food, Wine and Beer Production, Sport and Recreation Management, and Business and Commerce.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Commerce	NZD 6,800 per year	NZD 33,000 per year
Bachelor of Science	NZD 8,100 per year	NZD 36,000 per year
Master of Business	NZD 13,000 per year	NZD 51,000 per year
Ph.D.	NZD 8,600 per year	NZD 8,600 per year

Auckland University of Technology

• Auckland University of Technology, commonly referred to as AUT, is a prominent university in Auckland, New Zealand. Established in 2000, AUT has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to education and research.
• It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, arts, and social sciences.
• It has Arts & Humanities, Business & Economics, Clinical and Health, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Life Sciences, Psychology and Social Sciences among the top subjects in Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2024.

Program	Tuition Fee
	Domestic students	International students
Bachelor of Engineering	NZD 8,400 to NZD 11,000 (120 points)	NZD 47,000 (120 points)
Bachelor of Business	NZD 8,400 to NZD 8,800 (120 points)	NZD 37,000 (120 points)
MBA	NZD 31,000 (120 points)	NZD 59,000 (120 points)