Are you looking to study in the land of Kiwis? This guide will help you gain deep insights into the best universities in New Zealand for international students. As per the data from Global Peace Index, New Zealand is ranked as the second safest country globally.
Guess what? You would be awe-inspired by looking at some of the picturesque places in this island nation. Yes, New Zealand has a lot to offer international students, such as quality teaching, a friendly study environment, modern infrastructure, vibrant campuses and a diverse student community.
New Zealand is a great place to live and an ideal study destination for international students to begin their career. Degrees and programs taught at some of the top universities in New Zealand are internationally recognised and have received many accreditations and accolades.
Let’s quickly jump into the best universities in New Zealand!
Best Universities in New Zealand
Table of contents
1. Auckland University of Technology
Type of institution: University
Year established: 2000
Total students: 29,118
On-Campus accommodation: Available
AUT is one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students as they are ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. Besides, AUT is ranked 1st in New Zealand and 27th globally for International Outlook (A recognition for top institutions measured by three indicators: international to domestic student ratio, international to domestic staff ratio and proportion of research involving global collaboration).
AUT is located in Auckland and is ranked 27th for best cities globally by QS. The university has been rated as a 5-star university by World University Rankings, making it one of the top universities in New Zealand to study both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Workshops are conducted for international students to help them excel in job interviews, job search, and CV improvement. Besides, you get to meet top employers at the university's employer events, where you can gain insights into current industry trends. Therefore, students are also taught to improve their networking skills.
Apart from academics, international students are also encouraged to improve their entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking by conducting programs and events to nurture and refine their ideas. AUT Beta Team can help you translate your business idea into reality.
2. The University of Waikato
Type of institution: University
Year established: 1964
Total students: 12,642
On-Campus accommodation: Available
The University of Waikato is one of the top universities in New Zealand for international students as their programs and degrees are future-focused, and they are one of the active players in global research. Besides, the World University Rankings have placed them in the 401-500 band for their exemplary teaching, industry outcomes, research and innovation.
The main campus is located amidst Hamilton's vibrant and multicultural city with eateries, shopping malls, and outdoor activities, just a short drive away. The campus experience is one of a kind, and the Tauranga campus offers the same kind of facilities and experience as the Hamilton Campus.
International students can access a wide range of healthcare services. Besides, any concerns or questions about the student's health are immediately taken care of by the student health service team, making it one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students.
Many accommodation options are available at the Hamilton and Tauranga campus that suits all international students. Therefore, students live in a safe and friendly study environment making it one of the ideal places to network with other students.
3. Lincoln University
Type of institution: University
Year established: 1878
On-Campus accommodation: Available
Lincoln University is one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students, as QS World University Rankings has ranked them 372nd out of 1300 universities. Besides, QS Star Rating System has awarded them five stars for their reputation, world-class facilities and internationally renowned research.
International students are taught what to focus on first and innovate learning strategies to help achieve their academic goals. You can also get help with assignments, learn to manage big tasks, and understand how your assignments are graded.
Apart from many academic services, tutoring sessions are tailored to the student's needs and are offered with the help of dedicated staff. Students can also opt for peer-assisted study sessions to make the learning process more flexible for the first-year courses making it one of the top universities in New Zealand for a flexible learning method.
If you are unable to focus on your studies, a dedicated team of Well-being advisors is there to help you with any concerns or issues you may have. International students are ensured they have a great time to turn their dreams and aspirations into reality during their program tenure.
4. University of Canterbury
Type of institution: University
Year established: 1873
Total students: 18,364
On-Campus accommodation: Available
University of Canterbury is one of the top universities in New Zealand to have received a 5-star rating from QS for the first time among all the universities in New Zealand. It has also been awarded a 5-star QS ranking for its teaching and research excellence.
University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch, which is the largest city on South Island having numerous parks, public gardens, and recreation areas. Besides, it is one of the affordable major cities in New Zealand as the cost of living is manageable for international students. It is transforming itself into the most sustainable and modern city in New Zealand, making it an ideal campus location for international students.
A wide variety of cafes, bars and restaurants are available on campus, open to both students and the public. A significant number of 100 student-run clubs support the artistic, cultural, social and recreational activities on behalf of the UC student community.
For international students, the accommodation on campus depends on the availability and students are encouraged to apply at the earliest. The university has a safe and supportive student community on campus, making it one of the best universities in New Zealand.
5. The University of Auckland
Type of institution: University
Year established: 1883
Total students: 40,000
On-Campus accommodation: Available
The University of Auckland is one of the top universities in New Zealand, as it is placed 85th in the world by QS World University Rankings. It is the only university in New Zealand to be among the top 100 globally.
The Academic Staff and the university run a significant number of student-focused business initiatives to bring an entrepreneurial culture to the university. An exclusive entrepreneurial program called “Velocity” is in place for students to excel in innovation and create new ideas, making it one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students with business aspirations.
International students can purchase online membership and access the pre-recorded fitness classes. In addition, personalised one-to-one coaching is available to students to help them achieve their fitness goals to stay fit and healthy.
The sports centre is located on the campus where International students can get a membership to participate in sports activities. Students need to keep an eye on the sports centre schedule to find available slots for playing sports.
6. The University of Otago
Type of institution: University
Year established: 1869
Total students: 21,240
On-Campus accommodation: Available
The University of Otago is one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students, as it is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. It has achieved a 5 Stars Plus by the QS Global University Performance Rankings. Besides, the university is known for outstanding graduate employability.
The lecturers and professors from this university are some of the best experts in New Zealand. The educational performance of this university has been exemplary, and over 95% of graduates go to work or pursue further studies making it one of the top universities in New Zealand to achieve your higher education goal.
The Dunedin campus is known for its stunning beauty and is one of the most beautiful campuses in New Zealand. The university’s central library is ranked the 13th best library globally. International students can experience genuinely world-class teaching and infrastructure.
International students get to live a vibrant lifestyle on campus. Besides, they experience a global culture as students come from more than 100 countries so they would be meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, it is an excellent opportunity for students to network and create genuine friendships.
7. Victoria University of Wellington
Type of institution: University
Year established: 1897
Total students: 17,000
On-Campus accommodation: Available
Victoria University of Wellington is one of the top universities in New Zealand as they are ranked at the top of 2% globally among the world’s 18,000 universities by the QS. In addition to that, 11 of the university’s subjects are ranked in the top 100 by QS World University Rankings.
The university offers over 100 undergraduate degrees to match your career goals. The undergraduate graduate degrees are very flexible, and some are quite specialised. Besides, a wide range of specialisations for postgraduate programs is offered to international students.
A significant number of accommodation options are available to international students, such as flats and apartments located close to the campus. Therefore, students are encouraged to explore various benefits offered to them on campus.
The university campus is located in Wellington, ranks as the most livable capital city by Global Liveability Index and 3rd happiest globally by World Happiness Report. Besides, it is one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students looking for an ideal study environment.
8. Southern Institute of Technology
Type of institution: Private College - VET
Year established: 1971
On-Campus accommodation: Available
In comparison to the top universities in New Zealand, the Southern Institute of Technology is equally good as they offer a flexible learning methodology such as blended learning, where you can either learn online or face to face.
As an international student, if you are looking forward to completing your respective program successfully, you can get the help of an academic support team. The team will assist you with enhancing your study skills, memory skills, concentration and time management. The academic services are of the same standards offered by some of the best universities in New Zealand.
Your health is primarily important to make the most out of your studies, so the institute offers free, confidential and friendly health and well-being services for all students. A registered nurse is available daily to help you with your physical, mental and spiritual well being.
A wide range of student support services is available to international students to assist them with employment, events, activities and cultural support. The student support team is located next to the bookshop on the Invercargill main campus.
9. Unitec Institute of Technology
Type of institution: Private College - Higher Education
Year established: 1976
Total students: 16,800
Compared to the top universities in New Zealand, the Unitec Institute of Technology equally offers a high standard of education. International students can access learning and academic support to help themselves improve their academic performance.
A dedicated team of student advisors are available to international students if they may have any academic concerns or issues and need advice. Besides, students can avail career support services to get guidance on job hunting, career planning, interview tips and finding job opportunities.
If international students want to pay their course-related fees or tuition fees, the cashier is located within student central to pay the fees. Therefore, class representatives act as a voice for students, and they represent their classmates on any issues.
If you are looking to join any club, there is a wide range of social, sporting and study-related clubs where you can meet many new people. Besides, joining clubs will help students network and create strong connections to gain more exposure in the student community.
We hope this guide helped you in finding the best universities in New Zealand.