Top 5 universities in New Zealand and why you should consider them

New Zealand has some of the biggest international universities in the world offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs. Studying in New Zealand can be a unique experience as well as a great opportunity to further your career prospects. Moreover, the stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and fascinating culture serve as an added reason for choosing New Zealand for higher education.

If your first language is not English, New Zealand is the perfect place for you to improve your language skills with plenty of resources in the university premises as well as English classes outside the premises. Studying at universities in New Zealand can also offer opportunities to work at esteemed organizations around the world. 

International rankings of top 5 universities in New Zealand 

Institution	New Zealand Rank	QS World University Rankings 2021
University of Auckland	1	85
University of Otago	2	194
Victoria University of Wellington	3	236
University of Canterburry	4	258
Massey University	5	284

Why study in New Zealand?

There are several reasons more and more international students are choosing to study in New Zealand–

1. Pursuing higher education at one of the best universities in New Zealand is an excellent choice owing to its well-developed education system.
2. In comparison to the United States, the tuition fees and cost of living in New Zealand is affordable.
3. New Zealand is known as one of the safest and friendliest places in the world owing to its 2nd rank in the Global Peace Index 2021.
4. Life as a student in New Zealand can be quite rewarding, you get to explore the impeccable nature and rich cultural heritage of the country.
5. You get to meet people from all over the world and attend numerous free festivals, sports events, theatre and music concerts.

The 5 best universities in New Zealand 

Below are 5 of the best universities in New Zealand based on their education methods, research, student satisfaction, job prospects, and more.

1. University of Auckland 

Known as one of the most prestigious and also the largest universities in New Zealand, the University of Auckland ranks high in numerous international university rankings. It is one of the oldest universities in the country and was founded in the year 1883. It has five campuses with more than 40,000 students.

The most popular programs offered by the University of Auckland are Master’s of Management, Masters of Science, and Masters of Engineering Management, but subjects like Archaeology, Education, Nursing, Geography and Performing Arts are also well acclaimed.

2. University of Otago 

Located in the bustling city of Dunedin, the University of Otago is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. This university is famous for its gothic-style architecture and particularly excels in the field of Health Sciences.

The University of Otago was established in 1869 and currently has four huge campuses. It offers a large spectrum of undergraduate as well as postgraduate programs in all fields of education, from Medicine to Management. The most popular programs offered are Bachelor’s of Medicine and Surgery, Master’s of Finance, and Full-time MBA.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s capital, the Victoria University of Wellington was established in 1897 and follows a highly popular and successful British framework of education. It is well known for its international faculty and programs in Law, Humanities, and Science. The university has about 17,000 students across three campuses out which the main campus is located in Kelburn, New Zealand.

The university offers over 100 both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its wide research-based programs and houses about 40 research centers. The most popular programs offered by the Victoria University of Wellington include Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education, Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Design, Business, and Health.

4. University of Canterbury 

The University of Canterbury was founded in the year 1873. It has five colleges which deal in different fields of study such as Science, Engineering, Arts, Business and Law, and Education, Health and Human Development. Currently, there are about 17,300 students enrolled in diploma programs, graduate programs, and doctoral degrees at the university.

5. Massey University

The Massey University in New Zealand is located in located in Palmerstone North, New Zealand. It has two other campuses in Albany and Wellington. The university has around 30,000 students enrolled, making it the 2nd largest university in New Zealand.

It is the only university in New Zealand that offers degrees in Aviation, Dispute Resolution, Veterinary Medicine and Nanoscience. The most acclaimed programs offered by the university are in Agriculture and Aviation.

FAQs 

Q 1. What are the most popular fields of study in New Zealand?

Answer. The popular fields of study in New Zealand include Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, Information Technology, Architecture and Construction, Health, and Hospitality, and Tourism. 

Q 2. Which is the best place to study in New Zealand? 

Answer. The best cities for education, according to students, are Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. 

Q 3. Can I work while studying in New Zealand?

Answer. If you have a valid student visa, you may be able to work for up to 20 hours a week during your program and 40 hours a week during scheduled holidays.