The University of Auckland was founded in 1883 and is New Zealand's leading research university. It is also the country's largest university with over 38,000 students and nearly 5,000 international students from 80 countries worldwide.
International Rankings
As the only New Zealand university to be ranked in the world’s top 50 (THES 2007) and home to the highest number of A rated, internationally ranked researchers in the country, we can offer you a great environment for study and research.
Research Excellence
The University of Auckland supports the work of 12 Research Units, 36 Research Centres and 6 Research Institutes. The Centres of Research Excellence Fund (CoRE) was established by the New Zealand Government in 2001 to encourage world-class research contributing to New Zealand’s development. The University of Auckland is host to four of the seven Centres of Research Excellence:
- The Centre for Molecular Bio-discovery
- The New Zealand Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
- Nga Pae o te Maramatanga (Horizons of Insight) The National Institute of Research Excellence for Maori Development and Advancement
- The National Research Centre for Growth and Development.
The University of Auckland is also a partner in the Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, hosted by Massey University.
Outstanding Research-led Learning
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading research university meaning great benefits to you:
- Great learning begins with great teachers. The University of Auckland has nearly 2000 academic staff including researchers, scholars and creative artists at the top of their field, nationally and internationally.
- Your courses and programme will incorporate the latest findings and perspectives related to your discipline, including the research done by your teachers.
- You will have the chance to learn in a variety of research-related ways, which might include projects, case studies, problem based learning or designing and conducting experiments.
- You will have access to excellent resources, equipment and facilities, including New Zealand’s largest university library and research labs.
- You will be able to attend free research seminars, lectures and events, so you can hear presentations about current research projects by our staff and postgraduate students, as well as by visitors from New Zealand and overseas.
Worldwide Networks
Being New Zealand’s largest and leading research-intensive university, The University of Auckland has a number of significant international affiliations. It is the only New Zealand member of Universitas 21 and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, consortia of prestigious global universities.
As a student at Auckland you also have the opportunity to spend a semester or two of your programme on a student exchange at one of more than 90 partner universities in 25 different countries.
A Wide Range of Programmes
The University of Auckland offers Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programmes in nine schools and faculties:
- Arts (includes History, Languages, Politics) www.arts.auckland.ac.nz
- Business School (Includes Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Marketing) www.business.auckland.ac.nz
- Creative Arts & Industries (includes Architecture, Fine Arts, Music, Planning) www.creative.auckland.ac.nz
- Education (includes Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Teaching, Social Work) www.education.auckland.ac.nz
- Engineering (includes Biomedical, Electronic, Electrical, Mechatronics) www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz
- Law www.law.auckland.ac.nz
- Medical & Health Sciences (includes Nursing) www.health.auckland.ac.nz
- Science (includes Computer Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, Sports Science) www.science.auckland.ac.nz
- Theology www.theology.auckland.ac.nz
Highly selective entry criteria mean that The University of Auckland maintains the highest standards in programme delivery and quality education.
Benefits of Studying for a PhD in New Zealand
New international PhD students pay domestic tuition fees and their dependent children will also be classified as domestic students in New Zealand primary and secondary schools. In addition your spouse or partner will be able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of your course of study
On completion of your PhD, you can apply for a 12 month Open Work permit through Immigration New Zealand and if you are able to find a suitable job in your chosen field, you can then apply for a two-year work permit. During that two-year work permit time, you are then eligible to apply for Permanent Residency under the Skilled Migrant Category, provided that you meet the points requirement set out by Immigration.
Welcome to New Zealand
New Zealand is a modern, English speaking country with a rich cultural heritage. Despite a relatively small population of around 4.2 million, New Zealand has become world renowned in many areas including scientific discovery, sporting achievements and dynamic political and economic reform.
New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean about 2200 km east of Australia and is made up of two main islands – The North and The South Island.
Kiwis are very proud of their diverse heritage, strongly influenced by the indigenous Maori culture, the past British colony and its more recent migrants mainly from the Pacific Islands and Asia. New Zealand people are well-travelled and outward looking with a reputation for being warm, welcoming and friendly to visitors.
New Zealand is home to some of the worlds most stunning and diverse natural landscapes. You can enjoy relaxing on white sandy beaches, snorkelling in pristine marine reserves, walking amongst lush green sub-tropical forests, skiing or snowboarding down snowy volcanoes or hiking across ancient glaciers. Life in New Zealand offers many opportunities for the traveller and adventurer.
Auckland- A Top Five City
- Auckland, ranked 5th out of 215 world cities for quality of life*, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan centre.
- New Zealand’s largest city with a population of around 1.4 million, and the country’s economic hub.
- Auckland’s unique geographic position means that you can live in a large city but still be within half an hour of stunning beaches, mountain bike tracks, nature walks and subtropical islands.
- The city has great cafés, restaurants and bars, excellent theatres, galleries and museums, terrific shopping and colourful Polynesian and Asian cultural influences.
- If you’re into sports, Auckland hosts many national and international sporting events including the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
* Mercer Human Resource Consulting, 2007.
Convenient Central Campus Location
As a student at The University of Auckland, you could be studying at the main City Campus, putting you just five minutes from Auckland’s bustling central business district (CBD). You’ll also be well placed to take advantage of some fantastic work opportunities, either part-time while you study, or after you graduate. The head offices of some of New Zealand’s largest companies are located nearby.
Living Costs
Auckland is considerably more affordable than a number of other world cities. The Mercer Human Resource Consulting 2007 Cost of Living Survey, ranked Auckland 99 out of 143 global cities for cost of living, number one being the most expensive. London is ranked as the 2nd most expensive city in the world, New York is 15th, Sydney is ranked the 21st most expensive city and Melbourne is 60th (Mercer Human Resource Consulting, June 2007).
Accommodation
Living in University of Auckland accommodation is a comfortable, conveniently locatedand safe option, not to mention one of the best ways to make new friends. You can choose a catered Hall of Residence, or a self-catered apartment or flat. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that your place will be a home away from home. All our residences are quality assured by Qualmark and The New Zealand Association of Tertiary Education Accommodation Professionals – a recognition that your accommodation is amongst the best in the country.
Employment Opportunities
As a full-time student you may apply to work up to 20 hours per week for the duration of your degree programme. Completion of a New Zealand postgraduate qualification may also attract points under the General Skills category should you wish to apply for permanent residence. Special benefits are also available to international PhD students, which enable their spouse or partner to work in NZ.
International Student Activities
Auckland international provides a comprehensive Orientation Week to help you settle in to the University, followed by an exciting programme of activities and festivals run throughout the year to help you make friends and meet local people. In addition, workshops and information sessions are regularly held in iSPACE (our International student lounge) to help you adjust to life at The University of Auckland and in New Zealand. Visit www.auckland.ac.nz/ispace to find out more.
Clubsand Sports
On campus there are around 100 clubs and societies, ranging from cultural associations from all over the world, to clubs for tramping, canoeing, photography, film and yoga. If fitness and sport is more your thing, the Recreation Centre has a great range of facilities and services, including a sports hall, gym, climbing wall and aerobics. Meet and compete against your fellow students in one of the centre’s social sports clubs including football, rugby, basketball, netball and badminton.
Extensive Student Support Network
Being away from home is enough of a challenge in itself. That’s why the University has facilities and an extensive range of support on offer to international students, whatever your background or needs. Our team of International Student Support staff are available to help you with anything you need including study advice, immigration, health, money, accommodation and personal support. There is also a 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency number available if you urgently need help or to talk to someone.
Minimum Entry Requirements for English Language Proficiency
Undergraduate
IELTS 6.0 no band less than 5.5
TOEFL computer based 213, TWE 4.5
TOEFL paper based 550, TWE 4.5
TOEFL internet based 80, Writing 21
Postgraduate
IELTS 6.5 no band less than 6.0
TOEFL computer based 233, TWE 4.5
TOEFL paper based 575, TWE 4.5
TOEFL internet based 90, Writing 21
Application Closing Dates
Semester 1 - February intake: applications close 8 December of the previous year.
Semster 2 - July intake: Applications close 31 May of the same year.
Your Contacts
The University of Auckland
Auckland International
Private Bag 92019
Auckland Mail Centre
Auckland 1142
New Zealand