There are eight universities in New Zealand, all of which feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, a particularly impressive feat when you consider the country’s population is only around 4.7 million. In addition, New Zealand’s higher education system also includes 18 institutes of technology and polytechnics, which offer vocational courses of varying lengths and levels, focusing on practical skills and hands-on experience.
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is at the heart of New Zealand’s higher education system, ensuring that quality standards are maintained. Many students will be pleased to know that class sizes in New Zealand are small, which means you can expect good levels of tutor/student interaction. The country’s higher education system was ranked 16th in the world in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018.
Read more about the top five universities in New Zealand:
University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked university. Currently it ranks 85th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2019. Established back in 1883, it was a constituent college of the University of New Zealand before the latter dissolved in 1961. The university is made up of eight faculties and six campuses, and currently has more than 40,000 students. It’s situated in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, which makes it an even more attractive choice for numerous students from around the globe.
University of Otago
New Zealand’s oldest higher education institution, the University of Otago was established in 1869. It is New Zealand’s second entry in the QS World University Rankings 2019, ranked joint 175th in the world. The university, whose motto is “Dare to be wise”, currently teaches around 20,800 students in its four faculties (humanities, sciences, health sciences and business). It is situated in Dunedin, which is the second-largest city on the South Island.
Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand’s third entrant in the QS World University Rankings 2019, Victoria University of Wellington is ranked joint 221st globally. It was established in 1897 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand, and became an independent institution in 1961. The university is host to about 22,000 students in its nine faculties. It is well known for its programs in law, the humanities and some scientific disciplines, and offers a wide range of other courses as well.
University of Canterbury
Also located on the South Island, in the island’s largest city of Christchurch, the University of Canterbury is the fourth-best university in New Zealand and is also ranked joint 231st in the world. It was founded in 1873, which makes it the second-oldest higher education institution in the country. About 15,000 students are enrolled, with courses offered in subjects including arts, commerce, engineering, fine arts, forestry, health sciences, law, music, social work, speech and language pathology, science, sports coaching and teaching.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is placed 274th in the world in 2019, up 18 places from last year. It’s one of the younger top universities in New Zealand, founded in 1964, and is located in the cities of Hamilton and Tauranga on the North Island. The university has around 12,300 students and appears in the top 350 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 for nine subjects.
The other three universities in New Zealand, Massey University, Lincoln University and Auckland University of Technology, are all ranked among the world’s top 500 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2019.
New Zealand consistently comes out near the top in ratings of the world’s best places to live in terms of quality of life. It has an appealing climate, stunningly beautiful natural landscapes, friendly people and cities which are modern and multicultural. Find out more about life in some of New Zealand’s top student cities:
Auckland
On the east coast of North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and home to its highest-ranking university, the University of Auckland. Auckland is known for its especially multicultural community, and (though this is true of the whole country) for the wide range of high-adrenaline activities available in and around the city. Jet-skiing, canyoning, surfing, abseiling, bungee-jumping, snowboarding, climbing, diving – you get the idea. Or, of course, you can just relax on the beach instead.
Other universities in Auckland include Auckland University of Technology and several institutes of technology and polytechnics, while Massey University’s Albany campus is less than 20km north of the city center. The city itself is ranked 23rd in the 2018 edition of the QS Best Student Cities index.
Wellington
On the south coast of North Island, Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It’s believed by some to be more aesthetically attractive than rival Auckland (we’ll let you make up your own mind), and offers a good selection of culture, cuisine and nightlife within a relatively compact area. Of course, stunning natural scenery is never far away in New Zealand – here, you’ll find beaches, forests, islands, hills and vineyards all within easy reach.
Universities in Wellington include Victoria University of Wellington and one of Massey University’s three campuses, as well as several institutes of technology and polytechnics. The University of Otago has a medical school here, and the New Zealand School of Music (run jointly by Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University) is also based in Wellington.
Christchurch
Located on the east coast of South Island, Christchurch is the largest city on the island and the third most-populous urban area in New Zealand. In recent years, Christchurch has undergone major redevelopment projects, following damage from earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and the general consensus seems to be that it’s just as lively as before the natural disasters struck. Marketing itself as the Garden City, Christchurch prides itself on its large areas of public parkland and picturesque river banks, as well as its thriving arts and cultural scene. Since this is New Zealand, you’ll also find the usual broad selection of outdoor pursuits.
Universities in Christchurch include the University of Canterbury (New Zealand’s fourth-best university) and Lincoln University, as well as a selection of specialist colleges, many of them private. Christchurch itself is currently ranked 69th in the Best Student Cities index.
Dunedin
The second-largest city on the South Island, Dunedin is the main city in the Otago region. Again on the east coast of the island, Dunedin is about 300km (190 miles) south of Christchurch. Formerly New Zealand’s largest city (until around 1900), Dunedin retains a leading position in the country’s culture, and is a major student hub, with students accounting for a significant proportion of its community. Dunedin is home to New Zealand’s second highest-ranked and oldest university, the University of Otago.