Top Universities in New Zealand [Ranking, Courses, Fees and More]

New Zealand is renowned for its top-notch education, experienced faculty, and ample work opportunities upon graduation. Moreover, it is one of the most affordable countries for international students to pursue higher education. Universities in New Zealand are focused on equipping students with practical training to prepare them for global success and taking up roles in both multinational and national companies. If you are planning to pursue your higher education in New Zealand, this is the right blog for you. We have compiled a list of top universities in New Zealand, along with their tuition fees, prestigious scholarships and specializations they offer, and the average salary you can expect upon graduation.

List of Top Universities in New Zealand with Ranking

Do you know New Zealand only has 8 universities, with all of them ranking high on the QS charts? These universities are renowned for providing a wide range of programs for students to choose from, partnerships with global companies, and practical training. Here’s an overview of the best colleges in New Zealand.

University	Location	QS Ranking
University of Auckland	Auckland	65
University of Otago	Dunedin	214
University of Waikato	Hamilton	235
Massey University	Palmerston North	239
Victoria University of Wellington	Kelburn, Wellington	244
University of Canterbury	Christchurch	261
Lincoln University	Lincoln	371
Auckland University of Technology	Auckland	412

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1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is one of the top universities in New Zealand, known for its focus on research and innovation. Each year the university ranks among the global 100 universities according to QS Rankings. It also hosts students from over 100 countries worldwide, making it an incredible choice for cultural exchange and international networking. The university also has strong industrial ties, making it one of the top choices for students looking for internships and work placements during or after graduation. 

Additionally, the Auckland location offers vibrant city life, a serene natural environment, and an opportunity to engage in outdoor activities like surfing, sailing, and hiking. Since the university is committed to preserving the Māori culture, students can take courses in Māori studies and participate in cultural activities to learn the history and traditions of the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$ 319.25 – NZ$ 721.34 per point * (₹16,044.61 – ₹36,252.53)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship – University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship – University of Auckland International School Leaver Scholarship – The University of Auckland ELA High Achiever Award – Beatrice Ratcliffe Entry-Level Scholarship in Music – ESET Chillisoft Scholarship in Cyber Security – Summer Research Scholarships – Faculty of Arts Sub-doctoral Postgraduate Scholarship – Faculty of Education and Social Work Postgraduate International Student Scholarship – Qi Anlong Scholarship in Computer Science – School of Medical Sciences International Masters Scholarship – University of Auckland International Business Masters Scholarships – University of Auckland Law School Postgraduate Awards
Average Salary	NZ$ 50,000– NZ$ 60,000 (₹25,12,860 – ₹30,15,432)
Top Specializations	– Engineering – Business – Medical

* Standard full-time one-year course consists of 120 points

2. University of Otago

Located in Dunedin, the University of Otago is one of the oldest universities in New Zealand. It ranks #1 in the country for student academic performance and among the top 1% of higher education worldwide. The university has a distinguished collegiate system with a strong focus on research, particularly in medical and scientific fields. Several researchers have also won national and international accolades. It has an outstanding graduate employability rate, with 96% of graduates going directly into work or further studies upon graduation.

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$ 3000 – NZ$ 121,954 (₹1,50,771.60 – ₹61,29,066.57)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– University of Otago Global Scholarships – Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students – University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships – University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship – University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships – Vice-Chancellor’s  International Postgraduate Scholarships – University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship – University of Otago Doctoral ScholarshipsTe Huarahi Scholarship – Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships – New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) 2024
Average Salary	NZ$ 45,000 – NZ$ 55,000 (₹22,61,574 – ₹27,64,146)
Top Specializations	– Medical – Management – Accounting – Finance

Also Read: Top MBA Universities in the World

3. University of Waikato

The University of Waikato is renowned for its flexible programs, enabling students to learn a wide range of subjects to tailor their program according to their strengths and career pursuits. This makes it one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students. The university is heavily focused on the Māori culture and offers students the opportunity to study and engage in cultural-based activities. 

Located on the North Island, on the banks of the Waikato River, the university offers a tranquil environment for students to study and explore popular Kiwi locations. Each year the university provides more than 2000 work placements and internships to students upon completion of their program.

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$35,000 – NZ$88,000 (₹17,59,002 – ₹44,22,633.60)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– New Zealand Excellence Awards for India – Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India – Terry Healy Memorial AwardSir William Gallagher Cyber Security Scholarship – University of Waikato Summer Research Scholarship – Broad Memorial Scholarship – Beca Scholarship in Environmental Planning – Beca Scholarship in Engineering – University of Waikato International College Scholarship – The University of Waikato GEMS Scholarship
Average Salary	NZ$  45,000 – NZ$ 55,000 (₹22,61,574 – ₹27,64,146)
Top Specializations	– Arts – Business – Law – Engineering – Social Science

4. Massey University

Massey University is widely recognized for its focus on business, humanities, creative arts, health, and science fields. It is one of the few universities in New Zealand that offers concentrated programs in equine science and veterinary studies. It also has an aviation school, providing training to future commercial pilots and aviation managers. 

The university also offers a wide range of distance learning programs for students to study while pursuing other career options or from the comfort of their own country. Lastly, Massey University is also recognized for its top MBA program in New Zealand.

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$30,400 – NZ$ 79,450 (₹15,27,818.88 – ₹39,92,934.54)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– Business Excellence Scholarship – Colin Aiken Plant Breeding Bursary – MBA awards – Massey University Doctoral Scholarship – Massey University Foundation Peer Scholar Award – Massey University Master’s Research Scholarship – Pūtea Tautoko – Doctoral Financial Support Grant – The HOPE Foundation for Research on Ageing Scholarship
Average Salary	NZ$ 45,000– NZ$ 55,000 (₹22,61,574 – ₹27,64,146)
Top Specializations	– Business and Management – Creative Arts – Construction – Health

5. Victoria University of Wellington

The Victoria University of Wellington ranks #1 in New Zealand for its top-notch research programs. Since the university is based in the political capital of the country, it has a diverse focus on public policy, international relations, and law. The university is also in close proximity to the creative industry. It focuses on global leadership and networking and has therefore partnered with leading government institutions and national organizations for students to benefit from, making it one of the top universities in New Zealand.

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$ 42,900 – NZ$ 68,500  (₹21,56,033.88 – ₹34,42,618.20)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– Megan Wraight Memorial Scholarship for Landscape Architecture – Barbara Finlayson Scholarship – C. Wright Mills Scholarship in CriminologyIan Gordon Master’s Scholarship – Graduate Women Wellington – First in Family Scholarship – Infratec Scholarship for Māori, Pasifika and Women in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering – George Pirouet Scholarship in Latin American Studies
Average Salary	NZ$ 50,000 – NZ$ 60,000 (₹25,12,860 – ₹30,15,432)
Top Specializations	– Communication – Design Innovation – Health – Environmental Science – Commerce

Pro Tip: Do you know most universities in New Zealand require you to provide an IELTS score to assess your English proficiency? If you are struggling with speaking in English, check out our government-certified English speaking course to ace your upcoming exams.

6. University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury is one of the oldest universities in New Zealand and recently celebrated 150 years of accessible education. It has partnered with 60+ universities globally and has 3000+ employer connections, making it one of the best colleges in New Zealand. This partnership boosts student employment rates, making it easier for students to secure a job or go into further education upon graduation. The university boasts of academic excellence with high-achieving alumni. 

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$ 31,600 – NZ$ 48,000  (₹15,88,127.52 – ₹24,12,345.60)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– UC India High Achievers Scholarship – Betty Wignall Scholarship in Chemistry – Catherine Sinclaire Lees Memorial Grant in Art History and Theory – Dr Russell Smith Memorial Scholarship – Gertrude Ardagh Holmes Bursary – Helen Macmillan Brown Bursary (Incoming First-Year Scholarship) – Jim Wakefield Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship) – Roland Stead Postgraduate Scholarship in Biology – Rotary Club of Christchurch Blackgrove Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship) – UC International First-Year Scholarship – UC Master’s Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Average Salary	NZ$ 50,000 – NZ$ 60,000 (₹25,12,860 – ₹30,15,432)
Top Specializations	– Technology – Music – Artificial Intelligence – Law – Commerce – Economics

7. Lincoln University

Founded in 1878, Lincoln University began as an agricultural college affiliated with the University of Canterbury. It is New Zealand’s oldest agricultural institution and became an independent university in 1990. Lincoln University specializes in land-based studies, including agriculture, horticulture, viticulture (winemaking), landscape architecture, and environmental management. This focus has made it highly respected globally in fields that connect human activities with land, resources, and ecosystems. 

Given its agricultural focus, Lincoln University has strong connections to New Zealand’s farming and agri-food industries. Many of its programs are designed in partnership with industry stakeholders, ensuring that students gain skills directly relevant to the job market. 

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$ 32,500- NZ$ 69,000 (₹16,33,359 – ₹34,67,746.80)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– Lincoln University International Pathway Merit Scholarship – Lincoln University International Undergraduate Scholarship – Lincoln University Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – Taught Master’s Merit Scholarship
Average Salary	NZ$ 45,000– NZ$ 55,000 (₹22,61,574 – ₹27,64,146)
Top Specializations	– Landscape Architecture – Sports – Tourism Management

8. Auckland University of Technology

The Auckland University of Technology is located in the economic hub of the country. This location gives a strategic advantage to students pursuing a degree in business administration, finance, or marketing, particularly when it comes to looking for internships and work placements. 90% of undergraduate students complete workplace experience as part of their studies often leading to smoother work transition. Moreover, you can also get a ferry ride and explore Waitemata Harbour or swim at the safe city beaches close by.

Parameter	Details
Annual Course Fees	NZ$ 36,892 – NZ$ 48,000 (₹18,54,088.62 – ₹24,12,345.60)
Duration	UG Course – 3 years PG Course – 1 year
Scholarships	– University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship  – University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
Average Salary	NZ$  45,000– NZ$ 55,000 (₹22,61,574 – ₹27,64,146)
Top Specializations	– Engineering – Creative Writing – Clinical Studies – Education

Also Read: How To Get Scholarships to Study Abroad

Common Eligibility Criteria for Top Universities in New Zealand

Getting admission to a top college in New Zealand isn’t as difficult as you think. Most universities have easy eligibility criteria, making it quite easy for international students to get an offer. While specific requirements may vary from program to program, here are a few common eligibility requirements that you would be expected to meet for admissions.

• Applicants must attain an overall average of 75%, with a minimum of 70% in English. Scores are calculated based on the top four academic subjects, excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.
• You must hold a bachelor’s honors degree or a postgraduate qualification from a recognized overseas institution.
• Relevant work experience may also be considered.
• Certain programs, including architecture, fine arts, music, urban design, and writing, may require additional evidence of creative ability, such as a portfolio or audition.
• You will require a minimum of 6.0 band for IELTS for undergraduate admissions and a 6.5 band for graduate admissions. Moreover, universities also accept a minimum TOEFL score of 79-80 for undergraduate admissions and 90-100 for graduate admissions.

Pro Tip: If you are considering an English proficiency test, and are unsure which exam to go for, check out our guide on TOEFL vs IELTS to find out the most suitable exam for you.

Conclusion

New Zealand is renowned for its prestigious universities that offer programs catering to multiple academic and professional interests. These universities rank high on global charts each year due to their international reputation, state-of-the-art research facilities, and top-notch education and faculty. This blog provides you with all the information required to choose the top university in New Zealand that fits your interests and career ambitions. 

Furthermore, if you are planning on moving to New Zealand, you would have to familiarise yourself with the average cost of living based on each region. Check out the cost of living in New Zealand which provides you with all the relevant details required to prepare your budget before shifting. 

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