A round-up of top universities in New Zealand: Review and rankings

New Zealand is a beautiful country, primarily due to its landscape. However, this island nation offers much more than just lovely scenery. When students desire to study abroad, getting education in New Zealand is one of their top choices. New Zealand has a lot to offer, including a highly-rated educational system, globally recognised courses, numerous opportunities for research, and an unrivalled standard of living. Also, you can enjoy the warmth, friendship and support of the international student community while you are studying there.

List of Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand has a number of public universities that provide top-notch education. Some of the top-ranked public universities are as follows:

• University of Auckland: It is the top-ranking public university in New Zealand. It has a QS ranking of 81 in the world. It is situated in Auckland and the popular courses in this institute are business analytics, civil engineering, food science and technology, public health and nursing.
• Victoria University of Wellington: It is another public university in Kelburn, Wellington. Its QS ranking is 236. Its accounting and finance, development studies and social policy and administration courses are quite popular.
• University of Canterbury: One of the best universities located in Christchurch, it has a QS ranking of 284. Its data science, criminal justice, engineering and communication programs are quite popular.
• Massey University: It is situated in Palmerston with campuses in Albany and Wellington. It holds the 287th position in QS Rankings. It is known for its IT and software, aviation and medicine and healthcare programs. 
• University of Waikato: It is a public research institute located in Hamilton. Ranking 331 in the QS world ranking, it offers 139 postgraduate and 109 undergraduate programs and also holds a 5 star rating by QS stars. 
• Lincoln University: Situated in Lincoln, Lincoln University ranks quite high at 368 in the QS world rankings. Its B.Agri, B.Com and BBA courses are extremely popular among students.
• Auckland University of Technology: It is located in Auckland and has three campuses in the city. It holds a QS ranking of 486 in 2023. Its popular courses are architecture and built environment, communication studies, business, engineering, computer and mathematical sciences. 

Eligibility criteria for applying to universities in New Zealand

Clearing exams like IELTS and TOEFL is mandatory, and the documents are needed to prove English language proficiency. IELTS scores may vary for different universities; however, a minimum of 6.0 or above is preferred for bachelor’s programs and 6.5 and above for master's programs.

You must have the required academic qualification from recognised universities. The percentage needed and other details will vary as per the university's requirements.

Although there is no minimum GPA or percentage requirement, applicants must have a high enough score to be eligible. For a professional master's program in New Zealand, relevant work experience could be required. 

Documents required 

These are the documents that you require to apply for university or college admissions in New Zealand:

• Completely filled university application form
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Exam Score copy
• Academic certificates for 12th, 10th and bachelor’s, if applicable
• Passport copy
• Job experience certificates, if applicable
• Other certificates of achievements in extracurricular activities

Why study in New Zealand universities?

The following list includes the best advantages for students studying in New Zealand:

• Numerous options for studying

Students in New Zealand's educational institutions can explore extensive opportunities for research and study in the field of arts, sciences, or business by giving you various course options. There are various postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, and doctoral programs to choose from.

• Lower cost of living and affordable education

The costs of studying abroad in New Zealand are comparatively lower in New Zealand. Depending upon what course you choose to study, university study costs between NZD 22,500 and NZD 36,000 yearly.

• Excellent Education System

Graduates from New Zealand schools hold credentials of the highest calibre and are recognised worldwide. In addition to their regular course offerings, New Zealand's universities are well known for imparting theoretical and practical knowledge to their students. 

• Internationally Recognised Universities

All eight universities in New Zealand have procured high positions in the QS Ranking System. Some of the best-ranked universities in New Zealand are the University of Waikato, Auckland Institute of Technology and the University of Auckland. 

• Easily accessible work permits and visas

While enrolled in full-time programs at prestigious universities, students in New Zealand are permitted to work part-time as well, and PhD students can work full-time while pursuing their doctorate. 

• Top Universities in New Zealand

Universities in New Zealand are known for their excellent innovation and research standards in the fields such as healthcare, computer science, physics, geology, astronomy, engineering, agriculture, etc. The country also has Nobel Laureates in the field of science and medicine.  

So, do you wish to study abroad in New Zealand? KC Overseas is here to guide you through the whole process. We assist students in securing their berth in top international universities and colleges. 

FAQs

1. Does New Zealand have good universities?

The universities and Institutions in New Zealand are highly respected and popular in the field of education. The academic communities of these institutions are also active. They have prestigious bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programmes and the credentials are globally recognised.

2. Which is the top most university in New Zealand?

The University of Auckland is the leading university in New Zealand. It holds the QS Ranking of 81 among the best universities in the world.

3. Is New Zealand good for Indian students?

Yes, of course. Studying in New Zealand universities is quite advantageous for Indian students. First of all, the courses are reasonably priced. The NZD and INR exchange rate is also not astronomical. So studying in New Zealand is quite economical. Secondly, there are immense opportunities and scholarships at UG, PG and PhD levels. Moreover, you can also study while you work.

4. Can you easily get PR after completing your degree in New Zealand? 

Getting PR in New Zealand is not difficult if you have graduated from a Kiwi University. You will be easily given a post study visa and a work visa on the basis of your degree.