How to Study in Auckland for International Students

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Auckland, one of the beautiful cities in New Zealand, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Auckland currently has 7 universities, from which 4 universities are a part of the public sector and 3 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Auckland you should definitely check out are University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, and Otago Polytechnic.

Being able to study in Auckland as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Auckland, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Auckland

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Auckland, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 18,600 NZD to 48,900 NZD, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 18,100 NZD and 59,800 NZD.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Auckland

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Auckland, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Unitec Institute of Technology 21,500 NZD - 25,800 NZD 24,800 NZD - 29,100 NZD
Auckland University of Technology 31,000 NZD - 42,800 NZD 36,500 NZD
Otago Polytechnic 21,000 NZD - 27,800 NZD 18,100 NZD - 28,300 NZD
University of Auckland 33,900 NZD - 48,900 NZD 38,300 NZD - 59,800 NZD

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Auckland

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
New Zealand Tertiary College 24,000 NZD 40,000 NZD - 52,000 NZD
Auckland Institute of Studies 18,600 NZD 33,800 NZD
Manukau Institute of Technology 22,500 NZD - 25,600 NZD 25,800 NZD

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Auckland, check out the Cheap Universities in Auckland!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Auckland for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Auckland, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Auckland, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Auckland may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Auckland are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Auckland and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Unitec Institute of Technology

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

New Zealand Tertiary College

Bachelor’s degree

Auckland Institute of Studies

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Auckland

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Auckland have online applications available on their websites, like University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Auckland.

University of Auckland

Auckland University of Technology

Otago Polytechnic

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Auckland differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Auckland.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Auckland

If you’re going to study in Auckland, you will need to apply for a student visa in New Zealand

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in New Zealand. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa.

To start your student visa application in Auckland, you will need to present the following:

  1. Proof of acceptance from a New Zealand-approved academic institution
  2. Proof of paid tuition fees
  3. Copy of passport identity pages
  4. Proof of funds to cover living expenses and proof of fund source
  5. Copy of air ticket home or proof of having money to buy one
  6. Visa application fee

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in New Zealand is 375 NZD.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Gather all requirements and supporting paperwork.
  2. Choose whether to apply online or by submitting a printed form.
  3. Submit your application.
  4. Wait for the decision.
  5. Receive your visa or eVisa. For eVisa, print it out or keep a copy on your mobile phone.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Auckland. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!