Education in New Zealand
University in New Zealand
Auckland University of Technology
Why Auckland?
Auckland is commonly mistaken for New Zealand’s capital city*, as it is the nation’s biggest and most populous city. With a large multicultural population (and the largest Polynesian population in the southern hemisphere), it is also a very cosmopolitan city. Accordingly, the city has a wide selection of things to see, do and eat.
The City of Sails (as Auckland is sometimes called, due to the fact that the city boasts two harbours) ranked 4th in a 2009 survey judging the quality of life in 215 major cities around the world, due to its mild climate and fantastic employment and education opportunities.
Parts of Auckland lie on extinct volcanoes, making the city a geographically beautiful one, and a haven for thrills seekers. The city is also well loved by sports fans, as it offers a huge range of sporting team and facilities.
*In case you were wondering, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city.
Why Auckland University of Technology?
The Auckland University of Technology is New Zealand’s newest university, but has existed as Auckland Technical School since 1895. This results in a century old tradition of academic teaching, combined with new, state of the art resources and buildings.
Spread across three campuses, AUT offers comprehensive libraries and research offices, a dozen restaurants, bars and cafes and accommodation for over 700 students.
They also have a campus newspaper, magazine and radio.
AUT is also one of the few New Zealand universities that offers pre-degree studies for students who are not prepared or don’t have the qualifications for degree level study.
Areas of Study
Auckland University of Technology offers degrees in
- Business
- Health Sciences
- Sport and Recreation
- Sciences
- Art and Design
- Communications
- Computing and Mathematical Sciences
- Engineering
- Creative Technologies
- Education
- Languages and Social Sciences
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Te Ara Poutama (Maori development).
AA Education Network will help you find a suitable field of study.
Campuses
City Campus
The City campus houses the universities central administrative buildings (including the vice-chancellors office) and the following faculties:
- Applied Humanities
- Business and Law
- Design and Creative Technologies (includes schools of art & design, communication, computing & mathematical sciences and engineering)
- Te Ara Poutama (Maori Development)
Conveniently located, the City campus also has an extensive library (spread out over four floors), cafes and art galleries, a student lounge, gymnasium and childcare facilities.
North Shore Campus
The North Shore campus is home to teacher education, health sciences and sport and recreation faculties.
Campus amenities include cafes and a childcare centre. A shuttle bus runs between North Shore and City campuses.
North Shore Campus also boasts a range of health and fitness amenities.
It has five clinics – oral, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychotherapy and prenatal – that are open to the public.
It also has a comprehensive sport and fitness centre. The centre has a gym, weights rooms, gold swing clinic, indoor courts and a range of cardio and other work out programmes. Membership starts at as little as $1 a day, and can include sessions with a personal trainer.
Manukau Campus
Manukau Campus will open in 2010 and will offer classes in business, teacher education, health sciences and sports management and science.
Accommodation
Auckland University of Technology offers two group living residential options for its students. The Wellesley Student Apartments are located in the middle of Auckland’s central business district, a three minute walk from their city campus. Their fully furnished apartments have four or five bedrooms, two bathrooms and living and kitchen areas. All apartments are phone and internet ready, although it is up to residents to organise connection.
The apartment complex also houses a common room which boasts a pool table, table tennis, cable TV and a barbeque area. Furthermore, the Residential Life team organise regular social events in and around the apartments.
As of 2009, prices begin at $6954.00 for an academic year (roughly $183 a week).
Wellesley Student Apartments do not offer parking, Akoranga Student Village is immediately next door to the North Shore campus. Regular shuttle buses can take students from the village to the City or North Shore campuses.
The Student Village offers townhouse style dwellings with five or six bedrooms, two bathrooms and living and kitchen areas. Townhouses are phone and internet ready. The development’s communal facilities include a pool table, cable television and a barbeque area. Limited parking is available and will cost you $160. The Residential Life team also provide social events for residents. As of 2009, a room at Akoranga Student Village will set you back $6954.00 for an academic year (roughly $183 a week.)
Both residences include utilities of up to $400 in their price; if your bill exceeds this amount, you will have to pay the difference. A one-off placement fee of $150, an events fee of $50, and your refundable $400 deposit must be paid before you move in. Linen is not included but a linen pack, containing two king sized sheets, pillow, pillowcase, duvet, duvet cover and mattress protector, is available to purchase for $120.
If you do not wish to live in a student residence, Auckland offers many other accommodation options. Speak with an AA Education Network representative to find an option that suits you.
International Student Services
The International Student Support Service Team is dedicated to assisting international students with nearly everything.
The ISSS team can provide academic assistance, and are constantly organising social excursions and other events to help you make friends and gain a better understanding of Kiwi culture.
The friendly team at the ISSS offices can also process your visa and organise a medical examination, which is required by New Zealand Immigration Services when renewing your visa.
Attendance at International Orientation is a compulsory part of your enrolment. The short seminar will introduce you to your support team and offer information on all aspects of your university life.
If you are having any academic problems, Te Tari Awhina, Auckland University of Technology’s Learning Development Centre, offers workshops on things like essay writing and referencing.
Entry Requirements:
Entry requirements depend on your country of origin. In most cases, a pass mark in your countries relevant Secondary School Qualification will suffice, although some in some cases pre-requisites may include a higher mark or a year of previous tertiary education. Some degrees may require you to audition, or to submit a portfolio.
Postgraduate applicants require a relevant undergraduate degree. You may also be asked to provide evidence of related work or research experience. Postgraduate applicants whose chosen degree includes presenting a thesis must provide a research proposal.
English Language Requirements:
Students who use English as a second language must fulfil the following English proficiency requirements. Scores must have been achieved no more than two years ago.
Undergraduate applicants are required to have:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.0, with no band less than 5.0, OR
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (with minimum Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.0) OR computer-based score of 213 (with minimum Test of Written English score of 4.0) OR an internet-based score of 80.
Postgraduate applicants must have
- An IELTS overall score of 6.5, OR
- A TOEFL score of 575 (with minimum TWE score of 4.5), OR computer-based score of 233 (with minimum TWE score of 4.0), OR internet-based score of 9.
Fees
Tuition fees are charged depending on the students chosen degree, and differ accordingly. Auckland University of Technology charges an enrolment fee of $150. They also insist that all international students have appropriate travel and medical insurance, and will ask for evidence.
All fees are refunded if a student’s visa is denied or if an application for extension is refused.
The Auckland University of Technology offers limited scholarships for international students.
Ask your AA Education Network team member if you qualify.
Important Dates
Application Deadlines
Semester One
- 18 December (for students from non visa free countries)
- 29 January (for students from visa free countries
Semester Two
- 4 June (all students)
You can visit the AUT website for more information on the visa status of your home country, or ask an AA Education Network team member.
Academic Calendar
- Semester One commences in March
- Semester Two commences in July
How to apply:
Combining old academic tradition with modern technology and ideas, the Auckland University of Technology is a solid academic choice. It is an especially suitable choice for students beginning their tertiary study, but also has a lot to offer any undergraduate or postgraduate.
To start the enrolment process, contact AA Education Network today