Education in New Zealand
University in New Zealand
University of Auckland
Why Auckland?
Auckland is the largest and most populous urban area in New Zealand. As a thriving metropolitan city, you can expect a wide variety of restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums, theatres and sporting facilities. But Auckland is not your typical big town – surrounded by extinct volcanoes and boasting two harbours, it is also geographically unique, and very, very beautiful.
Auckland ranked 4th in a 2009 survey judging the quality of life in 215 major cities around the world, and once you’ve spent some time there, you’ll understand why. Auckland’s mild, sunny climate and plethora of employment and educational opportunities make the city an attractive prospect for international visitors.
Why University of Auckland?
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s highest internationally ranked university, according to the Times Higher Education - Quacquarelli Symonds World Ranking of Universities. It is also the largest in New Zealand, and has the nation’s largest university library.
As a research-led university, they support the work of 4 centres of research excellence, 12 research units, 37 research centres and 9 research institutes. This makes for a variety of cross-disciplinary research opportunities for students. Courses incorporate the latest findings and perspectives from these research initiatives (including research carried out by the universities teachers).
The universities campuses are located conveniently across Auckland and host a wide range of on-campus amenities, from cafes and art galleries, to pharmacists and optometrists. The university also boasts comprehensive international student services – you can even renew your student visa on campus!
Areas of Study
The University of Auckland offers courses in the following:
- Arts
- Business
- Creative Arts and Industries
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Science
- Theology
AA Education Network’s counsellors are on hand to assist you in choosing a field of study.
Campuses
City Campus
The University of Auckland’s oldest campus sits in the heart of Auckland. Over one hundred years old, it houses many historically significant buildings, such as the Clock Tower and University House (which was originally a synagogue.) The City Campus is close to all amenities and is easily accessed by bus. Nearly all disciplines are available to study at the City Campus.
Tamaki Campus
Tamaki Campus is home to biosecurity, population health, psychology, speech language therapy and wine science. The campus sits on a 32 hectare site in Glenn Innes, a 20 minute drive from the city campus. The facilities include an extensive library and health services. Tamaki Campus also houses inter-faculty research centres and industry and community partnerships.
Epsom Campus
Epsom Campus houses the Faculty of Education. Less than ten minutes drive from the city, it offers world class facilities, including the Sylvia Ashton Warner library, one of the best teacher education libraries in the country. Epsom Campus also has two childcare centres. Some education classes may also be offered at Tai Tokerau Campus, on the city’s outskirts, or at Manakau Institute of Technology, in Otara, South Auckland.
Grafton Campus
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences calls the Grafton Campus home. Conveniently located near Auckland Hospital, the campus also borders Auckland Domain, Auckland’s oldest park, which lies mostly within the crater of the Pukekawa Volcano. Many Medical and Health Science departments have premises at local hospitals.
Accommodation:
There are four halls of residence at University of Auckland, each located within walking distance of the City Campus. All rooms are Qualmark quality assured and broadband ready, and offer pastoral care. Utilities, three daily meals (excluding Huia Residence) and the use of the University Recreation Centre are included in your fees. A $75 application fee applies.
International House is the only residence to offer accommodation during university holidays. Single and twin-share room are available. In house facilities include a computer lab, library and music and games rooms. As of 2009, prices begin at $4617 a semester for a twin share (roughly $249 a week.)
Grafton Residence offers single and twin-share room and communal, unisex bathrooms on each floor. Amenities include a computer lab, a music practice room, common rooms and tennis court. As of 2009, prices begin at $4495.50 a semester for a twin-share (roughly $243 a week.)
O’Rorke Hall offers single bedrooms. Four to seven rooms make a ‘pod’, and each pod shares a bathroom. O’Rorke Hall also boasts a study/reference library, computer lab and outdoor barbeque area. As of 2009, a room at O’Rorke Hall costs $5562 a semester (roughly $300 a semester.)
Huia Residence is the only uncatered hall of residence, although meals can be provided for an extra fee. Huia Residence has single bedrooms and a communal, single sex bathroom on each floor. It also has internet booths, a common room on each floor and an outdoor barbeque area. As of 2009, a room at Huia Residence costs $3906 a semester (roughly $150 a week.)
Applications for university accommodation open on 1 August for Semester One and 1 April for Semester Two.
Your AA Education Network advisor can help you with this. Please note that you must be enrolled in full-time study and be over the age of 18 to apply.
International Student Services
From assistance with paperwork to helping you transition into your new environment, the University of Auckland provides a wide range of support services for international students.
The International Student Centre provides information and advice on more technical details, such as your application status. They can also help you renew your visa. They are located on Symonds Street, at the City Campus.
iSPACE is a lounge dedicated to international students. They provide a place for you to hang out inside and a beautiful al fresco dining area. The iSPACE team are constantly running workshops, hosting themed nights and organising fun activities, so whether you want to chill out by yourself or make some new friends, iSPACE is the place to be.
A student support adviser is also based at iSPACE.
The International Student Committee meets twice a month and was formed to monitor and improve international services. Any advice or grievances can be discussed (confidentially) with an International Committee representative, who will then forward them on through the relevant channels.
The University of Auckland also employs several international student support advisers.
Entry Requirements:
Admission to undergraduate degrees relies mainly on evidence of academic performance in previous study.
Some degrees may require you to audition or submit a portfolio.
Relevant undergraduate degrees are required for postgraduate study, with some faculties requesting a certain grade point average. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their proficiency in English (see below.)
English Language Requirements: University of Auckland requires an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate students in most disciplines. Engineering, nursing and medical and health science students require an IELTS score of 6.5, while some Commerce, Law and Education courses require an IELTS score of 7.
Your AA Education Network representative can assist you with all the requirements for your specific course.
Fees
The university charges fees on the basis of your enrolment. Fees vary from faculty to faculty. An AA Education Network team member can help you calculate the cost of your degree, based on the subjects studied and the course load you undertake.
The University of Auckland also charges a building and student services levy. For a full-time student, this roughly works out to $72 per annum for building levy and $350 per annum for student levy.
The University of Auckland does not charge international students an application fee.
Don’t forget to ask your Education Network representative about the scholarships and bursaries on offer for international students.
How to apply
If you’d like to spend your week studying at one of the nation’s leading universities and your weekends exploring a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, the University of Auckland is the place for you. Representatives from AA Education Network are waiting to begin your application.