Study Abroad at the University of Auckland, NZ

Name: Study Abroad at the University of Auckland, NZ
Brand: The University of Auckland
SKU: 42645
Rating: 4.52 (271 reviews)

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4.52 Rating

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Location

New Zealand
- Auckland

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Accounting Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Computer Science Earth Sciences Education Engineering English Film Finance Geography Global Studies Health Sciences History Māori Studies Mathematics Pacific Studies Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Sports Science Statistics +15

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Program Details

Program Type

Direct Enrollment

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Dormitory

Language

English

Pricing

Starting Price

9000

Price Details

Study Abroad program students pay a single flat fee (NZ$) which covers tuition fees for a full-time program of study and the student services fee.

In 2024 the Study Abroad fee is NZD13,200 per semester.

Please note accommodation costs and other living expenses are additional to this fee.

What's Included

Classes

What's Not Included

Accommodation Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals SIM cards Transportation

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Last Reviewed: Oct 16, 2023

Wish List

74 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Combine an unforgettable travel experience with studying at a top-100 ranked university. We are New Zealand’s leading university and offer world-class facilities, excellent teaching and a friendly and supportive learning environment.

In our Study Abroad program, choose from more than 120 subjects to earn credits for your major or explore new areas including disciplines not offered at your home university. Subjects popular with our Study Abroad students include Anthropology, Māori/Pacific Studies, Wine Science, Marine Science, Environmental Science and Film, TV & Media Studies.

Auckland is flanked by two harbors, with stunning beaches on both coasts, beautiful islands a short ferry-ride away and lots of water-related activities. For those who prefer their feet firmly on land, Auckland offers lush subtropical forests for hiking and (dormant) volcanoes to climb. Urbanites will enjoy the city’s many cultural and sporting events, festivals, restaurants and vibrant shopping precincts.

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Video and Photos

Study Abroad students at the Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Study Abroad students participating in the Generation Changemaker programme

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Program Reviews

4.52 Rating

based on 271 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 52.77%
4 rating 46.86%
3 rating 0.37%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.05
Support 4.2
Fun 4.2
Housing 4.15
Safety 4.7

Good for Adventure travelers, Photographers

Showing 17 - 24 of 271 reviews

I currently have two months left on my 12-months-long exchange to the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and I am really sad my time here is coming to an end! I had so much fun in the last 10 months, I met so many amazing new people, and travelled around New Zealand, Australia and Cook Islands. I went out of my comfort zone so many times it feels like my comfort zone expanded by a million times. I took a Maori culture course on Kapa Haka which is so much fun, and I couldn't do that anywhere else. I live in such a cool student accommodation with 30 other like-minded people, we hang out all the time, this weekend we even filmed a movie for a film festival! Honestly, going to New Zealand for my year abroad was the best decision I have ever made!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would not waste any day I had in this beautiful country!

I had done a little research before attending UoA. It was one of the few places of my options for the Exercise Science program. Coming from a big city in the states, after seeing the population of 1.4 million which is a dramatic difference than from the city in the states where I am from 3.2 million just for the metro area alone. I wan't expecting the University to be so congested. I'd compare it to the streets of downtown LA or the streets of New York. Students like to walk 3 or 4 people deep on the sidewalks which makes it even more of a task to navigate from class to class. It is bad enough the sidewalks are half size of the city I am from. The one department that was very useful for me was the disabilities support. I was able to get the accommodations I needed for my classes.

What would you improve about this program?

The local students tend to show a bit of disrespect to the instructors as a person that had to pay double the amount to attend classes it is a bit of a distraction. Not mentioning programs new international students may join but then have many obstacles or to be told it isn't offered for that semester.

The University of Auckland is a school with quality academics and plenty of clubs to join. It’s a great place to go if you want to explore New Zealand on holidays and weekends as well. During my stay here (so far), I have gotten to visit the South Island for 9 days, visit the Northland for four days, I went to the top of Mt. Eden, I have done the Tongariro crossing, and I’ve gone to several places in Auckland within walking distance. I have found other students to go on trips with quite easily through Facebook groups and university clubs.
The professors that I’ve had are very knowledgeable and good at teaching. Some of my courses have been difficult, but the content has been interesting in all of them. I have no regrets studying abroad at the University of Auckland!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would become an active member in some of the clubs I was interested in earlier on in the semester.

The University of Auckland is one of the best locations to study Pacific cultures, especially Māori and Polynesian cultures, in the world. There are Māori and Pacific Studies courses here that are difficult or impossible to experience at almost any other university that one might have the opportunity to study at.

The University has a fairly large student population, but the main campus is very near the heart of Auckland so students will not feel isolated when studying. Auckland has a variety of museums and arts opportunities that are available for reasonable prices, and some are free for students.

Academic supports have been robust enough for my needs while at the university, and extracurricular life has been engaging enough to meet my expectations.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Auckland is a city with a fantastic food culture, so students should have no problem finding new cuisines to try. Māori hangi is often available at festivals.

The University of Auckland is definitely a different experience than the school I am used to in the States; however I have loved every second. The academics are challenging and the grading is a little more harsh, but it is completely doable. New Zealand is a beautiful country and I have had a blast exploring it's natural beauty.

I advise going to the library during the week and getting all of your work done so your weekends can be free for traveling. Most classes have 2-3 big assignments that will require a lot of attention; however, a couple long days in the library will get you a more than sufficient grade.

Campus life is great if you love free or cheap food. Being a vegan I have throughly enjoyed the $5 vegan lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as freebees like popsicles and apple juice.

There is something for everyone at the University of Auckland and an enormous, beautiful country to explore.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Every weekend do something! There is so much to see so don't miss out!

Took a few marine-related modules and i can vouch for the dedication and commitment of the lecturers towards the learning of their students. Fun field trips to Leigh marine reserves and the courses are generally fun! The modules here are less challenging and easier to understand given that the lecturers are much more experienced and are able to articulate what they want to teach in a simpler manner.

Lifestyle wise, there isnt much to do around Auckland except maybe Rangitoto island. So go out and travel the rest of the North and South Island. Being based in UoA makes it incredibly easy to travel to several places of interests in the North Island such as Cape Reinga, Whangarei, Tongariro, Taranaki, Rotoroa and Tauranga! Really gonna miss studying in UoA for sure!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Visit the Department of Conservation website for brochures on tracks!

I´ve been in New Zealand for two months now, and I am completely in love with this country! Auckland is a great city and I like studying here. Life can be expensive at first, but then you begin learning how to get closer to the budget, especially if you get a job.
Everyone´s very relaxed and ''chill'' as they say here, no bad words, only kind people so far! The atmosphere at Uni is quite special as well. At least on the city campus, where I have all my classes. There are lots of uni clubs to join, and there is always something going on every week if you pay attention to the clubs announcements. There are several clubs for travelling and doing outdoor activities and I would like to recommend joining SASS. Lovely people, scenery trips and great fun altogether.
About Uni´s workload, I understand that it depends on the subjects you are taking. For some papers, there are a lot of assignments, but not for others, especially if there´s a final exam. Good professionals. Also, the study abroad team has been very supportive from the very beginning as well. They really make an effort to make things easy for you, and that´s one of the things that I appreciated the most when I arrived.
Thanks, Auckland!! :D

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Travelling around the South Island is definitely a must. I did it with some friends and it was one of the best adventures of my life. Nature is just there.

I've really enjoyed getting to know more about the natural landscape and environmental policies of New Zealand in my classes here. Going on an epic hiking and camping road trip during the spring break was incredible - there is so much to see!

The classes are comparable to my university in Boston, though I am taking classes of a higher "level" here to fulfill lower requirements at my home university. I love how the professors switch in the middle of courses, so that each prof is teaching based on their research and area of expertise as it relates to the course. I also very much appreciate that every course is required to record and publish their lectures. It makes it super helpful for revising exams.

The computer science department leaves much to be desired. Probably would not recommend if you have other options - the instruction has been a bit terrible in both my courses, across several professors.

Questions & Answers

Is there certificate that you can receive in cinematography for film?

The University offers Screen Production major under Bachelor of Arts.

By Sarah Sung on March 7, 2021

What is the weather like?

The weather can be hugely variable in one day. The summer months are hot and sunny, while in winter the temperature does drop quite a bit but it was never below 0 when I was there. My advice to you is always carry an umbrella just in case!

By Sally Hicks on September 27, 2018

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to study abroad largely because of the inherent differences between civil and common law jurisdictions. As we never learned about New Zealand's take on jurisprudence, it seemed like an interesting area to dive into. I chose to study abroad due to this, but also to discover more about the 'unknown' other end of the world and to just go experience something entirely away from home, family, and friends.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My home university set up a variety of events to talk to people from other universities and backgrounds. Going to these events only made me keener to go and experience another country and university.

They have also helped ensure that I met all the relevant deadlines on time and that I was given this opportunity to go abroad. Although they did an immense amount of administrative and supportive help, I still had to decide what I wanted to focus on and make sure I met all of my academic requirements.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My biggest piece of advice is to get in touch with another student from your university who already went on exchange to your new university. They have been in the same boat as you and most definitely have some great recommendations on what you need to do and where you need to go.

If your university provides experience reports, I really recommend reading them as it provides an ease of mind of what to expect when you get there and what to look forward to.

If you are going overseas, I would most definitely make sure that you are aware of the deadlines, especially housing ones. Often this is the trickiest step and sometimes accommodation is scarce, and you definitely do not want to arrive in a new country with nowhere to stay. Apart from that, make sure you dive in headfirst and join as much as you can to meet new people and places.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

As I have to take 30ECTS/60 credits, I am taking four classes at the University of Auckland. I have Tuesdays and Thursdays off, so I am usually spending my days playing volleyball or going out to a new area to explore.

I have two classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and they are differently structured than back home. Nonetheless, it is still exciting to go and learn more about areas that I am genuinely interested in.

The Study Abroad association at Auckland University also has a few events each week. Either to a place like Waiheke Island or Rangitoto. This is a great place to explore your surroundings and meet new people. I usually try to go on most trips- so far, they have been amazing.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear is actually so trivial because, at the end of the day, all of the exchange students are confronted with the same circumstances and all of us just want to make friends. I know that making friends is not that hard in a group of open-minded and welcoming students, but it always plays a role in your fear before you go on your trip abroad.

I think, when you start university anywhere, that is a thought that goes around in your head. As I said before, just be yourself, open and kind, and join clubs and societies to make sure you get the most out of your time abroad. Don't be afraid to try new things, oftentimes you'll enjoy yourself and you'll meet the greatest people while doing it.

What is something you expected from Auckland that is actually different?

Coming from Europe, I thought that New Zealand winters were similar to our autumns. Although it is not nearly as cold here during the winter as back home, it is still cold. If the wind comes from the South, it is freezing, and you can tell. The amount of times I almost got blown away is more than I'd like to admit. Nonetheless, there have not been days where I couldn't walk to class because it was "too cold". In fact, some people still wear shorts. I'd not like to follow suit, though!

The weather is very unpredictable. The weather app is almost always wrong! It'll say it's sunny, but it'll actually be raining like crazy. We hiked up Rangitoto in the rain and once we got to the top, it was so overcast we couldn't see an awful lot. When we were heading down, it was dry and blue skies! My biggest tip is to be patient and take your time. The weather changes quickly and sometimes waiting a minute will make the world of a difference. That being said, be prepared to buy a few umbrellas during your stay here! ;)

Auckland is relaxed and vibrant and everyone is really friendly and willing to help. I can't wait to see what else New Zealand has to offer! If you have the chance, I would recommend going on exchange and exploring the stunning scenery in New Zealand!

Chloe Ashworth

2018 Alum

Alison Schroeder

2018 Alum

Monica Prario

2017 Alum

Andrea Nailoi Gabriel

2017 Alum

Jessica Johnson

2016 Alum

Kaitlyn Dowding

2015 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sarah Sung

Program

Study Abroad at the University of Auckland, NZ

Job Title

Study Abroad and Exchange Officer

Sarah was born in Korea and moved to New Zealand in 2002. She graduated with a BA in Linguistics and English Literature from Kyungpook National University, Korea. Sarah was an English language teacher in Korea, but moved into the international education field when she immigrated to New Zealand. She now looks after international students coming to the University of Auckland on Study Abroad and Exchange programmes.

Did you study abroad?

Sarah: I completed my first degree in Korea which is a very different type of learning experience from here in New Zealand. At that time I did not have the opportunity to study abroad which I regret.

Luckily I have recently been able to start postgraduate studies in education, here at the University of Auckland.

I’m enjoying the interactions with my professors and classmates from all round the world. Auckland is very multicultural and this is reflected in my program, where I’m able to get a global perspective on education policy. This study will help me take my career to the next level – I am interested in policy in the international education sector.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

Sarah: My favorite traveling experience was my first trip to Europe in 2013. I had always dreamed about traveling there and it totally lived up to expectations – I loved it. I visited seven countries from the UK down to Italy. I was fascinated by the rich histories of each country and the magnificent architecture and art.

My favorite place was the Piazza San Marco in Venice – I was completely overwhelmed by the grandeur when I first entered the square. I’m returning to Venice for my Christmas holidays this year, I can’t wait! Another favorite memory from this trip was spending time in the mountains in Switzerland and exploring the farmers markets there.

Any exciting new programs at the University of Auckland

Sarah: The University of Auckland is always developing new programs, especially at postgraduate level and often in response to global issues. For example our new multidisciplinary Master of Disaster Management is very popular with students from around the world. On the Study Abroad front, in addition to our typical semester abroad program, we are developing short-term programmes as we recognise some students prefer a study abroad experience over their summer break.

The first one is scheduled for June/July 2016 and is an exciting screen-production program from our Film, TV and Media Studies department. In the last two decades New Zealand has played an impressive role in the film industry, with projects like the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, and Avatar based here.

Alongside these big-budget films, New Zealand has a strong indie film industry so I think this will be a very interesting program to join. Plus, it’s going to be taught by a Hobbit cast member!

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

Sarah: Well, I used to be an English language teacher, so obviously I think language learning is very important. Learning another language helps break down barriers between cultures and increase understanding. It gives more opportunity to interact with other cultures and broadens your perspective.

I always say “if you know another language, you know another world”.

I would encourage students to study abroad in a country with a different language or customs. Even here in New Zealand we offer study abroad students the opportunity to learn Te Reo Māori, the language of New Zealand’s indigenous people, and engage with Māori customs and culture. The University of Auckland has a strong Māori Studies program.

What is the best story you’ve heard from a return student?

Sarah: One Medical and Health Sciences student from Brazil came to the University of Auckland for two Study Abroad semesters. He was a top student in Brazil and wanted to achieve highly in his courses here as well. Naturally, this caused him a bit of stress as coming to a new country and studying in a different language is a big challenge.

The first semester he worked really, really hard and achieved the top grades possible, but it took a toll on his health and he reached a point where he decided he could not continue to a second semester. However he reached out to our international student support team for help. The University health services helped him put strategies in place for dealing with stress and after his summer break he was able to continue. This second semester led to him being accepted for an internship at Auckland City Hospital, a very rare occurrence.

He described it to me as the best thing that had happened to him in his life. He felt “honored to be able to be part of such an amazing medical team” and he wants to return to Auckland to work with them again in the future. Whenever I think of his story I smile -- it’s things like this that make my job very rewarding.

Location

Location:

Auckland

Currency:

New Zealand Dollar

Weather:

Jan-Mar

75 F / 46 F

Apr-Jun

68 F / 30 F

Jul-Sep

61 F / 28 F

Oct-Dec

72 F / 41 F

Airports:

Auckland International

( AKL )

Christchurch International

( CHC )

Wellington International

( WLG )

Auckland, the City of Sails, has it all — from oceans to volcanoes to city life. Though Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, the city center packs a lot into a small space. Whether you crave outdoor adventures or want to go for some fantastic food and shopping downtown, Auckland is both urban and packed with nature.

Featuring influences of the native Maori culture, Auckland is also the most multicultural city in the country, offering a variety of traditions and cuisine. With three national universities located in the city — University of Auckland, Massey University, and AUT University — Auckland is also a student-friendly city and a popular study abroad destination.

About The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is located in the heart of New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Ranked in the world's top 100* universities, the University of Auckland has a strong research focus where students have the opportunity to learn from academics who are at the top of their field, nationally and internationally. The University's 42...