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New Zealand, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also has the best universities that are popular among international students. Whether you're seeking world-class research opportunities, innovative teaching methods, or a safe and welcoming environment, New Zealand’s educational institutions offer a diverse and inclusive academic experience.

From the University of Auckland in the bustling urban heart to the University of Otago with its strong research credentials, this blog explores the best universities in New Zealand, highlighting their unique strengths and what makes them ideal for students from around the globe.

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Why study in New Zealand as an international student?

New Zealand is a popular destination for international students for several reasons:

  1. High-quality education: New Zealand universities are renowned for their high educational standards, innovative teaching methods, and research facilities. All eight of its universities consistently ranked globally.

  2. Internationally recognised degrees: Qualifications from New Zealand institutions are internationally recognised and highly valued by employers worldwide.

  3. Safe and stable society: New Zealand is known for its safety, peacefulness, and political stability, making it an ideal environment for studying. It consistently ranks high on global peace indexes.

  4. Opportunities to work: International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. This can help manage living expenses and gain work experience in a global setting.

  5. Pathway to residency: New Zealand provides various pathways for talented students to remain in the country post-graduation, especially if they have skills in areas of shortage in the local workforce.

Read more: IELTS for New Zealand

Best universities in New Zealand for international students

Here are the top universities in New Zealand according to the QS World University Ranking 2025. You can consider studying your preferred course at one of these universities:

University

QS World University Ranking 2025

The University of Auckland

65

University of Otago

214

University of Waikato

235

Massey University

239

Victoria University of Wellington

244

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

261

Lincoln University

371

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

412

Overview of New Zealand’s top universities

Here is the overview of top universities in New Zealand:

The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is ranked within the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, making it New Zealand’s highest-ranked university. It is also the largest and most comprehensive. The University’s student population includes 7,000 international students representing over 120 countries.

The University of Auckland is a recipient of a five-star plus QS Stars University Rating for excellence in the categories:

  • Research

  • Employability

  • Teaching

  • Facilities

  • Internationalisation

  • Innovation

  • Inclusiveness

University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, established in 1869. Over 150 years later, Otago remains a leading institution in New Zealand, with a long-standing and international reputation for academic excellence. Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance, with a faculty composed of world-class academics and scholars at the cutting edge of their respective fields. Otago prides itself on being a research-led university and is the top-ranked in the country for international student learning.

Most undergraduate and postgraduate study takes place on the Dunedin campus, but the University also has Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences in Wellington and Christchurch, which are home to many leading medical researchers.

Otago offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four divisions:

  • Health Sciences

  • Sciences

  • Humanities

  • Otago School of Business

University of Waikato

Welcome to the University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, where a world of possibilities and opportunities await you. Whether you are looking for a degree that will prepare you for a rewarding career, a research program that will challenge you and make an impact, or a study abroad experience that will enrich your life, you will find it here at Waikato.

Some popular courses offered:

  • Arts and Humanities

  • Business and Management

  • Engineering and Technology

  • Life Sciences and Medicine

  • Natural Sciences

  • Social Science and Management

Massey University

With its heritage, range of programs, and flexibility of its distance teaching, Massey University offers students from around the world the ability to tailor their study to meet their needs and at the same time connect closely with industry, professional organisations, and local communities. Massey University is also the leading university in New Zealand for online and borderless education and we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees students can complete fully online. Studying at Massey University offers a uniquely New Zealand experience in a world-class teaching and research environment.

Why Massey?

  • Ranked in the top 300 universities in the world

  • Internationally recognised qualifications

  • More than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries

  • Modern facilities across three campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington

Some popular courses offered:

  • Arts and Humanities

  • Business and Management

  • Engineering and Technology

  • Life Sciences and Medicine

  • Natural Sciences

  • Social Sciences and Management

Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington consistently ranks among the world's best universities. In 2021/2022 it was ranked 236 in the QS World University Rankings and is one of only 13 universities in the world to hold the maximum 5 Stars Plus in the QS Stars rating of excellence and five stars in each of eight categories —arts and culture, discipline ranking and accreditations, employability, facilities, inclusiveness, internationalisation, research, and teaching.

Wellington University aims to produce graduates whose learning has been developed inside and outside of the classroom, experientially, and informed by a global perspective. There are nine faculties, eight of which conduct teaching and research—Architecture and Design Innovation, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Science and Business and Government.

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

The University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, offers a vibrant and diverse educational experience. This university combines a rich history with a forward-thinking approach to higher education, emphasizing inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement.

Established in 1873, the University of Canterbury is not only one of New Zealand's oldest universities but also a place that continuously strives to provide equitable and accessible education. It values its relationships with Manawhenua as foundational, recognising the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and fostering strong ties with the Pacific community.

Popular study areas at the University of Canterbury include:

  • Engineering

  • Business

  • Science

  • Law

  • Arts

  • Education

Lincoln University

Lincoln University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasising a liberal arts education that prepares students for modern, global careers. Some of the undergraduate programs include:

  • Accounting

  • Anthropology

  • Biochemistry

  • Biology

  • Business Administration

  • Criminal Justice

  • Computer Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Finance

  • History

  • Mass Communications

  • Psychology

For graduate students, options include advanced degrees in Business Administration, Human Services, and Education among others. The university prides itself on its small class sizes, offering a personalised learning environment, and its faculty, the majority of whom hold the highest degree in their field. This supportive academic atmosphere is complemented by a variety of experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for their careers.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, for students with skills and knowledge for the modern workforce.

Undergraduate programs:

AUT provides a broad range of bachelor's degrees in areas like:

  • Health Sciences

  • Health Management

  • Paramedicine

  • Psychology

Other prominent undergraduate areas include Business, Law, Education, Hospitality, Tourism, and Engineering.

AUT is known for its world-class facilities which support an enriching student life. These include medical centers, childcare centers, libraries, and gyms available across its campuses. The university also provides comprehensive support services to enhance employability and academic success.

Understanding all about the best universities in New Zealand can help you choose the right one for your preferred course. If you are planning to apply to one of the top universities then it is recommended to take the IELTS exam as it is the most important requirement for international students.

Therefore, if you have any questions related to the IELTS test then you can consider getting in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear all your doubts.

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