The University of Auckland
Location: Three campuses in central Auckland plus four specialist campuses
Student population: Around 47,000 (of whom 10,000 are international)
Auckland is a cosmopolitan, vibrant city where you can enjoy urban living and easily access the great outdoors, nature and adventure. In our mild, temperate climate, you can enjoy an afternoon studying at a nearby park or hop on a bus or take a waterfront bike ride to one of our inner-city beaches. You can also enjoy day trips exploring the many forests, islands, waterfalls, and sweeping beaches on Auckland’s doorstep.
Everything you need to know
A great campus location
Based in cosmopolitan Auckland, our main City Campus is just a five-minute walk to the central business district – a vibrant area with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafés and theatres to enjoy.
Auckland is an excitingly multicultural city where you can immerse yourself in Māori and Pacific culture. Home to over 180 cultures, the city’s rich mix is reflected in its spaces, restaurants and the cultural events that are held throughout the year.
Sport and recreation
Sport and recreation play a crucial role in the wellbeing and success of our students and staff. Hiwa, our state-of-the-art Recreation Centre, opened in the heart of the City Campus at the end of 2024. The 21,000 sq metre facility includes an eight-lane swimming pool, a sauna, large cardio and weight zones, two sports halls for multi-sport usage, and a rooftop running track with panoramic views of the city and its harbour.
Our Māori name
The name Waipapa Taumata Rau was gifted to the University by local Māori iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, refers to the ‘place of many peaks’ – places to strive for, to ascend to and succeed. The University of Auckland offers a multicultural learning environment built on a partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Clubs and societies
Joining a university club is a fantastic way to make friends, participate in activities of your interest and to learn things outside of the lecture theatre. Keen on kayaking? Set on sustainability? There are more than 250 clubs on campus – make sure you check them out at the Clubs Expo at the start of each semester.
Research-led learning
Home to 33% of New Zealand’s leading researchers [2], the University’s academics are world-renowned in engagement with business and communities, shaping the future of policy and industry. The academic experience they provide incorporates the latest theoretical principles and practical approaches to teaching and research.
Why study at Auckland?
Areas of study at the University of Auckland:
- Ranked 65 by QS World University Rankings 2026.
- The 2025 Global Liveability Ranking from the Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Auckland among the 10 most liveable cities in the world.
- The QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2026 place the University of Auckland top in New Zealand for graduate employment outcomes.
- Five of the subjects the University teaches have been ranked in the top 50 subjects worldwide, based on academic and employer reputation as well as research [3].
- The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest research organisation with more than 13,000 staff and postgraduate students involved in fundamental and applied research.
- Reflecting the University’s commitment to sustainability and making a positive social impact, the University of Auckland ranked in the top 1 per cent in the world for sustainability [4].
[4] QS Sustainability Rankings 2025
An impressive range of programmes
The University offers a wide range of academic programmes at bachelors, masters and doctoral level spanning diverse disciplines and industries. Study options range from strong traditional disciplines to emerging cross-disciplinary subjects.
Academic and personal support services
From academic support, student wellbeing and career support, the University offers a wide range of pastoral care to all our students. The Career Development and Employment Service (CDES) provides free ongoing support, information, and resources to help you prepare for your career or to consider further study. They also have dedicated support services available to assist you at every stage of your academic journey.
