A public university in New Zealand can provide outstanding programs for overseas students looking to enhance their studies abroad. New Zealand is a sought-after and top location for overseas students, with over 26,000 currently enrolled in universities. People from all over the globe come to New Zealand to study because of the country’s prestigious public institutions, which offer Postgraduate, Undergraduate, and other programs in Technology, Art, Science, and Humanities. In New Zealand, there are 25 universities, 22 of which are public institutions. New Zealand’s public universities have remarkable faculty and are well-known for their expertise in academia, teaching, and research, which has resulted in several technical developments and discoveries.
Top 10 Public Universities In New Zealand 2023
Several public universities in New Zealand for international students provide a great education and job placements. The top 10 notable public colleges in New Zealand are as follows:
- University of Canterbury
- Lincoln University
- Wellington Institute of Technology
- University College of Learning
- Massey University
- Auckland University of Technology
- University of Otago
- University of Waikato
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Auckland
Let us now have a look at this list of public universities in New Zealand in more detail, one by one-
University of Auckland
Suppose you’re not simply seeking any public institution, but one that is also highly ranked. In such a situation, the University of Auckland is the finest option among the public universities in New Zealand.
The University of Auckland is a New Zealand-based public research institution. It was founded in 1883 as the Auckland University College as an associate institution of the University of New Zealand.
The institution is frequently ranked among the top 100 in the world and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of areas.
It is located in Auckland and offers BSc/MSc/Ph.D. degrees in Arts, Humanities, Science, and other disciplines with an average tuition cost of 35,900 NZD.
University of Otago
Even if you wish to make it to New Zealand’s top institution, you should still have a backup plan. For that, another fantastic option you should consider is the University of Otago.
The University of Otago was founded in 1869 as a public academic institution in Dunedin, New Zealand. The university is not only the oldest in the country, but it is also the oldest in Oceania. With over 21,000 students, the institution has a diversified student body as well as dependable foreign support services. Arts, sciences, medicine, and business are some of the most popular academic subjects at university. It has an average tuition fee of 30,000 NZD.
Auckland University of Technology
It is important to choose universities that will provide you with the highest returns because studying abroad can need a lot of preparation. As a result, Auckland University of Technology is another public university in New Zealand that is globally competitive.
Auckland, New Zealand is home to the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Although it was established in 1895 as a technical college, it didn’t get university status until 2000. In a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, it enrols about 29,000 students, making it the third-largest university in the country. The average tuition fee for AUT is 31,000 NZD.
Victoria University of Wellington
The good news is that you may still study in New Zealand by selecting one of the top public institutions there, like the Victoria University of Wellington, especially if you want to be an international student but find some academic standards to be quite difficult to meet at this moment.
Victoria University of Wellington is another public institute founded in 1897 as a division of the University of New Zealand. Even while the institution provides a wide range of other majors, including architecture, business, engineering, and health sciences, its law and humanities departments are the most well-known. The average tuition fee could be around 27,000 NZD.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is another public university in New Zealand you could look at if you’re searching for a government-backed education.
A public research university with a campus in Tauranga, the University of Waikato is located in Hamilton, New Zealand. It was started in 1964 to solve Hamilton’s teacher shortage. In addition to research programs in the social sciences, environment, and education, the school provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, the humanities, science, and language studies. Fees – 24,500 NZD
Lincoln University
In Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand, there is a public agricultural research university known as Lincoln University. It was founded in 1878 as Canterbury University College’s School of Agriculture, and in 1990 it was granted university status. It is the smallest university in the country, with only three academic departments: the Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce, the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Faculty of Environment, Society, and Design but yet one of the best public universities in New Zealand for international students. Fees- 26,600 NZD
University of Canterbury
At Christchurch, there is a public university in New Zealand called the University of Canterbury. It was initially founded as Canterbury College, a division of the University of New Zealand, in 1873. Numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the humanities, business, education, law, social sciences, and music are available at the university. Fees- 30,000 NZD
Massey University
With campuses in Palmerston North, Albany, and Wellington, Massey University is a public institution of higher learning in New Zealand. The New Zealand Agricultural College Act, which allowed the merging of various agricultural institutions, allowed for its establishment in 1927. Nanoscience, veterinary medicine, aviation, and conflict resolution are just some of the subjects covered by the institution’s undergraduate and graduate degrees, all of which are only offered at Massey University. Fees- 27,500 NZD
Wellington Institute of Technology
A polytechnic school in Petone, Lower Hutt is a public university in New Zealand called the Wellington Institute of Technology, or simply WelTec. It was created in 2001 by the union of the Hutt Valley Polytechnic and the Central Institute of Technology.
More than 130 career-related subjects, including business, management, technology, the arts, design, counselling, engineering, and construction are covered by the institute’s vocational education programs. Fees- 18,649 NZD
Universal College of Learning
A polytechnic institution with campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Masterton, and Levin is identified as the Universal College of Learning (UCOL). When it was first established in 1892 as the Palmerston North Technical School, it provided trade apprenticeship training. The institution now provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of topics along with certificate programs. Fees- 20,930 NZD
 Eligibility Criteria for Public University in New Zealand
- IELTS and TOEFL examinations are also required as proof of English language competency. Each university has a different minimum IELTS score requirement, however, 6.5 or above is desirable.
- You would require previous transcripts, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant topic, and other essential paperwork if you want to pursue a master’s in any course at a public institution in New Zealand.
- It is advised that candidates have a score high enough to be admitted, even if there is no minimum GPA or percentage requirement.
- For a professional master’s program in New Zealand, relevant professional experience could be required. For graduate admission requirements, this is less likely, but it will be necessary for the majority of professional development courses.
- Statement of Purpose
- Official transcripts
- GMAT/GRE
- Health insurance
- Medical Records
- Financial statements
- Letter of recommendation
- Student Visa
- International Passport
- Updated CV/Resume
With 7,015 other foreign students studying alongside you in New Zealand, there will be plenty of chances for you to meet people and establish relationships, which can help you feel less alone. The cost of tuition varies depending on the discipline and level of the program, with some requiring much more than others in a public university in New Zealand.
To ensure that you receive an offer of admission from one of the institutions, it is crucial that you thoroughly investigate the institution of your choice and take the right actions. Admissify is one of the best educational consultancies, with a diverse team of skilled specialists ready to assist you with any questions you may have. Feel free to get in touch with us so that we can help you on the road to realizing your dreams.
FAQs
How much band is required for a New Zealand study visa in 2023?
You must have an overall IELTS Band Score of at least 6 to be granted a student visa for New Zealand for the 2023 academic year.
How do I get PR in New Zealand?
In each of the two years before to applying for permanent residence, you must have lived in New Zealand for a minimum of 184 days on a resident visa. This two-year term is measured from the moment you applied for permanent residency, not from the two years following the issuance of your resident visa.
Is the public university in New Zealand free?
No, public universities are not free in New Zealand. However, scholarships can be availed for a subsidized rate.
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand for international students?
According to the official Study in Zealand website, international undergraduate students should budget around NZ$22,000-32,000 each year, with additional expenditures for fields like medicine and veterinary science.
Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
New Zealand has a lot to offer prospective foreign students, including a world-class educational system, credentials that are recognized abroad, a wide range of research possibilities, and an unmatched quality of life.
What is New Zealand famous for studying?
New Zealand is the finest place to study agriculture due to its high-quality education system as well as the fact that it is a centre for agribusiness innovation.
Is IELTS compulsory for a New Zealand study visa?
IELTS is not a requirement if you want to study in New Zealand because you can choose alternatives like showing documentation that you completed grades 8 through 12 in English in your home country or submitting scores from other language proficiency exams like the TOEFL, PTE, CAE, ESOL, etc.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
