In New Zealand, there are several private universities that offer a wide range of programs and degrees to students. These universities are known for their high-quality education and innovative teaching methods. Some of the top private universities in New Zealand include Oceania Polytechnic and Technological University, Auckland Institute of Studies, Massey University, and Ara Institute of Canterbury, among others.
Admission requirements for private universities in New Zealand vary depending on the institution and the program being applied for. However, some common requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and in some cases, an entrance exam or portfolio.
The admission process for private universities in New Zealand typically involves submitting an online application, providing all required documents and information, paying the application fee, and waiting for a decision from the university. Some universities may also require an interview as part of the admissions process. It is important for prospective students to carefully review the specific admission requirements and deadlines for each university they are interested in applying to.
List Of Private Universities In New Zealand
List Of Private Universities In New ZealandNew Zealand Private Universities Rankings 2024 | Aoraki Polytechnic6Auckland Institute of Studies40Eastern Institute of Technology8Laidlaw College133Manukau Institute of TechnologyMassey UniversityAra Institute of CanterburyPacific International Hotel Management SchoolWhitecliffe College |
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Region | Oceania |
Capital | Wellington |
Language | English, Maori |
Currency | New Zealand Dollar |
Population | 4,479,250 |
Statistics – Rankings
Subject | |
---|---|
Arts and Humanities | 13 |
Engineering and Technology | 16 |
Life Sciences and Medicine | 25 |
Natural Science | 21 |
Social Sciences and Management | 16 |
Statistics – Education
Indicator | |
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Popularity rating in the world | 24 |
Ranking of universities in the world | 24 |
Academic Reputation | 19 |
Employer Reputation | 18 |
Quality of teaching | 53 |
International Faculty | 9 |
International Students | 8 |
Citations per Faculty | 17 |
Statistics – Universities
Cost of living in New Zealand
Expenses – USD/Month | Min. | Med. |
---|---|---|
Accommodation | 358 | 445 |
Food | 240 | 458 |
Transportation | 80 | 211 |
Communications and utilities | 110 | 117 |
Clothing | 26 | 97 |
Sports and leisure | 26 | 89 |
Total | 841 | 1,417 |
Accommodation in New Zealand | USD/Month |
---|---|
Shared room outside of centre | 362 |
Shared room in city centre | 450 |
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 621 |
1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 796 |
List of the best universities in New Zealand
Information is exploratory. For accurate information, refer to the official website of the school. Advanced searchShowing 1-10 of 59 items.
Title | City | Bachelor | Master | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
138 | 1 | The University of Auckland | Auckland | 19,000 USD | 19,000 USD | |
189 | 2 | University of Otago | Dunedin | 14,369 USD | 18,000 USD | |
342 | 3 | University of Canterbury | Christchurch | 16,500 USD | 16,500 USD | |
355 | 4 | Victoria University of Wellington | Wellington | 13,435 USD | 7,000 USD | |
420 | 5 | Massey University | Auckland | 13,402 USD | 13,769 USD | |
422 | 6 | The University of Waikato | Hamilton | 13,306 USD | 18,800 USD | |
453 | 7 | Lincoln University | Dunedin | 20,160 USD | 10,300 USD | |
536 | 8 | Auckland University of Technology | Auckland | 18,000 USD | 18,000 USD | |
9 | Manukau Institute of Technology | Auckland | ||||
10 | Unitec Institute of Technology | Auckland |
Private Universities in New Zealand
1. Auckland Institute of Studies
Auckland Institute of Studies Page
The best private university in New Zealand is Auckland Institute of Studies.
The Auckland Institute of Studies is a private university in Auckland, New Zealand. It was founded in 1990 in a shopping mall in the heart of Auckland, and it now includes campuses in St. Helens and Asquith. Programs in finance, language studies, business, information technology, tourism, and hospitality management are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels through the university.
2. New Zealand Tertiary College
New Zealand Tertiary College Page
New Zealand Tertiary College is a private college in Auckland, New Zealand. Glennie Oborn, an educator, started it as the Kindercare Early Childhood Teachers College in 1982. It was the first university to get an early childhood program approved. The college currently provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a range of educational disciplines.
3. Manukau Institute of Technology
Manukau Institute of Technology Page
The Manukau Institute of Technology is a private university in Auckland, New Zealand. It was established in 1970 and is now among the biggest national suppliers of technical, vocational, and professional education. The institute provides technical training in a wide range of disciplines, including hairdressing, business, engineering, social work, and culinary arts.
As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.
We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they’re affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities in New Zealand to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.
Advantages of New Zealand’s universities
- International ratings. New Zealand is the only country that managed to get all of its universities in the QS[0] top 450 and THE top 600. In addition, all 8 universities occupy positions in the top 100 QS universities in various disciplines[1].
- Education system. New Zealand’s universities have a strict system for assessing and ensuring the quality of education, which allows students to be confident in their degrees. The structure of levels and qualifications, according to which programs (and related documents) are organized in educational institutions, is recognized worldwide in accordance with the Lisbon Convention.
- Support for international students. In New Zealand, there is a Pastoral Care Code of Practice for international students, which ensures the safety and well-being of students from other countries.
Disadvantages of New Zealand’s universities
- Doctoral studies. Many students of doctoral programs say that classes are almost entirely made up of foreigners. New Zealanders do not value education after graduate school, and only a few enter doctoral studies. This is mainly due to the fact that New Zealanders firmly believe in the importance of practical skills and benefits of training right at the workplace.
- The cost of training. Foreign students who study at New Zealand universities pay more than double compared to the locals. Moreover, for citizens of New Zealand, there is even a special system Fees Free that allows them to study for free. The average cost of one year of study at the bachelor’s level for foreign students is 18,923 USD, while for locals — about 7,009 USD.
Requirements for admission to universities in New Zealand
Program | Min. age | Duration | Min. cost/year | Avg. cost/year | Min. language level | Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 16+ | 6-18 months | 12,615 USD | 17,521 USD | B2 | IELTS/TOEFL |
College | 16+ | 1-2 years | 7,009 USD | 11,915 USD | B2 | IELTS/TOEFL |
Bachelor’s | 18+ | 3-4 years | 12,756 USD | 18,923 USD | B2 | IELTS/TOEFL |
Master’s | 21+ | 1-2 years | 13,597 USD | 22,077 USD | C1 | IELTS/TOEFL |
MBA | 21+ | 1 year | 25,827 USD | 32,940 USD | C1 | IELTS/TOEFL |
Doctoral | 22+ | 3-4 years | 4,556 USD | 5,432 USD | C1 | IELTS/TOEFL |
New Zealand’s universities, despite their overall subordination to the Ministry of Education, have autonomy in making decisions about entrance examinations. Typically, universities do not conduct their own exams, evaluating applicants according to the available documents: the GPA, resume, motivation letter and references.
Applicants can apply for bachelor’s programs if one of the criteria is met:
- Having the international baccalaureate diploma (IB);
- Having a certificate of complete secondary education;
- Having completed one university year in the country of residence;
- Completed Foundation course in New Zealand.
Foundation courses are designed specifically for international students to help them prepare for university. Some universities do not require the completion of such programs before applying, while others consider the foundation certificate a prerequisite. Detailed information can be found on the website of an individual university.
Students who enter master’s or doctoral studies must also provide a research proposal and abstracts of existing publications.
Another important criterion for admission to the program at any stage is a language certificate. Since January 2019, universities have refused to conduct internal tests to assess the level of English proficiency among applicants. Now students are selected on the basis of certificates approved by the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority):
- IELTS Academic,
- TOEFL,
- Cambridge Language Examinations,
- NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in English Language),
- Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Types of schools in New Zealand
There are 8 public universities, 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics, and more than 1,000 private educational institutions which include institutes, universities, colleges, vocational schools, and English language schools. The main types of educational institutions in New Zealand are:
- Universities offer students a classical education, which consists of three consecutive stages: bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies. Usually studying for a bachelor’s takes 3 years with the opportunity to take an extra year to obtain an honors degree. But not all programs follow the 3 + 1 scheme: some take from 4 to 6 years. The master’s program takes 2 years for students who graduated from bachelor’s without honors, and 1 year for students who graduate with honors. Doctoral programs last at least 3 years.
- Institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) provide technical and vocational education. Most courses lead to qualifications of levels 1-6, but there is also a certain set of programs with degrees, up to doctorates.
- Wānanga are state universities that offer students education in the context of Maori culture, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Degrees and certificates issued by such educational institutions are officially recognized by the state and do not differ from documents received at other universities. There are three accredited wānanga in New Zealand: Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Wānanga o Raukawa and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Colleges in New Zealand
Professional education in New Zealand is organized and supervised by Industry training organizations (ITOs). By themselves, they do not provide training but establish criteria for obtaining various professional qualifications, as well as the content of the programs.
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics provide technical and vocational training. In addition, they are also engaged in scientific, applied and technological research, which contribute to the development of the industry.
In New Zealand there are 16 technological institutes and polytechnics. The educational process usually focuses on practical knowledge and skills that will help graduates to find work as quickly as possible. Students spend a significant part of their study on internships.
Many institutes also offer undergraduate programs in areas such as business, IT and science. Some even organize master’s and doctoral courses, most often through partnerships with other universities.
List Of Private Universities In New Zealand
Public and private universities
Higher education institutions in New Zealand must pass the accreditation process to be able to register with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Only accredited educational institutions can issue educational documents according to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Each year, the government of New Zealand provides nearly 3 billion dollars to finance educational institutions, including accredited private universities. It is worth noting that even though a private educational institution may have the word “university” in its name, all non-state universities belong to the Private Training Establishments (PTEs), in compliance with the laws of New Zealand.
Most often, private universities offer a fairly limited range of subjects and programs — mainly they award certificates and diplomas in the fields of tourism, design, and ICT. This is due to the requirements of the labor market or the needs of a particular company that organizes and funds the training. On the other hand, private universities have more opportunities to provide students with the necessary equipment and practical skills.
Groups and associations of educational institutions
All eight state universities in New Zealand are under the umbrella of the organization called Universities New Zealand. Their goal is to develop educational standards and monitor their implementation, strengthen cooperation between universities, develop international partnerships, and also make decisions in the field of education based on the opinion of all universities. One of the projects of the organization is the Women in Leadership program which is aimed at developing professional skills for women who are working (or want to work) in leadership positions.Information is exploratory. For accurate information, refer to the official website of the school.
Title | Country | City | Bachelor | Master | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
138 | 1 | The University of Auckland | New Zealand | Auckland | 19,000 USD | 19,000 USD | |
189 | 2 | University of Otago | New Zealand | Dunedin | 14,369 USD | 18,000 USD | |
342 | 3 | University of Canterbury | New Zealand | Christchurch | 16,500 USD | 16,500 USD | |
355 | 4 | Victoria University of Wellington | New Zealand | Wellington | 13,435 USD | 7,000 USD | |
420 | 5 | Massey University | New Zealand | Auckland | 13,402 USD | 13,769 USD | |
422 | 6 | The University of Waikato | New Zealand | Hamilton | 13,306 USD | 18,800 USD | |
453 | 7 | Lincoln University | New Zealand | Dunedin | 20,160 USD | 10,300 USD | |
536 | 8 | Auckland University of Technology | New Zealand | Auckland | 18,000 USD | 18,000 USD |
There are also a number of other significant organizations:
- New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (NZITP) — represents the interests of 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand.
- Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ) is the country’s largest association of private educational institutions — Private Training Establishments (PTEs).
- Quality Tertiary Institutions (QTI) — founded in 2003, a private association of twelve PTEs complying with the organization’s educational quality standards.
- English New Zealand is a group of language schools in New Zealand that has been operating since 1986. Those employ teachers exclusively with TESOL qualifications.
Free Universities in New Zealand
There is a program called Fees Free that allows students to study for free, but only New Zealand citizens can participate. Foreign students, in turn, can receive scholarships and grants that fully or partially cover the cost of education. Typically, students with a high enough GPA or other academic merits can apply for financial assistance. Many universities and organizations also evaluate academic essays, motivational letters, and recommendations.
Interesting facts about New Zealand universities
- In October 2019 a big scandal broke out at the University of Auckland with a group of students, advocating for white supremacy. Students hung up posters with slogans on the campus, and also actively encouraged other students to join the group. A university representative replied that they certainly did not agree with this position, but could not do anything: those students were protected by the constitutional freedom of speech.
- Lincoln University has a unique collection of insects, numbering about 500,000 exhibits and more than 60 species. This collection is the third-largest in New Zealand, but the only one that is owned by the university.
- The majestic architecture of the University of Otago is admired not only by locals: British publication The Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post included the University of Otago in the list of the most beautiful universities in the world.
- The Library of the University of Auckland consists of nine departments dedicated to various fields. In the General Library, there is a section of specialized literature, which contains unique historical publications and documents, such as the Western Pacific Archives, which have detailed information related to the British colonization effort of New Zealand.
Cheapest Universities in New Zealand
Universities in New Zealand are affordable and you can get quality education. Here is the list of New Zealand cheapest Universities:
University Name | Tuition Fee per year (NZD) |
University of Waikato | 22840 |
Victoria University of Wellington | 20990 |
University of Canterbury | 21855 |
University of Otago | 16410 |
Massey University | 22405 |
Lincoln University | 21025 |
Auckland University of Technology | 23190 |