Study abroad at a world class university in New Zealand

New Zealand with only a population of just over 4.6 million, has eight world class universities. Considering the small population and size of the country, it is nevertheless a marvelous feat. Combined together, they provide tertiary education to over 180,000 students from the country as well as from around the world. The country follows policies which are favourable to international students, who can also seek for permanent residency, once their studies in New Zealand are over. The article Seven reasons why you should study in New Zealand explains in detail the benefits of studying in the country. Given below are the names of the eight universities of New Zealand where you can seek admission in the field of higher education, in case you are seriously considering a study abroad program.

1. University of Auckland

   This is the largest and highest ranked university in New Zealand. It ranks within the top 100 universities in the world, being ranked 82nd, as per the QS World University rankings. Other international rankings place it among the top 200 universities in the world. As the name suggests, the university is located in Auckland, the country's largest and most popular city. It was established long back in the year 1883. It has eight faculties spread over six campuses and a student strength of more than 40,000. International students from more than 90 countries study in the university, a large number of them being from India. International students form approximately 15% of the total students population. The university provides accommodation and food on payment basis. A range of accommodation options are available for the students, ranging from residential halls to apartments.
   Official website: www.auckland.ac.nz



2. University of Otago

   The 2nd highest ranking university, it is located in Dunedin, New Zealand. The university ranks among the top 200 universities in the world as per QS World University rankings. Other world rankings rate it among the top 300 universities in the world. It is the country's oldest university established in the year 1869. The university has four faculties and a combined students strength of more than 20,000. The four divisions or faculties broadly cover a wide variety of topics on humanities, sciences, business and health sciences. Students from over 90 countries study in this renowned institution. The university has "Dare to be wise" as its famous motto and the 20,000 strong students abide by it. The architectural grandeur and the beautiful gardens of the university, led it to be named among the most beautiful universities in the world by two British publications The Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post.
   Official website: www.otago.ac.nz



3. University of Canterbury

   It is New Zealand's 3rd highest ranking university located in Christchurch, the biggest city of South Island. The university is the 2nd oldest, established in the year 1873. It ranks among the top 300 universities in the world as per different ranking criterias. Around 15,000 students study in this university with subjects ranging from arts, commerce, engineering, forestry, fine arts, law, health sciences, sciences, music, sports and teaching. This is an excellent institution for those who want to pursue research and learning.
   Official website: www.canterbury.ac.nz



4. Victoria University of Wellington

   As the name suggests, the university is located in the capital city of Wellington. The city is also the country's political, scientific and cultural heart. The university stands 4th among the universities of New Zealand in terms of ranking and among the top 300 in the world. It was established in the year 1897. A broad range of disciplines are offered by the university and is well known for its law and humanities courses. Other disciplines include science, engineering, education, architecture and design. It has more than 20,000 students in its rolls, in its nine faculties. The university has a total of 5 campus in all.
   Official website: www.victoria.ac.nz



5. Massey University

   It is New Zealand's best university for distance learning and is among the country's largest University. It has a total student population of over 35,000. Almost half of them study through distance learning programmes. The university was established in the year 1927 and is among the youngest university in the country. Massey university is consistently ranked among the top 400 universities in the world and is New Zealand's 5th ranked university. It has campuses spread across the North Island at three main locations, in Albany, Wellington and Palmerston North. Students from over 100 countries are enrolled in the university and their number is over 3,000. It is also the only university in New Zealand offering degree courses in aviation, nanoscience, veterinary medicine and dispute resolution. The veterinary school is New Zealand's top ranked and is very well recognized in countries like United States, Australia, Britain and Canada.
   Official website: www.massey.ac.nz



6. University of Waikato

   The university was established in the year 1964. It is located in Hamilton, New Zealand and a satellite campus located in Tauranga. The main campus at Hamilton is a picturesque location, with beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes. It has extensive facilities for sports and recreation. The university ranks among the top 400 universities in the world and is 6th in New Zealand. The university is unique in the country because of its association with Maori culture and almost 17% of the students and at least 10% of the staff are Maori in origin. International students make up 20% of the students population, which numbers around 12,500. Students from 70 different countries have made University of Waikato their alma mater.
   Official website: www.waikato.ac.nz



7. Lincoln University

   The university was first established in the year 1878 and is located outside Christchurch in Lincoln, New Zealand. The university is the smallest in New Zealand and is primarily agricultural research based university. It is quite popular with international students. Students from over 60 countries come to study here and form a good chunk of the student population studying either at undergraduate or postgraduate levels. The university ranks among the top 500 universities in the world and has established a number of alliances with institutions worldwide. It ranks very high among the top agricultural institutes. The mission of the university is to fight against climate change and address global challenges on feeding the ever increasing population.
   Official website: www.lincoln.ac.nz



8. Auckland University of Technology

   The 2nd largest university in New Zealand is also home to many international students. It is the fastest growing university in the country and is ranked among the top 500 universities as per QS World University Rankings. It was first established in the year 1895 as Auckland Technical School and rechristened as Auckland University of Technology on being granted university status in the year 2000. It has around 28,000 students on its roll, including more than 3000 international students. It has one primary and three secondary campuses. There are five faculties basedon culture, business, law, health and environmental sciences.
   Official website: www.aut.ac.nz

It is important to remember that for studying in New Zealand, other than the academic requirements, anyone not having English as the first language, has to meet the requirements for the English language. The most commonly used English language tests are the IELTS and TOEFL. You need to have the necessary scores in both the tests. A number of scholarships are available for international students to fund their education in New Zealand. The tuition fees depend on the level you are studying and the course you have undertaken. One can check the websites for more details regarding the admission procedures and fees for studying in the respective universities.