What are the 5 best universities in New Zealand? If you are considering traveling to the Kiwi country and studying at university, keep reading because we give you all the details.
New Zealand, recognized for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, is not only listed as a tourist destination to visit but is also positioned as a first-level academic center.
With the reputation of being one of the safest countries in the world and offering dreamlike landscapes in every corner, New Zealand also stands out for its high-quality educational system, supported by the presence of several world-renowned universities located within the top 100 positions in most rankings.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the outstanding status of education in this incredible country, along with a description of the top 5 universities in New Zealand.
The 5 best universities in New Zealand
1- University of Auckland
Auckland University is the jewel in the New Zealand academic crown. Consistently ranked among the best in the world, the institution stands out for its wide range of academic programs (from sciences to humanities). A curiosity about this university is its coat of arms where we can see three kiwis, the national bird of New Zealand.
Found on May 23, 1883, it is proud to have around 15% international students of foreign origin in its classrooms. It has 5 camps in different places in the city of Auckland as well as the largest university in New Zealand.
2 – University of Canterbury
The Canterbury University, located in the city of Christchurch (on the South Island of New Zealand), has overcome natural challenges to emerge as a center of innovation and academic excellence. It is the second oldest university in the country (founded in 1873).
With a strong focus on high-quality research and a commitment to sustainable development, it stands out for its programs in engineering and science. His Civil Engineering program is listed as the ninth best in the world according to his Academic Ranking of World Universities.
3 – Victoria University of Wellington
Located in the capital of New Zealand, the Victoria University of Wellington stands out in the humanities and social sciences. It was founded in 1897 and, since its inception, it has stood out for promoting creativity and critical thinking among its students.
The university took its name from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom on the 60th anniversary of his coronation. Still, its Maori name is «Te Whare Wānanga o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui». «Te Whare Wānanga», the first part, translates as «place or house of higher studies». The second part, «o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui» translates as «on the head of the Maui» fish, related to the legend of Maori origin of the Polynesian explorer called Maui.
4 – University of Otago
The University of Otago, located in the city of Dunedin, on the south island of New Zealand, specializes in health sciences and is recognized for its excellence in research. Founded in 1869, it is the oldest university in the country.
Its strong reputation and student community make this institution a perfect place for those seeking to excel in the scientific and medical fields.
5 – Massey University
Massey University has its main campus in Palmerston North, which is located in the Manawatu-Wanganui region, on the North Island of New Zealand. It also has additional campuses in Auckland and Wellington. This academic institution stands out for its practical approach to education and research. It is recognized in fields such as agriculture, business, and applied sciences.
It has approximately 36 thousand students 4,000 of them of foreign origin and coming from about 100 different countries.
Studying at a university in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the best universities offer all their students state-of-the-art research facilities and international collaborations with other countries and universities around the world. In addition, they stand out for valuing the diversity of students and embracing the cultural differences of each of them.
There exist cultural integration programs, support services, and extracurricular activities that ensure a plus in the resume of any international student who has taken any of their programs in New Zealand.