Top Universities in New Zealand 2019

Click here to view the latest version of this article, based on the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

New Zealand has eight entries in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, all ranked in the global top 500, based on a methodology which assesses each university’s reputation among employers and academics, as well as its research impact (citations per faculty member) and other factors.

8. Auckland University of Technology

Ranked joint 464^th in the world in 2019, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) was established in 1895 as the Auckland Technical School, and today boasts the highest score of any of the best universities in New Zealand for the percentage of international students indicator, ranked 23^rd in the world.

7. Massey University

Massey University, based in the city of Palmerton North on the North Island, has fallen slightly in this year’s ranking to joint 332^nd, but is nonetheless consistently found in the global top 350. It’s the only university in New Zealand to offer courses in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience.

6. Lincoln University

Up two places to rank joint 317^th in the world this year alongside the Czech Republic’s Charles University, Lincoln University receives strong scores for its percentages of both international students and faculty members, and is also rated in the global top 50 for agriculture as of the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

5. University of Waikato

Another of the best universities in New Zealand to improve its position this year is the University of Waikato, up 18 places to rank 274^th in the world in 2019. The university is chiefly based in the city of Hamilton on the North Island, and also operates a campus in Tauranga.

4. University of Canterbury

Based in Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, the University of Canterbury is ranked joint 231^st this year and is one of the country’s oldest universities, having been founded in 1873 as Canterbury College. It now has a student population of around 14,000, made up of 80 nationalities.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington was established in 1897 and is ranked joint 221^st in the world alongside France’s Sciences Po this year. It also features in the global top 100 for 12 subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, including the top 50 for law, library and information management, and hospitality.

2. University of Otago

Down slightly this year to rank joint 175^th in the world alongside two other universities, the University of Otago is the oldest institution in New Zealand, having been established almost 150 years ago in 1869. It’s mainly based in Dunedin, and has about 20,838 students, including 2,837 international students.

1. University of Auckland

The number one among the best universities in New Zealand continues to be the University of Auckland, despite it falling three places this year to now rank 85^th in the world. It achieves its best rank in the academic reputation indicator.

The country’s largest university (with 41,866 students), it’s in the global top 50 for 18 subjects as of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018, including archaeology, nursing and business.

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Now you know about New Zealand's best universities, get prepared to study there with our complete guide, which includes advice on student visa applications, admission requirements, costs, funding and more.