Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: See additional requirements
Location: Oceania, New Zealand
GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

Expand your education and world perspective by spending a semester or a year at New Zealand’s leading university. In this program, you will directly enroll in courses at the University of Auckland, Māori name Waipapa Taumata Rau, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious university. Over 40,000 students study at the University of Auckland, of which 8,000 are international students.

As a study abroad student, you will be able to participate in Auckland’s vibrant campus life. The university hosts a variety of campus events, and you can join any number of Auckland’s student clubs and societies. The university also organizes a UniGuide program, where current Auckland students help welcome and orient new students to the university.

Located around Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Also know as the “City of Sails” due to the large number of yachts and sailboats that sail in the harbors, Auckland is home to 1.6 million people, or around a quarter of New Zealand’s population. Enjoy all the amenities of life in the big city while remaining close to the natural beauty for which New Zealand is famous; Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, the Waitakere Ranges, and a variety of beaches can all be found within the Auckland region. Auckland is also a great home base from which you can explore other parts of New Zealand.

Dates and Deadlines

 

 
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date

Fall semester (semester 2)

Academic year

Spring semester (semester 1)

Calendar year

2024

2024-25

2025

2025

3/15/2024

3/15/2024

10/01/2024

10/01/2024

Early July

Early July

Mid-February

Mid-February

Mid-November

Late June

Late June

Mid-November

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about your enrollment will be made after you submit a complete application. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early.

Successful applicants will receive a nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for this program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

The academic year at the University of Auckland is divided in two semesters: Semester 1 runs from mid-February to the end of June, and Semester 2 runs from mid-July to mid-November. Auckland is a comprehensive university with course options to suit a wide variety of UO students. You will be able to choose from courses in the following faculties:

Auckland offers thousands of courses in over 100 subject areas, which means students in a wide variety of majors will be able to find coursework that meets your academic goals. In addition, you can choose to take courses and subjects that are unique to New Zealand, such as Māori Studies and Pacific Studies. The University of Auckland is held in high academic regard; 18 of its subjects are ranked in the world’s top 50, including Accounting and Finance, Anthropology, Archaeology, Education, English Language and Literature, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology, and Sports-related subjects.

Restrictions

Study abroad students can directly enroll into most courses with some exceptions. You will need to apply for “concession” to enroll in courses that require Auckland faculty approval. You will receive detailed information about course registration after acceptance by Auckland.

Study abroad students should note the following course limitations:

  • Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Optometry are not available to study abroad students
  • Foundation year courses (courses ending with the letters F or H) are not open to study abroad students
  • PROPERTY 103 and BUSINESS 111, 112 and 202 are not open to study abroad students
  • Some courses run for the whole Auckland academic year (February to November) and are only open to students participating in the Calendar Year program
  • Students who are not Law majors may have limits to the Law courses they can take.
  • Psychology and Drama stage II & III courses have limited capacity
  • Courses showing the letter “G” – e.g. PHYSICS 107G have limited capacity
  • 100 level courses in Fine Arts, Architecture and Planning are limited to students who are majoring in these subjects at UO

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

  • Junior standing or above is required for fall and academic year programs
  • Sophomores may participate in spring semester or calendar year (winter and spring terms) of their sophomore year
Note: If some of your credits are transfer or high school credits, please check with your GEO advisor regarding whether you are eligible.

Housing Description

The University of Auckland will guarantee accommodation in one of the University-managed residences for all study abroad students who apply before the closing deadline. Living in University Accommodation is a great way to immerse yourself in campus life—you will be living with both Kiwis and other international students. Options range from single rooms to shared apartments to private studios. Some accommodation options are self-catered (no meal plan; you provide your own meals), while others are catered (have a meal plan). University Accommodation is located within easy walking distance of the university’s City Campus.

More information about accommodation options can be found here.

If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, you are also welcome to make your own arrangements.