Auckland, New Zealand

Direct Enrollment - University Of Auckland

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Dormitory

Credits:

16 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our study abroad program in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland offers you the opportunity to directly enroll in the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, a prestigious research university that has courses in more than 150 disciplines. The University has a wealth of options in Māori Studies and has a marae (Māori sacred ground) on campus, indicative of Tāmaki Makaurau's diversity and Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori heritage.

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Predeparture & Enrollment Advising

We offer you pre-departure advising that’s specific to your needs.

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On-Site Staff

Our on-site staff work with you to answer any questions.

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Field Trips

Start your journey with a two-day orientation on Waiheke Island.

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University Clubs & Events

Join one of the cultural, interest, or sports clubs and societies.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

July 10 - November 18

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Liat Wasserman headshot

Liat Wasserman

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Auckland's skyline

Why Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

The 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland third in the world for quality of life. With beautiful volcanoes and lava flows, a dynamic mixture of European, Asian, and Pacific influences, friendly residents, and breathtaking coastal views, you’ll fall for Tāmaki Makaurau's unique charm. 

From Tāmaki Makaurau, you will have many opportunities to explore the beautiful country of Aotearoa New Zealand. Fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit series can visit nearby Hobbiton, where scenes from the movies were filmed.

Learn More About Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Get to Know Your New City

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Climb Rangitoto

Climb this dormant volcano for a scenic view of the city.

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Visit the Wild Beaches & Black Sands

Enjoy the unique nature of Aotearoa New Zealand’s west coast.

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Visit Maungakiekie One Tree Hill

Learn about Māori fortification while spotting some sheep.

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Experience Hobbiton

Visit Hobbiton, where scenes from the movies were filmed.

The Student Experience

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Housing

Two students socializing inside of an Auckland housing placement
  • Dormitory
  • Apartment

Dormitory

The dormitory are furnished single-rooms.  Utilities are included in the accommodation costs. There are several floors dedicated to communal kitchens, living spaces, and study areas. This housing option is self-catered, which means you prepare meals for yourself.

You have access to the University of Auckland WiFi. The commute time from the dorm to campus ranges from a 8- to 15-minute walk to campus and all are located in the city.

Academics

IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau.

Partner Institution

Students on their way to classes on University of Auckland's campus, surrounded by modern, gray architecture.
  • University of Auckland

University of Auckland

University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, founded in 1883, is the only New Zealand member of the prestigious Universitas 21, a global consortium of major universities engaged in research, academic exchange, and quality benchmarking. With about 40,000 students (including 4,000+ international students from 93 countries) the University fosters a diverse and challenging academic environment. In 2015, the University of Auckland was the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand included in the top 200 universities in the world list by The Times Education Supplement.  

The University is centrally located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and covers an impressive 39 acres of land. The city campus has easy access to the cultural and commercial amenities of the country’s largest city, while harbor views and nearby parks add to its attractiveness. The IES Abroad program is run out of the International Office, conveniently located on campus in the Alfred Nathan house.

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Courses

The University of Auckland assigns a point value to each course. A full-time load is 4 courses, each worth 15 University of Auckland points (or 4 IES Abroad credits) . The full time semester load is  60 University of Auckland course points, or 16 IES Abroad credits.

You can change your course selections until the end of the second week of the semester. Further information about course content and availability can be found on the University's website.

Arts

Ancient History, Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, Chinese, Classical Studies, Comparative Literature, Cook Islands Māori, Creative Writing (limited availability), Criminology, Croatian, Dance, Development Studies, Drama, Economics, Employment Relations & Organization Studies, English, English Writing, Ethics, Ethnomusicology, European Studies, Film & TV Production, Film, TV & Media Studies, French, German, Greek, History, International Relations & Human Rights, Italian, Japanese, Korean,  Languages and Literature, Latin, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Linguistics & English Language, Māori Studies (Te Wānanga o Waipapa), Medieval & Early Modern European Studies, Museums & Cultural Heritage, Music, Music Education, Pacific Studies, Philosophy, Polish, Political Studies, Public Policy, Russian, Samoan, Social Science for Public Health, Sociology, Spanish, Tongan, Women’s Studies, Writing Studies

Business (AACSB- and EQUIS-accredited)

Accounting & Finance, Commercial Law, Economics, Information Systems & Operations Management (ISOM), International Business, Management and Employment Relations (MER), Marketing

National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (Most of these disciplines require additional application materials)

Architecture, Dance, Fine Arts, Music, Planning, Visual Arts

Education

Education (Professional), Education Curriculum

Engineering

Chemical & Materials, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, Engineering Science, Mechanical

Law

Environmental Law, various other disciplines (limited entry)

Medical and Health Sciences

Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Nursing, Population Health

Science

Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sport & Exercise Science, Statistics

Theology

Biblical Studies, Christian Thought & History, Practical Theology

Not all subjects are offered every semester/year and some faculties offer year-long classes only. Course offerings for the school year (which starts in February in New Zealand) are released in November. In addition, there may be enrollment caps in certain disciplines, and many upper-level courses require prerequisites. Contact your IES Abroad Representative if you have specific questions regarding courses. 

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

a student kayaking on turquoise-colored waters on a sunny day

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

5 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Explore the mountainous island and white sand beaches, visit local institutions such as a primary school or perhaps an animal shelter, and even learn outrigger canoe paddling.

Photograph of the Waitakere Ranges. There are rocky outcroppings and a beach with dark sand on an overcast day.

Piha

1 Day Fall & Spring

Explore the summit of Maungakiekie, otherwise known as One Tree Hill, and learn about the Māori and more recent history of this historic site.

A ceiling mural depicting the sun in the sky, along with clouds and other unique detail work.

Waiheke Island

2 Days Fall & Spring

Learn about Māori culture while you stay at a marae, and enjoy hiking and beach activities as you get to know your fellow program participants.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
17,145
Housing
$
5,020
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
22,655

2025 Fall

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

2026 Spring

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Center

The Center staff are highly trained local professionals providing on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.   

Nearby The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, we have on-the-ground staff dedicated to supporting you during your time abroad. Get comfortable commuting to university, and finding your study abroad hub; all the while, our staff is just a phone call away.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Tāmaki Makaurau
Arrive onsite and partake in activities focusing on adjusting to local life. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the University
Run in part by students, orientation at the University of Auckland provides insight into Kiwi (local) student culture and helps you integrate into university life.
Explore Tāmaki Makaurau
Take a two day field trip to an exciting location in Aotearoa. Past trips have included staying overnight on a marae (Māori sacred ground) on the island of Waiheke.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Kiwi culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

February 20 - July 01

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

July 10 - November 18

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing required
  • Final admission decision rests with the University of Auckland

Frequently Asked Questions

The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
two students laughing while hugging