Best Universities in New Zealand in 2026: Ranking, Fees & Courses
Talk to Expert
According to QS Ranking 2026, the University of Auckland is the number 1 university in New Zealand, but do you know about other best universities in New Zealand for International students? Know about top universities in New Zealand, including their ranking, popular courses and tuition fees.
Over the years New Zealand has emerged as a top study-abroad destination. There are only eight universities in New Zealand but the quality of education is unparalleled. The University of Auckland is the number 1 university in New Zealand. Other than this, there are some other renowned educational institutes in the country.
The University of Otago, renowned for its medical and health sciences programs, consistently ranks among the top in the country. If you want to study a course related to law, humanities, and social sciences then Victoria University of Wellington can be a great choice for you. In this blog, you will get to know about the top universities in New Zealand, their ranking, popular courses and their respective fees. Our goal is to assist you in selecting the top university for your studies in NZ.
Related Reads
- Top Universities in New Zealand 2026
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
- University of Waikato
- Lincoln University
- Auckland University of Technology (AUT University)
Top Universities in New Zealand 2026
Students wanting to study in New Zealand can check out the list of best universities in New Zealand:
| Top Universities in New Zealand | QS World University Ranking 2026 | Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | #65 | #152 |
| University of Otago | #197 | 351-400 |
| Massey University | #230 | 501-600 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #240 | 401-500 |
| University of Canterbury | #261 | 501-600 |
| University of Waikato | #281 | 401-500 |
| Lincoln University | #407 | 401-500 |
| Auckland University of Technology | #410 | 401-500 |
Check out:
University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is #1 university of New Zealand. It was established in the year 1883 and ranks among the world’s top 100 institutions. It is known for high graduate employability and offers a vibrant campus life in the largest city of NZ, Auckland.
The university offers a wide range of study programs related to Arts, Business, Science, Engineering, Law, Medical and Health Sciences. With modern facilities, strong support services and strong ties to industry, the University of Auckland is an ideal choice for study in NZ.
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 12 - 16 Months | INR 24.9L |
| BE/BTech | 3 Years | INR 15.7L - 19.1L |
| MArch | 2 Years | INR 17.1L |
| MS | 12 - 24 Months | INR 17.1L - 18.7L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 14.8L - 15.9L |
| MIM | 1 - 1.5 Years | INR 15.3L - 23.2L |
| BBA | 3 Years | INR 14.8L |
| MEng | 1 - 1.5 Years | INR 18.4L |
Check: The University of Auckland Courses
University of Otago
University of Otago was established in 1869 under an act of Otago Provincial Council. This university offers a broad spectrum of graduate level, PhD, and postgraduate-level programs in several fields of education like finance, economics, entrepreneurship, business, management, marketing, medicine, pharmacy, law, arts, social sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, zoology, botany, and computer science.
| Courses |
Duration |
Tuition Fees First Year |
|---|---|---|
| MBA |
15 – 24 months |
21.8 Lakhs |
| MIM |
12 months |
21.3 Lakhs |
| MS |
12 – 24 months |
15.6 – 19.5 Lakhs |
| BSc |
36 months |
12.4 – 15.2 Lakhs |
| BE/BTech |
36 months |
15.2 Lakhs |
Read more: University of Otago Courses
Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington was formed in 1897 by an act in the parliament. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has a faculty of around 1,000 members who are dedicated to providing comprehensive and quality education. Victoria University has around 40 research institutes and centres giving students the best possible resources to have practical knowledge.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| Courses |
Duration |
Tuition Fees First Year |
|---|---|---|
| MBA |
16 – 20 months |
13.1 Lakhs |
| MS |
12 – 24 months |
11.9 – 25.3 Lakhs |
| MIM |
12 – 24 months |
13.5 – 20.2 Lakhs |
| BSc |
36 months |
13.9 Lakhs |
| MEng |
12 months |
16.8 Lakhs |
Check Out: Victoria University of Wellington Courses
University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury is second university in Aotearoa New Zealand. This university has five colleges namely the College of Arts, College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Education, Health and Human Development, and College of Business and Law. It also has over 35 research institutes. Each of these colleges offers various degree programs in arts, commerce, technology, fine arts, sports, music, law, and health sciences. Many programs are focused on teaching, physical education, forestry, and language pathology.
| Courses |
Duration |
Tuition Fees First Year |
|---|---|---|
| MBA |
15 months |
22.2 Lakhs |
| BE/BTech |
36 months |
14.4 – 17.2 Lakhs |
| MEng |
12 – 15 months |
20.7 Lakhs |
| BSc |
36 months |
16.6 Lakhs |
| MS |
12-24 months |
18 – 20.7 Lakhs |
Massey University
Massey University is special among New Zealand universities on account of its capacity to deliver research-driven teaching and research training on three campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington. Massey has a wide scope of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students which are at present accessible for application. As a student at Massey University, you can avail a wide scope of study support services and resources that are intended to assist you with improving scholarly aptitudes at all levels of study.
| Courses |
Duration |
Tuition Fees First Year |
|---|---|---|
| MEng |
12 months |
15.8 – 17.8 Lakhs |
| MS |
12 – 24 months |
16.5 – 18.3 Lakhs |
| MIM |
12 – 18 months |
14.4 Lakhs |
| BE/BTech |
36 – 48 months |
13.8 – 16.8 Lakhs |
| BBA |
36 months |
13.8 Lakhs |
Check: Massey University Courses
University of Waikato
Founded in 1964, the University of Waikato is a public institution for higher education and research in New Zealand. The university has seven faculties, one school, and one college offering a plethora of programs in arts, social science, mathematics, education, health, business, language and mass communication, engineering, and management. It provides courses in 135 subjects such as anthropology, psychology, applied linguistics, aquaculture, biotechnology, communication design, and data analytics.
| Courses |
Duration |
Tuition Fees First Year |
|---|---|---|
| MIM |
12 months |
14.1 – 21.6 Lakhs |
| BBA |
36 – 48 months |
13.8 – 14.4 Lakhs |
| MS |
12 – 24 months |
14.6 – 16.4 Lakhs |
| BSc |
36 months |
13.8 – 14.4 Lakhs |
| MEng |
12 months |
17.9 Lakhs |
Read: University of Waikato Courses
Lincoln University
Lincoln University is a highly-ranked public institution for higher education and research. Lincoln University has three faculties offering a range of career-focused diplomas and undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level degree programs. It also has the University Studies and English Language Division that renders two teaching programs in the English language. The university offers specialization in the disciplines of agriculture, engineering, sciences, computing, business, commerce, landscape architecture, environment, horticulture, forestry, property valuation, sports and recreation, transport, food, winemaking, viticulture, tourism, and hospitality.
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fees First Year |
|---|---|---|
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 14L - 14.4L |
| MS | 24 Months | INR 13.2L - 15.5L |
| MIM | 1 Year | INR 18.5L |
| BHM | 3 Years | INR 13.2L |
| MArch | 1 Year | INR 18.5L |
Related Read: Lincoln University Courses
Auckland University of Technology (AUT University)
Established in 2000, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a publically-owned institution for higher education and research. The academic structure of the Auckland University of Technology has five faculties, which further subdivide into 17 schools. The university offers over 250 programs in varied disciplines of art, design, economics, science, business, education, engineering, mathematics, computer science, clinical studies, creative technologies, communication studies, languages, psychology, nursing, tourism and hospitality, law, public health, social science, and sports.
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 12 - 16 Months | INR 24.9L |
| BE/BTech | 3 Years | INR 15.7L - 19.1L |
| MArch | 2 Years | INR 17.1L |
| MS | 12 - 24 Months | INR 17.1L - 18.7L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 14.8L - 15.9L |
| MIM | 1 - 1.5 Years | INR 15.3L - 23.2L |
| BBA | 3 Years | INR 14.8L |
| MEng | 1 - 1.5 Years | INR 18.4L |
Check out: AUT University Courses
In recent years, New Zealand has been witnessing consistent growth in the number of students who opt to study in universities overseas. The quality of education and a conducive learning environment have contributed to being a destination of choice for many international students. Feel free to write to us regarding any query in the comments section below.
Whitireia, New Zealand, is well-known for a number of things like it has a broad selection of programs in numerous fields like the arts, business, construction, engineering, health, hospitality, and information technology, providing an excellent postsecondary education experience. Parumoana Community College, being its native name the school has provided vocational education in New Zealand. Through their joint council and strategic partnership, Whitireia and the Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) provide students with additional academic alternatives and possibilities.
International students seeking admission to Lincoln University New Zealand must show English language proficiency and they can do so by submitting IELTS score or by any other scores.
Particulars | Minimum Scores for Master’s Degrees | Minimum Scores for Bachelor’s Degrees |
|---|---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no individual component below 6.0 | 6.0 overall, with no individual component less than 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 80 overall (with at least 21 in Writing and 18 in Speaking) | 60 overall |
PTE | 58 overall, with no communicative skill less than 50 | 50 overall |
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(4)
I
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
B
5 years ago
R
5 years ago
Hello Betsy. Check out options to study in New Zealand here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/new-zealand. You can apply for inhouse scholarships on the official university website or visit: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/scholarships
G
5 years ago
R
5 years ago
Hello Gurans. Thank you for writing in. You can check out Studying in New Zealand options here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/new-zealand. every university/course could have a different score requirement. kindly visit the link and check out the eligibility criteria.
6 years ago
Hi Obiora, different universities have different requirements. If not TOEFL, you must take IELTS. Otherwise you must look for an English language pathway program to meet the English language requirements. Nevertheless, the requirements vary, please check with the universities directly. You may take
University of Auckland is #1 university of New Zealand, according to 2026 rankings. Below, we have mentioned ranking-wise list of top 5 universities in NZ: