Auckland University of Technology vs University of Auckland

Auckland University of Technology vs University of Auckland

Auckland University of Technology is a state university in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Auckland urban area. It is a medium-sized institution with around 22,000 students, of whom a substantial portion are international students. Admissions are highly open, with an acceptance rate of about 91%. The most popular majors at AUT are Hospitality & Leisure Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Business. The six-year graduation rate is projected at 65–70%, and AUT graduates can expect a median income of about INR 32,00,000 (based on NZD 62,000 median income ten years post-graduation).

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's top-ranked university, situated in Auckland, in the same metropolitan zone. It is a large university with more than 40,000 students enrolled, of which over 9,300 are international students. The admissions are relatively competitive, with an approximate acceptance rate of 45%. Typical majors are Marketing, Psychology, Civil Engineering, Education, and Anatomy & Physiology. The six-year graduation rate is around 80–85%, and the median salary upon graduation is about INR 41,00,000 (from NZD 79,000 median earnings after ten years of graduation).

Overview Comparison
Auckland University of TechnologyUniversity of Auckland
Collegedunia Score4.4 Out of 105.7 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 410 QS World University 2026
# 501 Times Higher Education 2026
# 401 Times Higher Education 2025
# 65 QS World University 2026
# 156 Times Higher Education 2026
# 65 QS World University 2025
Subject Strength# 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023
# 101 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 119 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 59 for Law by QS World University 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -36
PG Programs -38
UG Programs -24
PG Programs -49
Doctorate Programs -7
Acceptance Rate91.0 %45.0 %
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   22556.38
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25130
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 54960 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   48880
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  46525
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 7920 Per Year
placement (average package)

Some of the industries in which the graduates get employed and average salary are as follows:

Financial services: $77,000

IT and Software development: $76,000

Sales and business development: $42,000

Marketing: $59,000


The University of Auckland is one of the top public universities in Auckland, New Zealand. It is ranked #87 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

  • Other Degree: $83,000 
  • Bachelor (Other): $66,000 
  • Bachelor of Science: $64,000 
  • Masters of Arts: $63,000 
  • Masters in Science: $61,000 
  • Master (Other): $58,000 

application requirements

Applicants must have minimum 60% in four subjects combined

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts of all previous education

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews8.1/10 Read 4 reviews7.3/10 Read 10 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 101 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 107 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
why to opt?

The Master of Engineering is designed to help you develop your research skills and enhance your knowledge in the field of engineering. There are two pathways: Research (includes a thesis), or Coursework (includes a research project).

The university is home to a number of internationally renowned research institutes and centres, and many of the students complete their research project in collaboration with these well-known research entities. AUT's expertise in engineering ranges from telecommunications to materials and manufacturing technologies, and from industrial optimisation to engines and vehicles.


The ME is structured to help you develop a sense of independence and confidence in your ability to think critically and conduct fundamental or applied research. Regardless of your specialisation, you will engage with a stimulating mix of theory and analysis, setting you apart in your pursuit of higher-level opportunities.


exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120GRE - 299/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 90/120
Admission Criteria/Better to Have

Must have completed one of the following with a B grade average or higher, or equivalent:

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)¹
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering¹
Bachelor of Engineering Technology including the Course ENGE601


Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)


cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -25130Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -48622
application datesNov 30, 2024 (Application Deadline For February 2025 Intake)
Dec 8, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Semester 1)
Jul 4, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Semester 2)
Nov 11, 2025 (Application Deadline For Last Year Semester 2025 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsAuckland University of TechnologyUniversity of Auckland
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established2000
1883
Student:Faculty Ratio16:1
18:1
Male:Female41% Male, 59% Female46% Male, 54% Female
Location Facts

AUT has three campuses: City (in Auckland CBD), North and South, and the training institute, Millennium. City


The University has seven campuses with eight faculties representing each of its main disciplines: Arts; Business and Economics; Creative Arts and Industries; Education and Social Work; Engineering; Law; Medical and Health Sciences; and Science. It also has two large-scale research institutes: the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Liggins Institute.


Library

AUT Library operates at the centre of academic life at the University and plays a vital role in supporting students and staff through their learning, teaching, and research journeys. Spread across three campuses, six teams, and over 90 staff, AUT Library is one of the largest divisions at AUT.


The University of Auckland Library system consists of the General Library and seven specialist libraries

The General Library Special Collections stores several rare books, manuscripts and archives and other material relating to the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Some notable manuscript collections include the Western Pacific Archives (which contains British colonial records relating to that region between 1877 and 1978), the poet Robin Hyde's papers, and the archives of the New Zealand Electronic Poetry Centre, local Labour Party branches, and the New Zealand Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.


Campus Life

AUT is one of the world’s top young universities – and it is home to 29,000 students from 140 countries. With three campuses across Auckland, a vibrant student life and a range of support services and facilities, it’s easy to get involved and make the most of your student experience. As a student at AUT, you can access a range of services and facilities to help you make the most of university life and succeed in your studies. AUT offers some of the most comprehensive student services and support in New Zealand – so you know you’ll be well looked after when you study here. AUT is New Zealand’s leading sports university with excellent gyms and sport centres, with facilities including group exercise classes and personal training services. 


  • With more than 200 clubs and societies on offer, the University has a student group for everyone!
  • Campus Life operates a range of wellbeing services, such as Accommodation, Counselling and Health Services, aimed at removing personal barriers to academic success. It also operates engagement services such as support for student organisations, social and sporting programmes, volunteering and leadership support. These aim to help students maximise the non-classroom dimensions of the university experience.
  • Student Ambassadors volunteer to help with University and faculty events such as Open Day, Experience Day and Orientation Week. It's a role open to all currently enrolled students at the University of Auckland. It’s a great opportunity to build your leadership skills and learn about how our events are run, as well as being the face of the faculty.

Hostel#Small room - $11800
#Standard room - $12760
#Large room - $13480
#Standard studio room - $16920
#Shared Bathroom and Board - $7920
Famous Alumni

Bruce McLaren (racing car designer, driver), Stephen Tindall (Founder of warehouse group), Daniel Pryor (union rugby player), David Farrier (Actor and journalist)


Some of the notable alumini are Edmund Hillary, Rose McIver, Marcus Chang, Helen Clark, Niki Caro,Winston Peters, Lisa Harrow ,Gary Chaw etc


City Life

Auckland—New Zealand’s largest city—is a wonderful place for expats. Nestled between two sparkling harbors and rainforest-covered mountain ranges, it’s hard to imagine a more scenic setting for a city.

While Auckland has all of the amenities you’d expect from a cosmopolitan city (good food, culture, and nightlife, to name a few!), it’s also an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Within a short distance from the city, you can relax on a stunning beach, hike in the bush, or sail to one of the nearby islands. Auckland is a good place to start living as an expat in New Zealand because it’s got it all: plenty of jobs, an international community, a variety of apartments to choose from, amazing cafes and restaurants, and countless weekend trips close by.

 


Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of 1.6 million people, and is the centre of the country’s retail and commercial activities.

The city is surrounded by 48 volcanoes and numerous picturesque islands.This harbourside location is known as the "City of Sails" because of the great number of yachts that sail in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf.

Large-scale projects and new companies are springing up in Auckland and the population, economy and key industry sectors are all growing rapidly – which all means more career opportunities for you.

Auckland combines the energy and excitement of city life with spectacular natural beauty in every direction. World-class food, wine, coffee, designer shopping and a thriving arts and culture scene is matched with beautiful harbours, islands, beaches, forests and volcanic cones offering countless adventure activities, from sailing and surfing to mountain biking and hiking. And it’s all so close. 


Weather
Comparison Notes

Auckland University of Technology vs University of Auckland

Subject Strength & International Rankings (2025/2026)

Both AUT and the University of Auckland are high-profile institutions in New Zealand, but the University of Auckland ranks higher every time in international systems. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Auckland ranks about 65th in the world, while AUT ranks somewhere around #410. As per Times Higher Education 2025, the University of Auckland stands at #152, while AUT placed in the 401–500 group.

In discipline-specific rankings, the University of Auckland performs well in Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Computer Science, with numerous programs ranked between 100 globally. AUT is robust in Hospitality & Leisure Management, Communication Studies, and Health Sciences, frequently ranking between 200–300. Although AUT is famous for applied and industry-oriented programs, the University of Auckland is superior in research-based academic work and scope of disciplines.

General Information

The University of Auckland is the largest and oldest in New Zealand, established in 1883, with a student body of more than 40,000 and over 9,000 international students. It has a full academic organization with eight faculties, several research institutes, and a high postgraduate student population.

AUT, founded in 2000 as a university (although its roots go back to 1895), is the nation's third-largest university with approximately 29,000 students. It occupies a contemporary, city-campus across three Auckland sites and is renowned for a culture of inclusiveness and innovation in learning. AUT offers a smaller and industry-related experience, whereas the University of Auckland features a conventional research-focused academic environment.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

AUT has a very high rate of acceptance at about 91%, and it is therefore considered to be one of the most open universities in New Zealand. University of Auckland is more selective, with an acceptance rate of about 45%.

Both institutions have English proficiency as a requirement (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90), and competitive programs can have further academic requirements. AUT prioritises practical preparedness and varied entry points, whereas the University of Auckland stresses academic achievement and research promise.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's highest research university, with over NZD 230 million in annual research income. It has world-class facilities such as the Liggins Institute, Centre for Brain Research, and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, and has robust global connections.

AUT is renowned for applied research that addresses real-world issues, with more than 60 research centers, including those dedicated to AI, public health, robotics, and sustainability. It has been awarded 5 stars for research by QS and is ranked #1 in New Zealand for international outlook.

Although AUT focuses on applied and multidisciplinary research, the University of Auckland excels in basic research and international scholarly influence.

Cost & Financial Aid

AUT undergraduate fees range approximately NZD 22,556/year, while postgraduate studies are approximately NZD 44,892. University of Auckland undergraduate fees cost about NZD 48,880/year, and postgraduate courses about NZD 46,525. The University of Auckland is more expensive to live in because it is located in the city centre. Scholarships and financial aid are provided by both institutions, although the University of Auckland has a larger selection of merit-based and research scholarships for international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

The University of Auckland has a 97% job placement, and graduates earn NZD 60,000–70,000/year. There are alumni in top companies such as Google, Amazon Web Services, Deloitte, and ASB Bank, and the university is ranked at number 59 internationally in QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

AUT graduates work in various industries like financial services, IT, marketing, and media with average wages between NZD 42,000–77,000/year according to the industry. Graduates have found employment with Nike, BBC, Google Singapore, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

There is a good industry link and career assistance provided by AUT, and the University of Auckland offers global recognition and academic reputation.