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Naman Arora Study Abroad Course Specialist
Study Abroad Course Specialist
Massey University is a public research institution in New Zealand with campuses in Palmerston North, Auckland, and Wellington, and a substantial distance-learning presence. Admissions are fairly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 65%, and entry is thus comparatively open. It is a large university with a student body of around 26,500, including a large proportion of international students. Among the most sought-after programs offered by Massey are Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Business (including MBA), Creative Arts, Aviation, and Design. The graduation rate over six years is not easily accessible, but a high pass rate of courses—more than 92% on-campus—points towards excellent support and result in academics. Alumni show median salaries of around NZD 85,000 annually (around INR 42,00,000) a couple of years after graduation.
University of Auckland is a public research flagship university in Auckland, New Zealand. It is moderately selective in admissions, with an acceptance rate of approximately 45%, making it slightly competitive to gain admission. It is a highly large university with around 26,300 undergraduates, as part of a student population of over 35,300. Some of the most sought-after programs at Auckland are Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law, Computer Science, and Arts & Social Sciences. The graduation rate is estimated at 80–85% for six years, and alumni have median income of around NZD 60,000–69,000 yearly, which equates to about INR 32,00,000–35,70,000 ten years after graduation.
| Massey University | University of Auckland | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 230 QS World University 2026 # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 239 QS World University 2025 | # 65 QS World University 2026 # 156 Times Higher Education 2026 # 65 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 401 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Law by QS World University 2018 | # 101 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 119 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 59 for Law by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -47 PG Programs -33 | UG Programs -24 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70.0 % | 45.0 % |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 24192.47 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 26994.26 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 49320 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 programs and average salary are as follows: Master in Science: $85,000 Master in Arts: $69,000 Bachelor of Science: $67,000 Master (other): $53,000 | 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.
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| application requirements | An overall grade of 75% Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language requirements Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 151 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 | # 51 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 80/120 | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 31, 2026 (Semester 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) | Dec 8, 2025 (Application Deadline for Semester One 2025) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Massey University | University of Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1927 | 1883 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 38% Male, 62% Female | 46% Male, 54% Female |
| Location Facts | Massey University has three campuses in three New Zealand cities – Auckland, Wellington, and Manawat? campus in Palmerston North. | 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 | Massey University Library supports your study, research, and teaching – at Albany in Auckland, Palmerston North in the Manawat?, Wellington, and at a distance if you’re off campus. | 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 | When you become a Massey student you join a diverse, supportive and active community. Each Massey campus has their own student association, and there is also one for distance students. They run more than 200 student clubs and interest groups.As a Massey student, you can apply to live in a Massey hall of residence, apartment or studio unit, or with a family in homestay accommodation, or find your own flat. Sports and recreation centres are located on each of Massey's three campuses – in Auckland (in the suburb of Albany), Manawat? in Palmerston North, and Wellington. |
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| Hostel | #City court units - $16440 #Colombo - $16440 #Halls - $16440 | #Shared Bathroom and Board - $7920 |
| Famous Alumni | Jo Aleh – world champion and Olympic champion sailor Kay Cohen – fashion designer | 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 | In Palmerston North you'll get the perfect balance of true Kiwi living. There's nowhere else quite like it, with its wild west coast beaches, dramatic gorges and stunning mountains – like the Ruahine Ranges. While in the city itself, you'll experience many events which bring together the local community. One to put in your calendar is the Festival of Cultures. Held each year, it celebrates the cultural diversity of the city. There's a magical lantern parade which opens the festival and over the following days there'll be live music, performances and a craft fair. Palmy is a small city where you'll never find yourself stuck in traffic. While there are many events to keep students entertained, it's known as one of New Zealand's quieter cities. It's a great place to relax and explore New Zealand's beautiful landscape, as it has scenic walks, bike trails and camping spots | 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. |
Massey University vs Auckland University
Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
Massey University, with campuses in Palmerston North, Auckland, and Wellington, excels most notably in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Design, Business, and Aviation. In QS World University Rankings 2026, it ranks in the 280–300 band, while in THE World University Rankings 2025, it is in the 601–800 band. The University of Auckland, New Zealand's largest and highest-ranked university, features high among the ranks for Engineering, Medicine, Law, Business, and Social Sciences. It is ranked between 65–70 in QS 2026 and in the 150–200 band in THE 2025, and it is the highest-ranked institution in New Zealand.
General Information
Massey University, established in 1927, has an enrollment of around 30,000 students and features a reputation for applied learning and comprehensive distance education programs. It enjoys a distinctive image for aviation, design, and agriculture in New Zealand. The University of Auckland, founded in 1883, has around 42,000 students and is situated in the country's largest city, providing extensive research-led teaching in all the major fields. Massey offers an adaptable, practical learning environment, and Auckland provides an internationally renowned, research-focused education.
Acceptance Rate & Admission
Massey University is relatively accessible, with an acceptance rate of approximately 65–70%, with students having average GPAs of 2.7–3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and IELTS requirements of 6.0–6.5. Auckland is more competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 45–50%, with GPAs around 3.2–3.5 and IELTS scores of 6.5–7.0. Massey is less competitive and Auckland receives more academically qualified international applicants.
Research Impact & Facilities
Massey University is famous for applied agriculture, veterinary science, and food technology research, and features New Zealand's sole veterinary school. The University of Auckland is a global research institution of R1 level, with particular strengths in medicine, engineering, and social sciences, having broad collaborations throughout Asia-Pacific. Auckland's research outputs and international links far surpass Massey, such that Auckland is the superior research university.
Cost & Financial Aid
Massey University fees for international students fall between NZD 28,000–35,000 per year, depending on the course. The University of Auckland fees fall between NZD 32,000–39,000 per year, making it slightly higher. Scholarships are offered by both universities to international students, although Auckland offers more world-competitive merit-based awards compared to Massey's specialized awards in agriculture, veterinary, and design.
Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes
Massey alumni are much sought after in agriculture, veterinary science, aviation, and design with mid-career salaries of approximately NZD 80,000 (INR 40 lakh). The alumni of the University of Auckland are highly visible in medicine, law, engineering, business, and research all over the world with mid-career salaries of approximately NZD 90,000 (INR 45 lakh). Massey has very strong industry connections in agriculture and applied sciences, while Auckland has the widest network of alumni in New Zealand with international presence.
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