University of Auckland is a highly regarded public research university in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the country's largest university with around 39,000 undergraduate students. The admissions are moderately competitive, and the overall acceptance rate is around 45%. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Law, Biological Sciences, and Arts. The six-year graduation rate stands at approximately 80%, while the median starting salary for University of Auckland graduates is about INR 7,00,000 (approximately NZD 12,000 median income a decade after graduation).
Victoria University of Wellington is a reputable public research university located in Wellington, New Zealand. The university is a mid-sized university with around 19,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are generally open, with an overall acceptance rate of around 70%. Typical majors are Law, Humanities, Business, Science, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is around 75%, and the median starting salary received by Victoria University alumni is around INR 6,50,000 (approximately NZD 11,000 median income after ten years of graduation).
| Victoria University of Wellington | University of Auckland | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.5 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 240 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 244 QS World University 2025 | # 65 QS World University 2026 # 156 Times Higher Education 2026 # 65 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 451 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 89 for Law by QS World University 2025 | # 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 -75 PG Programs -68 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -24 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70.0 % | 45.0 % |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 24971.88 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28033.86 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 61634 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 48880 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 46525 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 7920 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Average salary Master in managment-141000 , Average salary Bachelor- 116625, Average Salary Bachelor of science- 107552, Average salary master in Finance- 186600 , Average salaryL.L.M- 111442 | 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 | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 251 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 96 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 # 151 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 80/120 | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -28846.22 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| application dates | Sep 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2025 Trimester 3 Intake) Dec 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2025 Trimester 1 Intake) May 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Trimester 2 Intake) | Dec 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer School 2026) Dec 8, 2025 (Application Deadline For Semester One 2026) Jun 8, 2026 (Application Deadline For Semester Two 2026) |
| ranking | # 151 for Accounting by QS World University 2025 # 401 for Accounting by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 61 for Arts by QS World University 2025 # 101 for Arts by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 90/120 | GRE - 299/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -52500 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -52775 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Sep 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Trimester 3 Intake) Dec 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2026 Trimester 1 Intake) | Feb 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake Quarter 2) Jul 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Quarter 4) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Victoria University of Wellington | University of Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1897 | 1883 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 44% Male, 56% Female | 46% Male, 54% Female |
| Location Facts | The University has three main Wellington campuses—Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro—plus the Miramar Creative Centre and premises in Auckland. | 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 | The university has 4 libraries: Kelburn Library, Law Library, Architecture and Design Library and Commerce Library. The library holds approximately 1.3 million printed volumes. It provides access to 70,000 print and electronic periodical titles and 200,000 e-books | 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 | Victoria University of Wellington gives students opportunities to learn from the many national decision makers, top creative talents, technology trailblazers, and leading researchers based in Wellington. Club and group participation is a fantastic way to make friends, enjoy activities and learn things outside of the lecture theatre and make your student experience at Victoria University of Wellington richer and more rewarding. The University's population includes people from a diverse range of communities. University Recreation Wellington provides clubs, sports, recreation, wellbeing and fitness services for the community. The university offers a wide range of facilities and services, including a marae, health centre, pharmacy, and recreation centre, as well as cafes and food outlets. |
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| Hostel | #Victoria house - $12350 #Cumberland house - $13690 #Boulcott hall - $17464 #Capital hall - $18130 | #Shared Bathroom and Board - $7920 |
| Famous Alumni | Taika Waititi (Actor and comedian), Jane Campion (Filmmaker), Melanie Lynskey (Actress), Sam Neill (Actor) | 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 | Wellington is a beautiful region that makes the most of its natural setting. It’s home to a busy harbour, beaches, mountains, miles of coastline, and acres of native bush to explore—right on your doorstep. The city is compact enough to get most places on foot. It also has an excellent public transport system that includes trains, buses, and one rather special cable car. Whether you’re in search of active adventures, cultural experiences, festivals and events, world-class cafés, unique shopping, a memorable night out, or just something free—Wellington’s got you covered every day of the week. There are also major government buildings located in the Wellignton. | 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 |
Victoria University of Wellington vs University of Auckland
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington are two of New Zealand's top-tier universities, both enjoying good regional and global reputations. Auckland is ranked 65th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026, while Victoria Wellington is ranked at 240. Auckland is ranked 128 based on the US News Global Rankings 2026, versus Victoria Wellington at 506. Auckland ranks 152 based on the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2026, whereas Victoria Wellington ranks in the 401–500 band. Auckland is strong in business, engineering, law, and health sciences, but Victoria Wellington is famous for law, humanities, social sciences, and creative arts.
General Information
The University of Auckland, which was established in 1883 and is situated in Auckland, is the largest New Zealand university with approximately 39,000 undergraduate students. It balances high research output with diverse academic offerings and a multicultural international student population.
Victoria University of Wellington, founded in 1897 in Wellington, is smaller, with around 23,000 students, and is noted for its rigorous emphasis on humanities, social science, law, and public policy, as well as research in environmental and social studies.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The University of Auckland has a relatively selective admissions process with 45% acceptance, which is competitive, particularly for professional schools like law, medicine, and engineering.
Victoria University of Wellington is less selective, with an acceptance rate of 70%, taking in a wider population of students while still offering strong programs in arts, law, and social sciences.
Research Impact & Facilities
Auckland is a research-intensive university, with high-impact interdisciplinary research institutions throughout engineering, health science, business, and law. It is associated with high volumes of research output and international collaboration.
Victoria Wellington is highly focused on legal research, social science, humanities, and public policy. Smaller than Auckland but with good regional reach and focus on applied research with societal impact.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both universities offer competitive tuition rates for domestic and international students. They provide merit-based and need-based scholarships, with Auckland often offering larger research-based funding opportunities and Victoria focusing on support for regional and international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
University of Auckland graduates achieve success across engineering, business, law, and health sectors, benefiting from strong international and regional networks.
Victoria University of Wellington graduates excel in law, humanities, public policy, and social sciences, supported by strong professional connections within New Zealand and in international policy circles.
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