The University of Auckland

Program Reviews

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Karin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience

My exchange year here in university of Auckland was fulfilling and something that I will never forget. Not only have I got to know many people from all over the world through study abroad society, other clubs and from my dorm, the studying environment could not be anything better because of the aspiring professors and interesting courses offered here. I feel like I have never got bored with the lifestyle here throughout the semester because there are a lot of beautiful places to explore and most of which are an easy access from the city as well.

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Hermione
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great University and Program

This is a really interesting course and fantastic for anyone considering a career in GP or Paediatrics. The community program is great to learn about services available to support children outside of the Hospital setting, and I have met some incredibly inspiring people with this program. The faculty staff and support form the medical side is amazing, unfortunately the administration at University of Auckland is much more challenging and has room for improvement. Great vibrant city and a fascinating country to travel.

What would you improve about this program?
The application process can be challenging for international students with at times poor communication about program requirements and giving incredibly short deadlines to return documents. Using personal emails or phone calls as well as university email for urgent matters would help improve this process.
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Joanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good learning curve for int’l students.

I loved studying at Auckland uni! Especially since I had already been living in nz for a year under a different visa. It’s a good thing I was used to the country already, because they have the worst international student office! No one knew what forms I needed and when, as if they had never seen an international student before. I used my DIY knowledge to help other students standing in line at the international student office also being given the run around, and I would try to help the best I could since no one at the desk was ever able to answer their questions. Wouldn’t trade my experience at Auckland uni for a second, except any moment I spent inside the international student office.

What would you improve about this program?
I had an agent from the US (found through Auckland uni website) to help with my initial application (how the degree worked, correct documents, deadlines, everything) and they were amazing! I’m so glad I did this because I was never given a straight answer from the international student office about anything, was sent to immigration last minute for forms, and again was treated like the first international student to walk through the door.
Response from The University of Auckland

Thanks for your review and feedback, Joanna. I’m sorry to hear you had this experience. We strive to make the immigration process as seamless as possible for students and employ experts on immigration policy. We have changed our process over the past year and added additional resources, so hopefully this will ensure students feel more supported with the immigration details upon arrival. I’m happy to hear you had an incredible time at the University of Auckland and New Zealand!

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Alison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UoA is the best uni in the best country

I went to NZ for my masters degree at UoA but my motives were not purely academic. I had visited the south island previously and fell in love with the raw, natural beauty of the country. When presented with the opportunity to study at a prestigious university in one of the world's most breath-taking countries I could not refuse (not to mention it was so much cheaper than pursuing a masters degree in the US). My program of study was a research masters so I was offered flexibility in when I studied and when I traveled. Throughout my year in NZ I was able to travel to Australia, Samoa, and all over NZ multiple times. On weekends when I needed a little rest from traveling I would explore the farmers markets around Auckland, visit art galleries, and hit up some local bars; Auckland is the best city for you if you're the kind of person who wants to have fun on the weekends but have a normal-paced life during the week. If the laid-back lifestyle of NZ is what you're after then the only smart option in UoA.

What would you improve about this program?
Offer a bit more social outreach to international students in the beginning of the semesters
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Mallory
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very International Experience

Coming to New Zealand I was expecting to meet a bunch of kiwis, but instead I've met people from all over the world. I have new friends from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. As a city, I've found that Auckland isn't much different than some of the other large cities in the United States, but the mix of cultures has been much appreciated. The marine science graduate program at UoA is quite challenging in terms of the work load and students are introduced to a wide range of ecology topics. Overall, I'm happy with my decision to do graduate school here.

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Andriana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Globetrotting to the University of Auckland for exchange!

What an experience! I've made so many life-long friends at the University of Auckland and overall, I have so many hilarious memories.

In an academic sense, I could not recommend this university enough. I've taken so many courses that I wouldn't back at my home university and it has really enriched my knowledge! The staff (lecturers, etc) have also been amazing- so understanding and replying to emails really quickly if you have any problems (definitely a massive help if you have any last minute questions for assignments).

Socially, the university provides so many weekly events and it is really close to two of the main streets of Auckland City which means that you can always go to a really cute and cheap restaurant or cafe near by.

I really recommend this university and just want to say a huge "good luck" to anyone who decides to go here! Trust me, you will really enjoy it!

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Madeleine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great place

Had a great time at this university. I enjoyed the courses I took whilst here (I am a chemistry major). New Zealand is a beautiful country so there are many opportunities to travel and explore the wonderful scenery. Accommodation is expensive, and so are general living costs such as food shopping. They have a society for you to meet other exchange students, but it is just as good to join other clubs where you will meet other full time students as well as other internationals.

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Yanyi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

the best experience

Beautiful country, a great school with friendly people! It has been the best experience I've ever had. For me, the best part is the education system, from which I finally found the enjoyment of study and figure out what I really want to do and need to do in the future. I really learn a lot from the courses and definitely it would be helpful in my future career.

Highly recommend this program :)

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Henrik
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exchange semester

Great school and everything but lacking the night life and accommodation is crazy expensive but hey, I chose Auckland for the scenery (the south island) and travelling - not for the university I was going to attend! SASS group was not as good as I expected. The study abroad student society didn't organize much events but it's run by students not by the school so it was still good. I think the university itself should involve its exchange students more in the university life.

What would you improve about this program?
More student events for exchange students. More nightlife.
Response from The University of Auckland

Hi Henrik,

Thanks for your review. Auckland is ranked the third most liveable city in the world, which means it has experienced an increasingly high demand on housing and as a result higher housing and rent prices. While the cost of living is not cheap, we hope the easy access to nature and the free and numerous cultural events throughout the year make it easy for university students to enjoy living in the urban heart of New Zealand while getting a world-class education.

Enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand.

Kind regards,
Amelia

Ayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One semester exchange from Amsterdam

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Response from The University of Auckland

Kia ora Ayla,

Thanks for the thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear that you had such a meaningful and impactful experience at the University of Auckland. Enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand!

Kind regards,
Amelia