The way living things co-exist with each other is an intriguing phenomenon to study, especially when you are inclined to question the whys and hows of life. Biology is a broad field that allows you to investigate the most colossal living beings down to the molecular composition of organisms.
With its distinctive biodiversity, endemic species, and varied natural environments, New Zealand presents a strong learning space for biology students. Students can study living systems in settings that range from laboratories to field stations, marine environments, forests, and conservation areas.
In this article, we look into some of the best universities in New Zealand that offer biology programs. Find out which university best suits your needs and expectations.
Top Schools Offering Biology in New Zealand
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Among the best biology universities in New Zealand, the University of Auckland also places highly in international sustainability and impact rankings. It is committed to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and leaving a positive impact on society.
The School of Biological Sciences oversees the university’s biology course offerings. Undergraduate and graduate students are accommodated, with the undergraduate biology program giving students a strong foundation for careers in biological sciences.
Graduate students can further their studies through a broad range of postgraduate options. Students may explore areas such as biomedical and applied biology, biotechnology, ecology, evolution, conservation science, and bioscience enterprise.
Diploma courses for postgraduates are also offered in the school. With the versatility of biology, equipping yourself with a doctorate can enhance your credibility and prepare you for higher-level research and academic roles. The School of Biological Sciences welcomes doctoral proposals in areas such as biomedical and applied biology, cellular and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and behavior.
2. University of Otago
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university. It is also one of the country’s highest-ranked higher education institutions, ranking second in New Zealand in the QS World University Rankings 2026, behind the University of Auckland.
The University of Otago is organized into four academic divisions: Commerce, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences. Under the Division of Sciences and related departments, students can explore a wide range of biology-related subjects, including biology, biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics, marine science, microbiology, and zoology.
At the undergraduate level, the Division of Sciences offers a wide range of majors related to school science subjects such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science or personalize their study through combined degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts and Science or Bachelor of Commerce and Science.
The division also accommodates postgraduate study in science-related fields. Master’s degrees and other postgraduate options allow students to deepen their research and professional skills in areas connected to biological sciences.
Meanwhile, doctoral students at the University of Otago complete an advanced research program under supervision. The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree offered by the university, and most full-time Ph.D. students take three to four years to complete it.
3. Massey University
Massey University is a large, multi-campus university with strong online and distance-learning options. It is ranked third in New Zealand in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Massey University is widely recognized for specialist areas such as veterinary science and aviation. It is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand to offer the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and the only New Zealand university with an aviation school.
The university is divided into five colleges, with a stand-alone School of Aviation. The College of Sciences oversees study and research in areas such as agriculture and environment, food technology and natural sciences, mathematical and computational sciences, and veterinary science.
Undergraduates interested in biology can choose from biology-related Bachelor of Science specializations such as Ecology and Conservation, Microbiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Plant Science, and Zoology. Aside from lectures and laboratory exercises, students can gain hands-on experience through labs, field trips, and practical projects.
The School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences supports teaching and research in the fundamental sciences of chemistry and biology, while the School of Agriculture and Environment contributes expertise in biodiversity, environmental management, plant and animal systems, and sustainability.
The school also accommodates graduate students. Massey offers postgraduate study options such as the Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Ecology and Conservation, Plant Breeding, and Zoology. Students who want to pursue advanced research can also continue to a Ph.D.
4. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is New Zealand’s second-oldest university. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked 261st globally.
The University of Canterbury offers a broad spectrum of disciplines. The university has seven faculties, and biological sciences is taught through the School of Biological Sciences. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate study options designed to develop students’ practical and conceptual knowledge.
At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences. UC offers five undergraduate biology themes: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Molecular/Micro Biology and Systematics, Cell and Organismal Physiology, and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. The Biological Sciences major is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in the United Kingdom.
The School of Biological Sciences also accommodates advanced learning for graduate and doctoral students. Postgraduate options include the Graduate Diploma in Science, Bachelor of Science with Honours, Postgraduate Certificate in Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.
The University of Canterbury provides facilities to supplement students’ learning journeys. Students may use laboratories, an experimental garden and glasshouse complex, and an extensive network of field stations that support teaching and research in real-world environments.
5. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is another one of the best biology universities in New Zealand. It is a highly ranked university in the country, placing 240th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. With campuses across Wellington, the university features programs in many fields, including the sciences, humanities, and law.
The School of Biological Sciences facilitates course offerings for the broad field of biology. Undergraduates can study through the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, with subjects and study areas connected to biological sciences, biomedical science, ecology, marine biology, biotechnology, and conservation biology.
Each program is designed to equip students with skills that can help address problems related to health, society, and the environment.
Meanwhile, postgraduate studies feature a wide range of subjects for students to specialize in. These include Biology, Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Conservation Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Marine Biology.
New Zealand can be a strong option for international students interested in biology, especially for those who want access to distinctive natural environments and research opportunities. If you are worried about the cost of studying for your biology degree in New Zealand, you can explore eligible funding options such as New Zealand Government scholarships and the fully-funded scholarships listed on our page.
We hope this article on the best universities to study Biology in New Zealand was helpful. Check out the Study in New Zealand and Available Programs for International Students pages to learn more about studying abroad!
