New Zealand is one of the most idyllic countries in the world, famous for being the filming location of the Lord of the Rings films. As well as this, New Zealand has some of the most reputable universities in the world, with engineering being one of the most respectable careers in the country. In this article, we will discuss five of the best universities in New Zealand for prospective engineering students.
See Also: Best Scholarships in New Zealand
What are the Requirements for Studying Engineering?
To take any course based on engineering, you will be required to have at least two A levels and also to have completed your studies in subjects such as English, Mathematics and also Physical Science. Engineering is currently a demand career in many institutions as there is a high demand for engineers in most parts of the world as a result of the ongoing infrastructural developments. You can choose to specialize in any type of engineering depending on what you are interested in or based on your qualifications.
Learn More: Best Countries to Study Engineering
Top Universities for Engineering in New Zealand
1. University of Auckland
The first university we will discuss today is the most well regarded and the largest university in the country – the University of Auckland. 40,000 students are enrolled with the university between different undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. For this article, we will focus on the Faculty of Engineering, based in the Newmarket Campus near the city’s central business district.
Prospective students interested in studying engineering have plenty of options to choose from. The university’s bachelor program focuses on building up a learner’s mathematical and problem-solving abilities while allowing specializations in subjects such as mechanical, software, and electronic engineering. This process of specialization continues at the master’s and Ph.D. levels. For these reasons, the University of Auckland is among the best engineering schools in New Zealand.
As is fitting the largest university in the country, there is a large array of services available on the campus. This includes the extensive library, early childhood centers, and employability services.
Read More: Scholarships and Admission at University of Auckland
2. Auckland University of Technology
Next up is the Auckland University of Technology. Founded relatively recently in 2000, AUT’s reputation has grown on the back of its high-quality engineering programs. It is now ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide by the QS Rankings, further demonstrating the quality of the taught programs.
For those interested in studying engineering the Faculty of Engineering offers an extensive selection of classes, even at a bachelor’s level. These include architectural, electrical, and mechatronic engineering, among others. With such comprehensive programs, AUT is definitely a top engineering institution in New Zealand. Students that wish to continue their studies can complete either coursework or a research master’s.
Outside of the campus is the city of Auckland. The city is filled with history and culture that should interest any student. From the Auckland War Memorial Museum to the whale safari in the Hauraki Gulf, the city has more than enough to see between classes.
3. University of Canterbury
Not to be confused with Canterbury University in the United Kingdom, the University of Canterbury’s College of Engineering is still highly regarded. The university is the second oldest in New Zealand and offers a wide variety of engineering subjects. At a bachelor’s level, the college of engineering has nine specialized subjects that can be studied. If students decide to progress to a graduate or postgraduate level, courses offered include architectural, civil, and financial engineering, as well as others.
The campus is also recognized for having the largest number of field study facilities, a unique opportunity for engineering students interested in the environmental side of engineering. These include accurate simulations of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes such as the Cass Field Station which focuses on grasslands, riverbeds, and swamp biomes.
There are also over 100 excellent student-run societies that one can join to expand their horizons. As well as this, if you and 20 others are interested in starting a new club, the college encourages it with funding easily accessible.
4. Victoria University of Wellington
Ranked in the top 250 universities in the world, the Victoria University of Wellington is another excellent engineering university in New Zealand. The Faculty of Engineering focuses on modern subjects such as cybersecurity, software, and electronic engineering. Study options at the master’s level are either to write a thesis or to partake in coursework.
The university is notable for its vibrant student life on campus and overseas. With over 150 clubs and societies found in Victoria University, engineering students will always have something to take part in outside of class hours.
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is an ideal place for students to live and learn in. With a population of only a little over 400,000 people, the city is compact and easy to navigate, with an array of interesting sights to see. These include the Wellington Zoo, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and the Wellington Botanical Gardens.
5. University of Waikato
- University of Waikato School of Engineering Programs
- Degrees offered: Bachelor, Masters, Doctorate
The last university we will discuss here today is the University of Waikato, whose School of Engineering has recently celebrated its 50th birthday. Located in Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s most populous cities, the university is internationally recognized for the quality of its engineering program and its scholars get the chance to apply for the New Zealand government scholarships. The eight engineering programs offered by the college include civil, environmental, mechanical, and software engineering.
One of the reasons why the University of Waikato is among the best engineering schools in New Zealand is that all undergraduate programs in its College of Engineering give students the chance to complete up to 800 hours of paid work at a position of their choosing. This helps to give them an advantage when applying for roles due to the practical experience students gain during these 800 hours.
The city of Hamilton is also home to many things worth seeing, including the Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory and the 6 public libraries in the city. As well as this, there are several local rugby teams and associations; a given since rugby is easily one of the most popular sports in the city.
We hope that this article was helpful in informing your decision to study in New Zealand and gave you some ideas about where you should go if you want to start your engineering career in New Zealand. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
