AUT - Why Study At AUT
Why Study At AUT
AUT University is delighted that you are joining our campus to begin your academic journey with the fastest growing University in New Zealand. We value the different perspectives and cultures you bring to our University and into our city.
This may be the first time you have left your country, your culture and your family. It is both an exciting and challenging adventure. But it is only natural that you will experience some 'culture shock' as you are stepping into another world. AUT University has systems in place so you do not have to face these challenges alone.
We have provided information for you to help in preparation for your journey and support for you once you arrive in New Zealand and our University.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific and consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, separated by a three-hour ferry ride or a short flight. New Zealand was the last landmass on earth to be discovered, making it the youngest country in the world. Since the Maori (our first nation people) arrived about 800 years ago many different cultures have made and call New Zealand home.
New Zealand is incomparable in its beauty and geographical diversity – from long golden sand beaches and lush native bush, to geothermal moonscapes, sparkling mountain glaciers and amazing wildlife. Regardless of the time of year, the climate is usually good enough to enable you to appreciate the scenery and experience the friendliness that Kiwis are world renowned for. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of our diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!
New Zealand is a stable, English-speaking democracy, with a population of just over four million people, and is comparable is size to Great Britain and Japan. New Zealand society is ethnically diverse – made up of Maori, Pakeha (people of European descent) and many other minority groups including Pacific Islanders, Chinese, Koreans, and Indians. Our culture is unique, dynamic and sophisticated. It is a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles we live, and the stories we have to tell.
New Zealand is located three hours to the east of Australia by plane, an overnight flight west of the USA, or a ten to twelve-hour direct flight from most Pacific Rim countries.
The quality of education in New Zealand ranks highly by world standards.
Why Auckland?
Auckland is ranked among the world’s top five cities to live and work in. It is located in the north of the North Island and is the largest and most culturally diverse of New Zealand's cities, with a population of more than 1.2 million people – 27% born in other countries. The urban area is twice the size of London.
The city is surrounded by two harbours – the Waitemata and the Manukau – and is often referred to as the “City of Sails” due to Aucklanders love for watersports and the sea. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills and dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape. The nearby Hauraki Gulf is home to several beautiful islands, easily accessible by ferry.
Auckland's climate is temperate and perfect for enjoying the many beautiful and clean beaches within easy reach of the city. Temperatures range from an average of 24 degrees in summer (December to March) to 16 degrees in winter (June to August).
Auckland is a city of cultural diversity with a large Polynesian, Maori and Asian, as well as European, population. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique cultural experiences and entertainment, a passion for the arts, food and fashion, and a bustling inner city.
Auckland is a vibrant and forward-thinking city which embraces the contributions of its many young people.
Why AUT?
- We are internationally recognized and globally competitive
- Committed to internationalism and value our international students
- The highest graduate employment rate of any New Zealand university
- World-class facilities – from gyms to libraries and cafes
- Courses at all levels – from pre-degree to PhD level
- Two intakes each year (February and July)
- Close links with industry and the professions – we teach you the skills that are really needed
- Excellent research facilities and a strong research culture
- All our classes are personal and interactive
- An International Student Support Service team committed to helping you
- Two vibrant and well-positioned campuses – City Campus and North Shore Campus (across the Auckland Harbour Bridge)
- Over 4000 international students from more than 84 countries study at AUT
- We are accredited by the New Zealand government
Studying at AUT
Our mission is to foster excellence, equity and ethics in learning, teaching, research and scholarship, and in so doing serve our regional, national and international communities. If you choose AUT we need to introduce you to what this means.
Research
AUT places great emphasis on developing a culture in which the integration and application of research and learning are defining characteristics. The research performance of AUT University over the past five years has continued to exceed forecasts, as shown by the scope and quality of research programmes, by the expansion in postgraduate research, and by the application of research to major aspects of regional and national development. AUT takes pride in the many research contributions made by its students. Students are at the centre of our research aspirations and activities, and within AUT students have the chance to work and learn alongside some of New Zealand’s most innovative and creative researchers.
AUT Research Institutes and Centres
AUT Research Institutes and Centres have been established and funded by the University to bring focus to research activity. The intention is to ensure that resources are concentrated into the areas where AUT has capability. The Institutes and Centres play an important training role for postgraduate students.
AUT Research Institutes and Centres:
- Biotechnology Research Institute
- Engineering Research Institute
- Institute of Public Policy
- The Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre
- Knowledge Engineering and Discovery Research Institute
- National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research
- New Zealand Tourism Research Institute
- Earth and Oceanic Sciences Research Institute
- Creative Industries Research Institute
- Institute of Sport and Recreation Research New Zealand
- Computer and Information Sciences Research Cluster
- Centre for Radiophysics and Space Research
- Institute for Culture, Discourse and Communication
- The Centre for Work and Labour Market Studies
Academic Year
The academic year is divided into two semesters:
Semester one starts early February – ends June
(Mid-semester break is the last two weeks of April)
Semester two starts end July – ends end November
(Mid-semester break is the end of September/October)
Summer School
This is designed to allow students to study outside of the standard semester programme. Students are able to make up papers or study new papers to accelerate their length of study.
Begins early December – ends early February
(Semester break is mid-December to mid-January)
* Please note: Not all programmes have summer school