Information for high school students
Starting uni is a big step – and a good one. If you’re thinking about university study, this page gives you clear answers and practical tools to plan smart, stay on track and know what’s next.
Get on track for uni
Not sure what to do and when? We’ve mapped out the key steps for each school year and term. Stay on track and make every term count.
What to do in Term 1
Make sure your subjects meet UE and check that you’ve met literacy and numeracy requirements.
What to do in Term 2
Applications for scholarships open – get ready to apply. Pull together references and highlight your community contributions.
Start your AUT application. Some programmes fill fast, so give yourself time to create a strong application and secure your spot.
What to do in Term 3
Still deciding which university is the right fit for you? Or just have questions? AUT LIVE in August is your chance to tour the campus, explore your study options and get answers to your questions.
Moving out of home? Accommodation applications open in August.
Mock exams are coming up. Give them your best shot – the work you do for these will prepare you for externals next term.
Want a head start before uni? UniPrep is AUT’s optional transition programme for school leavers – register if you’re keen to get ahead.
What to do in Term 1
Year 12 is your time to shine. Strong results this year can earn you a scholarship.
Forecast your rank score and check you’ve got enough uni-approved subjects and credits to make sure you’re on track for scholarship requirements.
Get involved in sports, cultural groups or clubs and find ways to contribute to your school or community. Every bit of involvement counts when it comes to scholarships.
What to do in Term 2
Check your progress. Are you on track with UE literacy and numeracy?
What to do in Term 3
Plan your next steps. Head to AUT LIVE for inspiration and leave with a clear plan for future you.
Mock exams are coming – give them your best shot and set yourself up for success.
What to do in Term 4
After exams, check your UE progress and scholarship requirements. Good luck!
What to do in Term 1
Check your subjects – do they set you up for NCEA Level 2 and UE pathways?
What to do in Term 2
Get ready for the CAA Test 1 in May. Practise literacy and numeracy – they’re key for UE and future study. Ask for help if you need it – your teachers and whānau want you to succeed.
What to do in Term 3
Time to choose your subjects again. Visit AUT LIVE and lock in subjects that align with your goals.
Get ready for the CAA Test 2 in September.
Mock exams are coming up. Give them your best shot – the work you do for these will prepare you for externals next term.
What to do in Term 4
Externals are here – good luck! You’ve put in the work, now it’s time to show what you know.
Reflect on your year and plan ahead. Use this time to plan next year's subjects and set goals. Think about leadership roles – they open doors for scholarships and uni opportunities.
What to do in Term 1
Complete the PAT or e-asTTle pre-test to check your literacy and numeracy levels.
What to do in Term 2
Start exploring your interests. Join cultural, sports or leadership groups – these experiences build skills and look great for scholarships. Talk with your whānau about your goals and start dreaming big.
What to do in Term 3
Time to choose your subjects. Head to AUT LIVE to explore your options and find subjects that match your goals.
What to do in Term 4
Complete the PAT or e-asTTle final test and see how your literacy and numeracy skills have improved.
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Find the right study path
Start with the big questions:
What are you good at?
What impact do you want to make?
What sparks your interest?
Check out our study options and rule out anything that doesn’t excite you. Focus on what’s left and dig deeper into those areas. Check your subject choices – will they lead you where you want to go?
Still not sure what course is right for you? Read more about how to choose what to study or chat to us if you need help. You can also book a campus tour or course counselling session.
Wondering how uni compares to school? Check out our guide to the key differences.
Money matters
Uni comes with costs, but there’s support here to help lighten the load. Here’s what it costs and the many ways you can manage it with confidence.
Study costs
- On average a 3-year degree will cost you $9,500-$12,500 per year
- On average your course-related costs might be $1,000-$1,500 per year. This covers books and supplies, but some programmes may have extra fees for materials, equipment or field trips.
- Looking to move out of home? Living expenses look like $20,000-$25,000 per year. This includes accommodation, food, utilities and transport.
Ready to plan your budget? Find all the info on fees and scholarships. International students pay different fees, so check the details before you apply.
Scholarships
Scholarships can change the game. Most look at your Year 12 results – so that year really matters – plus what you’ve done outside the classroom, leadership roles and any barriers you’ve faced. Applying takes a couple of hours. The payoff? Scholarships that make a big difference to your finances and uni journey.
Check out what’s on offer. Applications usually open June to September, so keep an eye out.
Student loans and allowances
StudyLink is the government department that provides financial support to students. They invest in your future by lending you money. There are four kinds of support:
StudyLink can pay your AUT course fees for you and add them to your student loan, so you don’t need to pay anything upfront.
Final-year fees free: Yep, really. In your final year, your fees are covered, and you get a refund once you graduate.
Textbooks. Tech. All the stuff you didn’t realise costs money. You can borrow up to $1,000 a year to help pay for study-related expenses.
You can borrow up to $323.43 per week to help with everyday living expenses while you study. You only start paying it back once you’re earning over the repayment threshold.
This is a weekly payment from the government to help pay for everyday things like food, rent and getting around while you study full‑time. Best part? You don’t have to pay it back. Eligibility is based on your parents’ or caregivers’ income (amount will vary).
What you need to get in
We can help you figure it out! You'll likely need University Entrance (UE) to start your studies, but there are options if you don't have that. For some bachelor's degrees you also need specific school subjects or an interview. The good news? It's all laid out clearly in our additional entry requirements.
One more thing – apply early. Many programmes fill up fast, and getting your application in ahead of the general deadlines (early December for Semester 1, early May for Semester 2) could make all the difference.
Māori support
Uni is a big move – you don’t have to do it alone. Our Te Pou Māori – Māori student support team brings study help, whānau spaces and straight-up tautoko so you can feel proud, prepared and in control of your journey.
HOW WE BACK YOU
Pacific support
Your future’s big, and your community’s with you. Our Vā Pasifika – Pacific student support team keeps you connected, backed and confident from your first class to the day you cross the stage.
HOW WE BACK YOU
Student support
Some days uni can feel like a lot, and it's okay to need a hand. We’ll help you find your feet, sort your study questions and connect you with people who get what you’re going through. Explore the services and support options available to make your uni life easier.