Why study at AUT?

AUT is one of the world’s best modern universities. We’re one of the largest universities in Aotearoa New Zealand and the fastest growing postgraduate study destination, with 250 programmes and more than 150,000 alumni all over the world. AUT is where talent meets opportunity, and we’re proud of the success of our students, in Aotearoa and around the world.

New Zealand’s leading modern university

Study with us and you’ll join New Zealand’s most diverse and vibrant university, and develop the skills for rewarding careers in a wide range of industries and professions. Our classes are often smaller than other universities and our courses encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and the ability to explore new technologies, challenge routine thinking and make a positive difference.

Preparing you for a bright future

With an AUT degree you’ll graduate with a qualification that is widely regarded, and with valuable experiences and industry connections for your future. Times Higher Education has ranked us in the top 1% of universities in the world, the top 50 universities under 50 years of age, the top 5% of universities for social impact, and first in New Zealand for international outlook.

We're connected to an extraordinary range of organisations, and as part of your studies you could work with one of our industry partners. You learn from academic staff who are still actively involved in their professional fields, and we often invite industry experts to come in and share their knowledge with you. Many programmes also include workplace experience where you get real-life experience and important industry contacts before you even graduate.

With some of our bachelor’s degrees you can even tailor your studies to your interests and include subjects from across AUT; meaning your degree can be as unique as you are. And if you want another way into AUT, our diploma programmes are a great way to start your studies and gain the confidence to succeed at university.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do

At AUT you’re not just a number; we value every student that comes through our doors, be it physically or virtually. We work alongside our students to enable them to build meaningful friendships and connections, develop life skills, achieve academically and have amazing experiences inside and outside the classroom.

STUDENT LIFE AT AUT

friends on campus

Research shaping tomorrow

Our research is focused on real-world impact, and we're proud of our reputation as a leading research university. As an AUT student you could learn from globally renowned researchers who are experts in their fields and whose research often feeds back into the classroom.

We have more than 60 research centres and institutes delivering innovative research – from artificial intelligence and robotics to ecology and public health. Our research addresses issues facing the environment, society and the world, and our discoveries are widely used, both in Aotearoa and around the world.

Research at AUT

Top facilities and equipment

To make sure your learning is relevant to your future career, you have access to top facilities and industry-standard equipment, including one of only a handful of motion capture studios in the country and New Zealand’s top sports science facility, AUT Millennium.

We’re proud of our five-star ranking for teaching and facilities, awarded by QS. Our three campuses feature modern buildings that win architecture awards and offer an excellent environment to gain practical experience, collaborate with classmates and develop skills to stand out to employers.

AUT CAMPUSES

What our students love about studying at AUT

Kelepi Liava'a

Kelepi Liava'a

Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations with a minor in Marketing
“AUT has always been a place where students can walk in feeling welcomed and part of a culture that strives for success. It has a great track record of preparing students for their future, and the opportunities given to students are evident in the success of past students.”
Emma Lockie

Emma Lockie

Master of Science in Food Science
“I had heard that AUT class sizes are smaller, meaning that the lecturers know you by your name and not as a number. I also heard that the culture at AUT is more collaborative than competitive. I was glad to find that all these things are true.”
Prithvi Rajneesh Shethia

Prithvi Rajneesh Shethia

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
“What I liked about AUT is that it places a strong emphasis on practical learning, providing opportunities for students to engage in real-world applications. One of the highlights for me was working with one of my professors on his research project for the treatment of sleep apnea.”
Claudine Nalesu

Claudine Nalesu

Doctor of Philosophy – Creative Technologies
“I like AUT’s practical research approach and strong innovative, future-thinking mindset. I knew that at AUT I’d be surrounded by academics who would understand not only my mindset, but also be able to push the research to new innovative heights.”
Tayla Webb

Tayla Webb

Ngātiwai
Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Economics
“The fact that our class sizes were smaller meant that I got to know my lecturers better and they knew me as more than just a name on a roll. Because of this I was also presented with many opportunities that I wouldn’t have received otherwise.”
Michelle Extross

Michelle Extross

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering
“At AUT, there’s a drive to achieve, and that spirit is infectious. There was a lot of vibrant colour and enthusiasm within the student and staff culture, and a great mix of innovative ideas to explore. The culture within the AUT community is very supportive and student oriented.”
Lilli Ford

Lilli Ford

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
“A great part of studying at AUT is the workplace experience you can get involved in. For me, this was important when deciding where I wanted to study as it would give me the opportunity to put my learning into practice and get a glimpse into working life. This was one of many reasons why AUT was my university of choice.”
Kalen Chase

Kalen Chase

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāphui, Taranaki Tuturu
Bachelor of Education (Primary Pasifika Teaching)
“From the day I first enquired about studying at AUT to my very last day, the staff and wider student community have supported, encouraged and pushed me to achieve great things. At AUT, you’re not just a number, you are you.”
Hollie Riddell

Hollie Riddell

Master of Design
“The workshops and facilities at AUT are top of the game, with access to incredible technology that enables students to bring a concept to life. Because classes are small you to get to know your peers well, and it fosters a strong collaborative culture that reflects the industry.”
 
Monique Cooper
 
Natalie Devery
FIND YOUR GREATNESS
Times higher education world rankings, top 1% universities worldwide, number 1 in New Zealand for global research impact, 5 out of 5 QS stars 2023 to 2025

Want more info?

To learn more about why AUT is a great choice for your university studies and to see what it’s like to study here, check out the links below: