How to Explore Study Options on the University of Auckland Website

Updated

The University of Auckland's website (auckland.ac.nz) organises study options by study level and study format, so the fastest route is to start from the Ngā taumata ako | Study levels section rather than browsing the homepage menu. Use the Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional development, or UoA Online entry depending on whether you want a degree, a specialisation, a short course, or a fully online programme. Prospective international students should also check the dedicated Future international students page, which covers study options alongside visa and application information.

The four study-level entry points

The site groups its main study options under a single heading, "Ngā taumata ako | Study levels," with four distinct paths:

Entry What it covers Choose it if
Undergraduate study options Degree options for students starting university study You are a school leaver or first-time university applicant
Postgraduate study options Options for specialising or upskilling after a first degree You already hold a degree and want to specialise or advance
Professional development Continuing education and short courses You want a short, non-degree course rather than a full qualification
UoA Online 100% online programmes and courses You need a complete online learning experience

Each entry is a separate destination, so the content you see depends entirely on which one you open. If you are unsure which applies to you, the deciding question is whether you are seeking a full qualification (undergraduate or postgraduate) or something shorter and more targeted (professional development, or an online course).

Applying and getting help

Once you have identified a study level, the site's "Ngā akoranga | Study" area carries the application path. The homepage states directly: "Apply to NZ's top-ranked university" with an "Apply now" prompt, framed as the first step for anyone starting their university journey.

For questions that come up during or after applying, the site points to two support routes:

  • AskAuckland – an online help and support centre with searchable frequently asked questions. The homepage surfaces examples such as getting help with Canvas, submitting an assignment on Canvas, and paying fees.
  • Student Hubs – in-person drop-in advice on any aspect of study and life at the University.

There is also an application walkthrough presented through "Lou, the campus Kererū," described as guiding you through everything you need to know about applying to study.

If you are an international student

International applicants have a separate entry: Future international students. This page covers study options, visa information, how to apply, and life in Auckland. Treat it as the starting point rather than the general study-level pages, because the visa and application requirements differ from the domestic path.

Related things worth knowing before you decide

  • Scholarships and awards – the site notes that scholarships and prizes are awarded to thousands of students each year, with a "Find out more" link from the Ngā karahipi | Scholarships section.
  • Accommodation – described as a place to call home while you study, for both school leavers and current students.
  • Summer programmes – Kōkiri Raumati | Summer Programmes are positioned as a way to make the transition to university with confidence, with 2027 referenced as the intake.
  • Ranking context – the University states it is ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide and is the top-ranked university in New Zealand.

A practical way to work through it

  1. Decide your study level: first degree, postgraduate, short course, or fully online.
  2. Open the matching entry under Study levels and shortlist programmes.
  3. If you are international, switch to the Future international students page for visa and application specifics.
  4. Check the Scholarships section before applying, since awards are made annually.
  5. Use AskAuckland for procedural questions and a Student Hub if you want face-to-face advice.

The main pitfall is treating the homepage as a single catalogue: it is a set of gateways, and the undergraduate, postgraduate, professional development, and online paths lead to different content. Pick the one that matches your situation first, then work outward to scholarships, accommodation, and support.