Auckland University of Technology

About AUT

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a university in New Zealand. It was formed on 1 January 2000 (1895 originally Auckland Technical School) when the Auckland Institute of Technology was granted university status. Its primary campus is on Wellesley Street in Auckland's Central business district (CBD). AUT has three secondary campuses: North Shore, South, and the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health (AUT Millennium Campus). For branding purposes, since 2010 the Auckland University of Technology referred to itself as AUT University and later AUT.

AUT enrolled 28,314 students in 2014, including 3,709 international students from 90 countries, and 2,051 postgraduate students. 87% of students were enrolled in a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. AUT’s student population is diverse with students having a range of ethnic backgrounds including New Zealand European, Asian, Maori and Pacific Islander. Students also represent a wide age range with 37% of students being over 25. AUT University employed 2,063 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in 2011, including both administrative and academic staff members.

Data suggests that 91% of AUT's graduates obtain employment or progress to further study within six months of graduating. In the 2015 QS World University Ranking, AUT was listed as 481 in the Top 500.

• Faculty of Culture and Society

  AUT's Faculty of Culture and Society offers an extensive range of programmes and a diverse, rich research profile.

  The faculty of Culture and Society delivers programmes across all three AUT campuses — North, City and South.

  The faculty is comprised of four schools:

  • Education
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Language and Culture
  • Social Sciences and Public Policy

  There are three research institutes within Culture and Society:

  • Institute of Culture, Discourse and Communication
  • Institute of Public Policy
  • New Zealand Tourism Research Institute.

  Our strong research focus can be seen in the connections between the various research institutes and the schools.

  Leading researchers from our institutes and schools work together to deliver a challenging, innovative and cutting edge experience.

• Faculty of Business and Law

  AUT's Faculty of Business and Law provides world-class education in a range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, preparing students well for business and law practice or research careers. In all programmes, there is a focus on rigorous, relevant and engaged learning, which encourages students to become critical-thinking, adaptable graduates, ready to thrive in today's fast-changing world. Extensive engagement with business, the professions and the community, through curriculum development, and research collaboration and impact, is a cornerstone of the Faculty's educational philosophy. 

• Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies

  At the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies (DCT) we recognise that design as a discipline is central to advancing transdisciplinary learning and research. DCT houses five discipline areas: art and design, communication, computer and mathematical sciences, creative technologies and engineering. 

• Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences

  AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences offers an extensive range of programmes and a diverse, rich research profile spanning health, sport and science.

  Our mission is to prepare our graduates for enriching and viable careers and to advance knowledge through research. We actively foster and maintain collaborative links with other universities, clinical providers and industry partners both in New Zealand and internationally. We offer an innovative and engaging learning environment for our students. Our programmes and research degrees are designed to challenge students and prepare them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in their future careers.  

• Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development

  Te Ara Poutama, the Faculty of Māori & Indigenous Development, aspires to lead AUT as a faculty of excellence and innovation in teaching, research and scholarship relevant to the communities we serve.

  Our qualifications are at the cutting edge and have been developed in response to the need for skilled Māori professionals in the fast-growing Māori sectors of business and media. Our range of courses give students the tools not only to succeed in Māori development, language revitalisation, Māori media and te reo Māori (the Māori language), but also in leadership, innovation and technology. Our qualifications are flexible; they can be tailored to meet your needs. Importantly, we celebrate the values and contribution of all peoples to the future advancement of Aotearoa. 

AUT history

AUT was founded as Auckland Technical School in 1895, offering evening classes only. Daytime classes began in 1906 and its name was changed to Auckland Technical College. In 1913 it was renamed Seddon Memorial Technical College. In the early 1960s educational reforms resulted in the separation of secondary and tertiary teaching; two educational establishments were formed; the tertiary (polytechnic) adopting the name Auckland Technical Institute (ATI) in 1963 and the secondary school continuing with the same name. For three years they co-existed on the same site, but by 1964 the secondary school had moved to a new site in Western Springs and eventually became Western Springs College. In 1989 ATI became Auckland Institute of Technology (AIT), and the current name was adopted when university status was granted in 2000.

The first chancellor of AUT was Sir Paul Reeves.

QS recognition

QS Stars

AUT holds an overall four-star rating from QS and the maximum five stars in the sub-categories of Teaching, Employability, Internationalisation, Facilities and Access. The QS Stars system uses a range of indicators to evaluate and benchmark the broader student experience and contribution of universities. 

QS Stars Business School

The AUT Business School holds an overall four-star rating from QS and the maximum five stars in Teaching & Student Quality, Internationalisation & Diversity, and Facilities 

QS World University Rankings by Subject

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015, AUT achieved three rankings in the top 200 lists, and is ranked in the top 251-300 for Computer Science and Information Systems. AUT’s top 200 rankings are: 

• Art and Design – top 50 in the world in 2015

• Accounting and Finance –  top 150 in the world in 2015 

• Accounting and Finance – top 150 in the world in 2016 

QS Best Student Cities

Auckland was ranked 22nd in the QS Best Student Cities rankings, due largely  to a very high score for quality of living, a large and diverse student community, and a high rating from graduate recruiters as a source of new talent. 

Student life

Auckland

Depending on where you come from you may find Auckland very small and quiet or a huge bustling city! Make sure you discover the variety of attractions Auckland has to offer. Auckland is a vibrant multicultural city beside the sea, sprawled between two harbours and two oceans - the Tasman and the Pacific. It offers the best of both worlds - all the buzz, entertainment, nightlife and cultural activities of a big city, as well as an outdoor lifestyle with numerous sporting and leisure activities. Explore the beautiful beaches, take a ferry to one of the offshore sub-tropical islands, and visit the Auckland Museum. Make sure you attend one of the many local and international festivals, exhibitions and performances held frequently in Auckland.

Cost of living

Living costs vary from student to student. Here are expected minimum annual living costs you should budget for. You should also complete research into your own expected costs.
 

This table shows the NZ$ cost of some commonly purchased items. This information is a guide only.

Electrical goods  

If you are bringing in electrical goods, such as computers, hairdryers etc., be aware that electricity throughout New Zealand is supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz. Most power sockets accept three-pin plugs or similar adaptors. You can buy adaptors readily in New Zealand. Most student rooms will be wired for internet use, but check with your specific accommodation. 

What clothes should I pack?

Auckland is warm in the summer, but in the winter it can get cold and it often rains. Therefore, make sure you pack warm clothing along with summer clothes. University students dress casually so bring your favourite jeans, t-shirts, jerseys (sweaters), sweatshirts, shoes and sports shoes. Bring formal clothing for special occasions. You’ll also need a warm waterproof jacket. 

Weather

• Summer: December - February
• Autumn: (Fall) March - May
• Winter: June - August
• Spring: September - November
   
• Average summer temperature: 23 degrees C , 75 degrees F
• Average winter temperature: 14 degrees C, 57 degrees F

Money matters

Money is always one of the first things you need. Bring enough cash with you to get you through the first few days. NZ$300 should be enough. It's easy to change your money (traveller’s cheques or cash) at a bank, or Bureau de Change kiosk at the airport, in the city or in your suburb. The New Zealand dollar is the currency used in New Zealand. 100 cents = one dollar ($1). 

Document Checklist

Make sure to bring your:

• Passport
• Insurance certificates
• Offer of Place
• Visa
• Driver’s license - an international or own-country driving license is valid for one year in New Zealand. After that you will need to obtain a New Zealand drivers license
• Birth certificate (copy only)
• Any other documents you may need
• NZ$300 cash just to cover emergencies 

Opening a bank account

It is a good idea to open a New Zealand bank account. Nearly all the major banks have international student packages. If you open a student bank account during Orientation you can often choose from a variety of deals that the banks run to attract students. Most banks will want to know that you or your family has a “banking history” in your own country. You should take a letter from your bank, some proof of your account - such as a copy of a statement, your passport and proof of your enrolment in a New Zealand education provider. ATMs - Automatic Teller Machines are widely used in New Zealand and readily accessible. 

Shopping

Shop opening hours vary. Standard hours are from 9am to 5.30 on weekdays. Many shops, especially those in shopping malls, also open at the weekends, though hours may be different. Supermarkets have extended hours seven days a week. If you want cheap but reasonable quality goods such as linen and small household appliances, The Warehouse chain of stores is a good place to shop. They’re easy to find as they are RED!

Medical matters

Once you are at AUT you can make use of the Health, Counselling and Wellbeing centres on campus. However if you need urgent medical attention in the first few days, ask the staff at your accommodation to tell you where the nearest accident and medical centre is located. These centres are scattered around the city and are usually open 7days a week for extended hours. In dire emergencies only you should call 111. 

Perks and privileges for AUT alumni

Discounted gym membership

AUT alumni qualify for discounted annual multi-gym membership fees – $570 for 12 months' full access to the City Campus and North Shore Campus gym facilities, all group fitness classes and access to the indoor stadium and Golf Swing Clinic on the North Shore Campus.
Visit the Sport and Fitness Centre website for more details

Discounted library membership

AUT alumni can save 50% off the annual membership fees at the AUT Library – $150 for 12 months or $75 for 6 months.
Visit the library website for more details

Access to AUT Career Services

Come and see us for ongoing support and assistance with your job search and career development. AUT alumni can access AUT CareerHub for job search support and resources, or make an appointment with the University Career Services team for one-to-one advice.
Visit our website for more details

Access to the AuSM Ski Lodge Accommodation

AUT alumni have year-round access to the AuSM Ski Lodge in National Park Township, close to the Ruapehu ski fields. The lodge accommodates 12 people. For rates or to book, phone AuSM on +64 9 921 9805 – don’t forget to quote your alumni membership number.

Breakfast Club speaker series

AUT alumni have access to the Breakfast Club speaker events, with 10% off event tickets. Recent Breakfast Club speakers have included the founder of GrabOne Shane Bradley, ASB CEO Barbara Chapman, Ryman Healthcare CFO Gordon MacLeod, New Zealand Oil & Gas CEO Andrew Knight and Hon. Bill English, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance. 
Visit the Breakfast Club website for more details and upcoming events

Global foreign exchange

We have recently commenced a relationship with NZForex, a global foreign exchange specialist to help our alumni members make international transfers or remit payments to New Zealand. 

Why you should choose AUT

AUT are:

• The second biggest and fastest growing university in New Zealand
• Ranked in the world’s best universities*
• Proud of our five star rating from QS* for Internationalisation, Teaching, Graduate employability and Facilities
• Offering several subjects that are ranked among the world's best, including Art and Design – top 50, Accounting and Finance –  top 150, and Business and Management – top 200 in the world*
• AACSB accredited - AUT Business School is accredited by AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which ranks it in the top 5% worldwide
• Internationally recognised and globally competitive
• Accredited by the NZ government
• Committed to internationalism and the value of our international students

AUT have:

• The highest graduate employment rate of any New Zealand university
• Five faculties offering over 250 programmes in Business & Law, Culture & Society, Design & Creative Technologies, Health & Environmental Sciences & Te Ara Poutama (Maori Studies)
• Programmes developed in conjunction with industry to ensure they reflect current and future workforce needs
• World-class innovative facilities
• Excellent research facilities and a strong research culture with governmental, commercial and community organisations
• High-quality teaching staff with typically smaller interactive classes
• An International Student Support Service team committed to helping you
• Three vibrant and well-positioned campuses – in Auckland (City), Manukau (South Auckland) and the North Shore (across the Auckland Harbour Bridge)
• Over 4,000 international students from more than 90 countries studying at AUT

• Auckland University of Technology Scholarships for Masters
• AUT Doctoral Scholarships
• AUT International Excellence Scholarships