The Program

• The University of Auckland, founded in 1883 with 95 students and 4 professors, is now New Zealand’s largest university and consistently makes the list of the world’s top universities
• Choose from courses in over 125 majors, while enjoying the vibrant campus life in the heart of downtown Auckland
• You have several accommodation options at The University of Auckland, including self-catering residences and more traditional Halls of Residence

Your Host City: Auckland
Auckland is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand with one third of the country’s population.  Located on the North Island of New Zealand, the central part of the city lies between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.  As well as being the economic hub of New Zealand Auckland is also a center of culture and sport.  In addition to hosting the America’s Cup twice and the Harbour Crossing Swim every year, Auckland also hosted the World Rugby Cup.  For those not interested in sports, performances of Kapa haka can be seen in town and national treasures can be found in the Auckland Art Gallery.


Academics
In order to have an idea of what classes are available, you should visit the University of Auckland web page. 

When looking for courses, be sure you are only looking at the offerings for undergraduate students. Also, please be sure you choose courses that are offered during your semester of study. If you are studying abroad during the semester running from July - November/December (Rutgers fall semester), then you should choose courses that are available during Semester 2 at Auckland. If you are studying abroad during the semester running from February/March – July (Rutgers fall semester), be sure to choose courses available during Semester I.

Students in the past have recommended taking courses at the 100 or 200 levels. Unlike the U.S. university system, universities in New Zealand offer upper-level courses at the 100 to 200 level. Courses at the 300 level tend to be rather advanced, much closer to a US graduate course. However, you may request 300-level courses if you have the relevant background.

You should plan to take three to four classes per term. One 15 credit course at the University of Auckland is worth 4 Rutgers University credits. Thus, four 15 credit Auckland classes will give you 16 Rutgers credits per term. You may not take fewer than three classes or more than five classes at the university per term.  It is not possible to take classes as not-for-credit or pass/fail.

For information about Study Abroad credit transfer, registration, and transcripts please visit the Academics section of our website.


Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: Mid-July – Mid-November
Spring Semester: Late February – Early July
To view the current academic calendar, please visit the University of Auckland web page.
*All dates are subject to change.  Do not book your flight until you have been accepted by the university and the academic dates have been confirmed. 


Accommodations and Meals
The two types of accommodations available at the University of Auckland are Halls of Residence and Self-Catered Apartments.

Halls of Residence are usually located near the campus. We do not have anything similar in the United States to compare them to, so we are tempted to compare them to dormitories. They are not dorms, however; they are privately owned and operated buildings that function more like fraternities/sororities or special interest housing in which admission is selective and hall activities are offered. There are 5 different Halls of Residence at the University of Auckland. The Halls are comprised of single and twin-share rooms with communal bathrooms and kitchen facilities. You will need to bring your own towels. Each Hall of Residence has a cafeteria in the building where you will take your meals (3 meals per day). Your particular placement is made entirely at the discretion of the managers of the Hall of Residence.  Neither Rutgers Study Abroad nor the University of Auckland has a say, as the Halls are owned and operated privately. Competition for the Halls of Residence is competitive, and usually only 1 in 4 applicants is admitted. This is because space is very limited and selection is particular. In most cases, you will be contacted directly by the Hall of Residence regarding your placement.

Self-Catered Apartments are multiple-story apartment buildings occupied entirely by students. Each apartment unit has different room configurations.  You will find single rooms, suite style apartments, and double rooms. The premises contain laundry facilities and several common rooms. If you are housed in student apartments, you will prepare your own meals, as no meal plan is available. Your apartment will have its own kitchen, so you can prepare meals whenever you like. Your apartment will also have a refrigerator, stove-top, microwave, and food storage areas

For more information about housing options, please visit the University of Auckland web page.


Financial Information
For more information on the total cost of the program go to the top of this page, locate "Budget Sheets" and click on the appropriate term.
 
For more information about Finances, including information about Financial Aid please visit the Finances Section of our website.
 
As part of your preparation to apply for this study abroad program, please familiarize yourself with the Rutgers Study Abroad policies.

Scholarships
Students are also encouraged to start researching Scholarship opportunities as early as possible.  You may find the following scholarships applicable to this program.

Rutgers Global–Study Abroad  Scholarships- Available to all Rutgers students participating in a Rutgers Global–Study Abroad program during the fall/spring/academic year/summer.   For more information please visit the Scholarship section of our website.

New Zealand Generation Study Abroad Excellence and Travel Awards - Available to all students participating on a New Zealand study abroad program.  For more details and the application documents please visit the New Zealand Education website.

Benjamin A. Gilman Study Abroad Scholarships- Available to study abroad students who receive a Pell Grant.  For more information about the scholarship and additional eligibility requirements please visit the Gilman website.

Please also visit the Scholarships section of our website for additional information about Rutgers and National Scholarships.