
Arts & Sciences (University of Auckland)
Unique Experiences
Immerse yourself in the rich Maori culture ever present in New Zealand
from tours to cultural performances
Explore the Hauraki Gulf
by taking a ferry to one of the man islands in the Hauraki Gulf, such as Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island, for stunning beaches, hiking trails, and wineries
Go whale watching
to spot majestic humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins in their natural habitat
50+
VOLCANIC CONES DOT THE AUCKLAND LANDSCAPE, OFFERING STUNNING VIEWS AND UNIQUE HIKING EXPERIENCES
30+
REGIONAL PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES, OFFERING A VARIETY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS.
14
BEACHES WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE CITY CENTER, PERFECT FOR SWIMMING, SURFING, AND SUNBATHING
Your Destination
Auckland, the "City of Sails," is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city nestled between two harbors, offering a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. With its diverse culture, stunning scenery, and friendly locals, Auckland is the ideal destination for international students seeking a memorable study abroad experience.
Explore the bustling city center, filled with trendy shops, cafés, and restaurants. Visit the Auckland Museum to learn about the city's history and culture or take a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day of wine tasting and relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, Auckland offers endless opportunities for hiking, sailing, surfing, and exploring the region's volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests.
The city's vibrant arts scene is showcased in numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. Experience the thrill of live performances, from classical concerts to contemporary dance. Auckland is also a foodie's paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines to satisfy every taste, from fresh seafood to international delicacies.
The Culture

Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and day trips will be offered to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s culture and historical heritage and may include:
- Witnessing the passion of New Zealand's national rugby team, the All Blacks, by attending a match and experiencing the electric atmosphere, the famous haka, and the skill and sportsmanship of these legendary athletes
- Learning about Māori history, traditions, and stories from knowledgeable Māori guides while exploring significant sites around Auckland to gain insights into the Māori connection to the land
- Stepping into the magical world of Middle-Earth at Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from The Lord of the Rings, to explore the hobbit holes, gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn
- Embarking on a rewarding hike to the summit of Mount Eden, one of Auckland's iconic volcanic cones, and enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding countryside
- Getting up close with New Zealand's unique wildlife at Auckland Zoo and discovering native species like kiwi birds and kea parrots, while learning about conservation efforts to protect endangered animals
- Hiking to the summit of Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island offering panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, to explore the lava fields and ancient craters, and enjoy a leisurely picnic on the beach
- Discovering the iconic kiwi bird at the Otorohanga Kiwi House, and exploring the breathtaking Waitomo Caves, famous for their glowworm displays
Program Blogs
My 24-hour visit to Auckland!
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Australia vs. New Zealand Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?
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Study Abroad New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide
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Housing & Meals
Housing
Everything students need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and easily accessible public transport options.
The University of Auckland (UoA) student housing offers guaranteed accommodation for all study abroad who apply before the deadline. These accommodations are self-catered residences that provide an independent lifestyle while ensuring a supportive community environment. All listed UoA housing accommodations are within easy walking distance to the City Campus and Auckland city center, providing convenient access to academic facilities and urban amenities.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in an apartment/residence hall or a homestay.
- Shared Apartment/Residence Hall: Single accommodation with shared kitchen and bathrooms within a 5-minute walk to City Campus and a 10-15- minute walk to CIEE Center. All residents have access to common areas such as lounges, study rooms, and recreational spaces
- Homestays: Single accommodation in a homestay within a 45-60-minute commute to CIEE Center. Auckland is a multicultural city, and students will stay with families from various nationalities, including Kiwis. Students will have the freedom to come and go as they please while spending quality time with their host families, gaining firsthand insight into everyday life in Auckland.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Shared Apartment/Residence Hall: University of Auckland student housing for study abroad students is self-catered, meaning residents are responsible for their own meals. Students have access to shared kitchen facilities, allowing them to prepare meals according to their own preferences and dietary needs. This model supports independence while also encouraging social interaction through communal living spaces.
- Homestay: Students receive two meals per day—breakfast and dinner—prepared by their host family. Breakfast is typically self-serve, while dinner offers an opportunity to enjoy home-cooked local cuisine.
Academics
The University of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious university, is recognized for its academic excellence and robust research output. Established in 1883, the university is consistently ranked in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, and it offers a wide range of courses across its eight faculties, including arts, business, engineering, law, sciences, and health sciences. Students benefit from Auckland’s vibrant academic environment, with courses designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in 4 courses at the University of Auckland, earning a total of 16 U.S. semester credits. These courses span a diverse array of subjects, providing students with a comprehensive and globally recognized education. Among other subjects, Students can explore specialized courses in Māori and Pacific Studies, Sustainability, Population Health, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Course Information
UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
The University of Auckland offers a broad selection of courses each semester, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. Students can explore the course offerings by faculty in the Course Catalog. Draft syllabi, including course descriptions, are available for review here.
Students can opt to take courses across a wide range of academic fields, including:
- Arts
- Business
- Creative Arts and Industries*
- Education and Social Work
- Engineering
- Law**
- Medical and Health Sciences***
- Sciences
*Only students majoring in these subjects at their home institutions may enroll in 100-level courses.
**Limited courses available to non-law majors.
*** Study abroad students may not enroll in courses offered in Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing and Optometry.
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Fall 2025 19 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date * | |
Program Academic year 2025-2026 51 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date * | |
Program Spring 2026 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Brett Armstrong
Center Director
Brett’s passion for global education has been shaped by a lifelong connection to academia and travel. Raised in San Diego, California, by an academic family, his mother’s dedication as a...
Maria Paz Montes Monsalve
Program Coordinator
María Paz Montes-Monsalve is an experienced professional in the international education field, with a background on translation and research.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.