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4 Best Bachelor's Universities in New Zealand

Of the 4 Bachelor's universities in New Zealand, University of Auckland ranks highest at #65 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Next come University of Otago (QS World #197) and Victoria University of Wellington (QS World #240). Across the whole list there are 112 courses to choose from.

4 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
1Best overall
AU University of Auckland logo
QS World #65 #1 in New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand

University of Auckland

Public University · 60 courses in Bachelor's

All 60 courses →
NZD 36,500 – NZD 49,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1883Founded
46,000Students
9,000International
Admissions open
#65 QS World University Rankings 2026
#1 in New Zealand
2Top pick
OT University of Otago logo
QS World #197 #2 in New Zealand Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

University of Otago

Public University · 23 courses in Bachelor's

All 23 courses →
NZD 33,500 – NZD 45,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1869Founded
21,000Students
3,000International
Admissions open
#197 QS World University Rankings 2026
#2 in New Zealand
3Top pick
VU Victoria University of Wellington logo
QS World #240 #4 in New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand
#240 QS World University Rankings 2026
#4 in New Zealand
4Ranked
OP Open Polytechnic logo
#12 in New Zealand New Zealand
#12 in New Zealand · by research impact
9,488 citations · h-index 41

How these universities are ranked

3 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #65 (University of Auckland) to #240 (Victoria University of Wellington); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University of Auckland is cited most (10,118,145 citations).

Public, private and where they are

4 are public and 0 private (100% public). By location, Auckland (1), Otago (1) and Wellington (1) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is University of Otago, founded in 1869. University of Auckland is the largest, with 46,000 students.

Levels, lengths and start dates

The most common subjects are Medicine & Health Sciences (23), Social Sciences & Psychology (15), Arts, Design & Architecture (14) and Education (9). The usual length is Full-time: 3 years; Part-time: Varies and Full-time: 4 years; Part-time: Varies. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Spring (85% of courses with a stated intake) and Summer (49% of courses with a stated intake). University of Auckland offers the widest choice, with 60 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 3 of these universities. Victoria University of Wellington is the least expensive at USD 23,000 a year and University of Auckland the most at USD 26,000; the middle of the range is about USD 24,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Bachelor's in New Zealand?

University of Auckland (QS World #65), University of Otago (QS World #197) and Victoria University of Wellington (QS World #240) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Bachelor's in New Zealand?

Of those with published fees, Victoria University of Wellington is the least expensive at about USD 23,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Bachelor's in New Zealand?

4 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Bachelor's course take in New Zealand?

Most listed courses run Full-time: 3 years; Part-time: Varies, with Full-time: 4 years; Part-time: Varies the next most common.

When do Bachelor's courses start in New Zealand?

Spring is the main intake — 85% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Summer is the second.

Which university has the most Bachelor's courses in New Zealand?

University of Auckland, with 60, ahead of University of Otago (23).

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