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4 Best Science Universities in New Zealand

Of the 4 Science universities in New Zealand, University of Auckland ranks highest at #65 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by University of Otago (QS World #197) and Massey University (QS World #230). The universities on this list offer 9 matching courses between them.

4 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
2Top pick
OT University of Otago logo
QS World #197 #2 in New Zealand Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

University of Otago

Public University · 4 courses in Science

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

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How these universities are ranked

4 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 Manawatū-Whanganui (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.

What the courses look like

By level: 6 bachelor's, 1 master's and 1 professional. The usual length is Full-time: 4 years; Part-time: Varies and Full-time: 3 years; Part-time: Varies. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Spring (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Summer (100% of courses with a stated intake). University of Otago offers the widest choice, with 4 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 4 of these universities. Massey University is the least expensive at USD 22,000 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 Science in New Zealand?

University of Auckland (QS World #65), University of Otago (QS World #197) and Massey University (QS World #230) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Science in New Zealand?

Of those with published fees, Massey University is the least expensive at about USD 22,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Science in New Zealand?

4 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Science course take in New Zealand?

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

When do Science courses start in New Zealand?

Spring is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Summer is the second.

Which university has the most Science courses in New Zealand?

University of Otago, with 4, ahead of University of Auckland (3).

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