The ultimate students’ guide to Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a place where education, adventure, and opportunity come together. With world-class universities, a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, and endless things to do, it’s no wonder so many students choose Auckland for their study experience.

Whether you’re relocating from another part of Aotearoa New Zealand or making a move from overseas, this guide will help you explore what makes Auckland an exciting and supportive place to study — and how to make the most of your time here.

Why choose Auckland?

Set between two sparkling harbours and surrounded by native bush, beaches, and island escapes, Auckland offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else. It’s home to over 1.7 million people, with more than 200 ethnicities represented, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. 

Around 13 per cent of Auckland's population is of Māori descent and you’ll find Māori culture infused throughout the region, from arts, music and food to traditional concepts such as welcoming guests, honouring ancestry, and care for the land, sea and rivers (kaitiakitanga). Discover the vibrant Māori culture on offer in Auckland with our incredible Treasures of Tāmaki — treasured Māori tourism businesses to enrich your experience of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Inclusivity and equality are deeply valued, including support for the LGBTTQIA+ community, with a commitment to freedom of opportunity regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or religion.

Auckland is home to New Zealand’s highest-ranked university, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, and a wide range of tertiary education providers, from vocational training institutes to English language schools and specialist colleges. Whether you want to study engineering, creative arts, healthcare, business, or finish off your high school education, there are plenty of pathways to choose from.

There are three major universities in Auckland:

• Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland – With a large city campus and a diverse international student population, it's an ideal place for academic growth.
• AUT (Auckland University of Technology) – Known for its supportive environment and strong links to real-world experience, AUT is a popular choice for students seeking hands-on, vocation-focused education.
• Massey University (Albany campus) – Located on Auckland’s North Shore, Massey offers a flexible and inclusive learning environment. It’s especially known for programmes in business, health science and creative arts.

Auckland is also home to technical institutes and private training establishments (PTEs) that offer everything from diplomas and certificates to short courses and English language programmes. 

Beyond academics, Auckland offers a safe and welcoming environment where students can thrive. It consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities, thanks to its low crime rate, stable political environment, and strong focus on wellbeing.

Discover why Auckland is a great place to study.

Experience Auckland

Life as a student in Auckland is about more than just lectures and late-night study sessions; it’s about discovering a new way of living, learning, and connecting. You might spend your mornings in lectures, your afternoons exploring coastal walking trails, and your evenings discovering new places to eat with friends from around the world.

Many students take on part-time work in hospitality, retail, or internships aligned with their field of study. If you’re an international student on a valid visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week. It’s a great way to gain experience, support yourself financially, and meet new people outside of your campus bubble.

Between study and work, there’s a whole city to explore, and much of it is student-budget friendly. Auckland’s unique geography means you can go from city streets to nature escapes in under an hour. Visit galleries or the Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about New Zealand’s history, take a hike in the Waitākere Ranges, or explore some of Auckland’s best free activities. 

And don’t forget the beaches. With 3200 kilometres of coastline, you’re never far from a great swimming spot, surf break, coastal walk or picnic spot.

While you're here, you’ll also have the chance to experience the rich cultural fabric of Aotearoa. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world and a place where Māori, Pacific, Asian, and Western influences come together in everyday life — from language and food to art, festivals, and community values. You’ll leave with more than a qualification, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the place, its people, and its history.

Want to see more of what’s on offer? Explore the different regions that make up Auckland and discover your soon-to-be-favourite local haunts and weekend escapes with the best things to see and do in Auckland. 

How to get around Auckland

Auckland is a large region, but it’s easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Public transport options include buses, trains, and ferries, and they all connect via a reusable, pre-paid AT HOP card. As a student, you may be eligible for discounted fares, which makes getting to classes, part-time jobs, or weekend adventures much more affordable.

Walking and cycling are great ways to explore your neighbourhood and stay active. Auckland is investing heavily in bike lanes and walking tracks, and there are scenic routes that wind through parks, waterfronts, and inner-city suburbs. Auckland also has rideshare options such as Uber and plays host to public e-scooters to help you zip around the city when you need a quick, short-distance option.

The city’s ferry network is a highlight, offering scenic rides across the harbour to popular destinations like Devonport, Waiheke Island, and Rangitoto Island, and connecting you to neighbourhoods in the region like Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Hobsonville, Birkenhead, Half Moon Bay and Beachlands. It’s a practical (and picturesque) way to commute or explore Auckland’s coast.

If you’re new to the city, apps like Google Maps and the AT Mobile app are great tools for planning your journeys and checking real-time transport updates.

Learn how to get around Auckland.

Find events in Auckland

Studying is important, but so is finding time to connect, unwind, and have fun! Fortunately, Auckland’s events calendar is packed with festivals, exhibitions, gigs, and sports events all year round.

Experience food festivals, outdoor movie nights, comedy shows, local theatre, and major sporting events. You’ll also find student-friendly events hosted by universities and local councils, including markets and cultural festivals, many of which are free to attend.

Events are a great way to meet people and explore new cultures and city locations. Bookmark the events page and check back regularly; there’s always something happening.

Find out what’s on.

Experience Auckland like a local

Whether you’re here for a semester or several years, it won’t take long until you feel like a local - especially when you have a shortcut to the city’s best-kept secrets! From second-hand bookshops to unique local attractions and budget-friendly eateries, we have plenty of tips to help you get to know the ‘real’ Auckland.

When it comes to downtime, Auckland’s social and dining scene delivers. From cheap eats and food courts to waterfront restaurants, vegan cafés, bubble tea shops, and late-night dumplings, there’s something for every budget and taste. 

If you're on a student budget, you’ll especially appreciate the insider knowledge of these local favourites — like free attractions, BYO restaurants, and scenic spots perfect for a break from study or catching up with friends.

Get to know Auckland

When you're planning to study in a new city, especially one as large and varied as Auckland, it's natural to have questions about the culture, what it’s like to live here, and the practicalities of everyday life.

Our city info is a great place to start, giving you a sense of Auckland’s diverse population, urban layout and neighbourhoods, and the myriad of lifestyle offerings, including food, entertainment and outdoor activities.

If you’re an international student, you’ll also find a wealth of helpful guidance on the Study with New Zealand website. This includes information on student rights, wellbeing services, accommodation support, and cultural integration, as well as advice on what to expect from student life in New Zealand.

Visit Study with New Zealand for international student support.

Student accommodation in Auckland

There’s a range of accommodation options for students in Auckland, from purpose-built halls of residence to private rentals and homestays.

If you’re keen to immerse yourself in campus life, learn about student accommodation at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Massey University.

If you prefer more independence, you can rent a room in a shared flat or apartment. Be sure to factor in travel time and transport costs when choosing where to live. Central suburbs like Kingsland, Grafton, Maungawhau Mount Eden, Newmarket, and the central city are popular with students for their proximity to both campuses and lively social scenes.

Most rentals are unfurnished, so you may need to budget for household items, but weekend markets, social media marketplaces, online forums and student networks often offer second-hand bargains.

Visas and immigration info

If you’re an international student, you’ll need a valid student visa to study in New Zealand. Immigration requirements can vary depending on your country of origin, the type of course you’re taking, and how long you plan to stay.

It’s important to get the most accurate and up-to-date advice directly from the New Zealand government. The immigration website has detailed guidance on eligibility, required documents, application timelines, and your rights as a student.

Check visa requirements.

Studying in Auckland is about more than a degree, it’s about growing as a person, building friendships, trying new things, and making the most of new opportunities. So take your time to explore and immerse yourself in Auckland life, and you’ll make your student experience a time you’ll never forget!