Widely acknowledged as NZ’s premier varsity for technology-based professional education, AUT has an aggregate enrollment of 22,000 students including 4,000 from over 70 countries

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is widely acknowledged as New Zealand’s premier varsity for delivering contemporary technology-based professional programmes, particularly in ICT (information communication technology) and hospitality management. Currently it offers numerous (over 360) undergraduate, graduate, diploma, Masters and doctoral study courses in the general (arts, science) and professional (accounting, teaching, nursing and law) disciplines to over 22,000 students, including 4,000 international students from over 70 countries.

“AUT is the only technology university in New Zealand. Our degrees are internationally recognised and our students are industry-ready when they graduate. The distinguishing characteristic of AUT is that we provide education intimately connected to the real world workplace. All our programmes include intensive practical work and industry internships. We believe that the strongest contribution we can make to New Zealand is to produce excellent, capable graduates in relevant technologies,” says Pamela Miller, international marketing manager of AUT.

Established in 1895 as the Auckland Technical School, an evening education institution which offered mechanical and architectural drawing, cookery and dressmaking programmes to 30 students, it was renamed Auckland Institute of Technology (AIT) in 1960 when enrollment crossed 4,000 students. In 2000 AIT was granted university status by the NZ government.

Apart from its industry-oriented academic programmes, AUT has a highly developed research tradition. It has signed cooperative relationships and partnerships with tertiary education institutions in over 12 countries including the United States and UK. “We take pride in undertaking exciting and meaningful research. Our teaching style is unique and we maintain low class sizes to ensure personal attention to all students. Our faculty undertake collaborative projects with researchers in universities and institutions around the world,” adds Miller.

Auckland. Auckland (pop. 1.2 million) is the largest and most culturally diverse city of New Zealand. It boasts the largest international airport in NZ with two domestic terminals and offers easy access to golden beaches, hiking trails and over a dozen enchanting islands. Built around a scenic harbour with a bridge connecting the North Shore with the city centre, Auckland is a tourist’s paradise. It offers an interesting mix of restaurants, cafes, galleries, theatres and shopping centres. There’s an active nightlife, with live theatre, cinemas, shows, concerts, bars and nightclubs.

Auckland’s climate is mild. In summer (December-March) the average temperature ranges between 20-25oC and in winter (June-August) 10-15oC.

Campus facilities. AUT comprises two campuses located in central Auckland and Akronga, across the harbour bridge. The main university library is centrally located though every department also has its own specialist library. The libraries together subscribe to over 5,000 print and electronic journals and house over 500,000 volumes including reference books and research papers.

AUT’s sport and fitness centre offers a comprehensive range of modern sports and recreation facilities designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of user groups. The multi-purpose sports hallboasts an Olympic standard wooden floor, two basketball, two netball, three volleyball and eight badminton courts, plus an indoor soccer stadium with a seating capacity of 250. The sports centre also houses an air-conditioned weight-training studio with the latest training machines.

Moreover AUT has over 25 student clubs and a students union which organises and hosts cultural and social activities round the year. 

Admission. The minimum qualification for admission into AUT’s undergrad programmes is successful completion of class XII or a pre-university course with a minimum average of 60 percent. International students also have to demonstrate proficiency in English by way of IELTS (academic module only) or TOEFL test scores. For admission into AUT’s postgraduate courses, eligibility criteria include a first class bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and IELTS or TOEFL scores (7.0 and above). However, some postgrad programmes may require specific entry requirements including submission of a research proposal. The closing date for applications is December 15 for the semester beginning February and May 15 for the semester starting July.

AUT also offers a condensed eight-month Foundation Studies programme to help students acquire the academic skills and English language proficiency required for entry into its degree programmes. The foundation programme is offered in conjunction with Norton College, an independent education provider managed by the Academic Colleges Group.

For further information on admissions write to the International Student Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1020, New Zealand. E-mail: international.centre@ aut.ac.nz. Website: www. autinternational.info. AUT has an authorised student recruitment agency based in India — Veniblos Enterprise (e-mail vijaya@xtra.co.nz/ vijayanz50 @yahoo.com).

Accommodation. AUT guarantees on-campus accommodation to foreign students. The Wellesley Student Apartments, a five-minute walk from downtown Auckland, comprises fully furnished apartments, each containing four or five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. Common facilities include TV lounges, laundrettes, entrance lobby with reception desk, shops and cafes. The rent is NZ$ 190 (Rs.5,320) per week. Included in the rent are linen, weekly cleaning and electricity services.

Homestay is also an available option in Auckland. AUT’s international office helps place students in Kiwi homes. Facilities include an independent room, breakfast and evening meals on weekdays and all meals on weekends. Average rent for homestay is NZ$ 205 (Rs.5,740) per week. Included in the rent is a set of linen, weekly cleaning, and electricity. 

Degree programmes. AUT offers over 360 undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes. There are also a few places for doctoral and post-doctoral research, especially in the areas of ICT, engineering and business.

Scholastic options at AUT

AUT offers three-year bachelors, four-year honours and conjoint degree programmes as also postgraduate and research options.

Applied sciences. Chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, aquaculture, environmental studies, food science, human anatomy and physiology (Tuition fee: NZ$ 17,000).

Art and design. Fashion, graphic and spatial design and visual arts (NZ$ 8,000-17,000)

Business. Accounting, advertising, business economics, commercial law, eBusiness, finance, information technology, international business, management, marketing and tourism (NZ$ 8,500-17,000)

Communication studies. Advertising creativity, communication and public relations, creative writing, journalism, multimedia, radio and television (NZ$ 13,900-16,000)

Education. Early childhood teaching, Montessori early childhood teaching, Montessori primary teaching (NZ$ 7,500-15,000)

Engineering. Electrical & electronic, information technology, computer systems, and mechanical engineering (NZ$ 17,000-18,000)

Health sciences. Applied mental health, oral health, paramedics, podiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology (NZ$ 15,000-17,000)

Hospitality management. Hospitality management, culinary arts, event management, hospitality studies, operations and cookery (NZ$ 8,500-17,000)

Languages. Chinese, English and Japanese. (NZ$ 3,350-15,000)

NB NZ$=Rs.28

Living expenses (annual) NZ$

Rent: 8,000; Food: 3,500; Transport: 1,000; Entertainment: 1,000; Insurance: 600; Miscellaneous: 2,050; Total: 17,650

NB: NZ $ = Rs.28