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Top universities in New Zealand 2025
More than just a land filled with breathtaking sights and sounds, New Zealand possesses a higher education system that is both affordable and globally recognised.
The country is home to eight state-funded universities, with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) ensuring quality control within the higher education framework. Apart from the universities, New Zealand also offers 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and more than 400 Private Training Establishments (PTEs) - the latter having English language schools as well.
For those who are seeking to pursue your foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate pathways in New Zealand, university rankings can provide a sense of whether the institution is right for you.
Ranking providers like the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World (THE) University Rankings are globally recognised, often used by students as part of their research before applying to study abroad.
With that, we’ve compiled the top universities in New Zealand for 2025 below, with data from the latest QS World University Rankings and THE World University Rankings.
QS top universities in New Zealand 2025
Rank | University | Global rank |
1. | University of Auckland | 65 |
2. | University of Otago | 214 |
3. | University of Waikato | 235 |
4. | Massey University | 239 |
5. | Victoria University of Wellington | 244 |
6. | University of Canterbury | 261 |
7. | Lincoln University | 371 |
8. | Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | 412 |
THE top universities in New Zealand 2025
Rank | University | Global rank |
1. | University of Auckland | 137 |
2. | University of Otago | 201–250 |
3. | Victoria University of Wellington | 201–250 |
4. | University of Canterbury | 201–250 |
5. | Massey University | 251–300 |
6. | University of Waikato | 251–300 |
7. | Lincoln University | 351–400 |
8. | Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | 351–400 |
If you’re ready to chase your goals, tap the button below or hit the message icon and we’ll help you get to a top institution.
Information That You Need To Know
New Zealand Higher Education
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