Do you dream of studying abroad in one of the most exciting countries in the world—with world-class research at your disposal, a vibrant metropolis right on your doorstep, and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on Earth just a stone’s throw away? Then your path leads to Auckland, New Zealand. The University of Auckland is not only the country’s most prestigious university but also ranks among the world’s elite research universities. Students here benefit from an academically challenging environment, an international atmosphere, and a city that uniquely combines the energy of a major metropolis with outdoor adventures.
The University of Auckland was founded in 1883—initially as part of the University of New Zealand—and gained full autonomy in 1962. Since then, it has become by far New Zealand’s largest and most research-intensive university and enjoys an excellent international reputation: In the QS World University Rankings, it regularly ranks among the top 100 worldwide, making it New Zealand’s only university in this exclusive group. Students at the University of Auckland quickly realize that this institution is about more than just imparting knowledge. The university sees itself as a place where critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and social responsibility converge. With eight specialized schools—including Business, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Creative Arts and Industries—the University of Auckland covers an exceptionally broad academic spectrum and fosters true interdisciplinarity.
The University of Auckland’s Business School is considered one of the most prestigious in the Asia-Pacific region. It holds multiple international accreditations and places great emphasis on integrating theory and practice: faculty members bring both in-depth academic expertise and practical industry experience to the classroom. In small, interactive courses, students not only develop subject-specific expertise but also hone the analytical and communication skills that are in high demand in the global job market.
A key feature of the university is its strong international character. Students from over 120 countries study together on campus—a natural, lived experience of diversity that is rare in this form. At the same time, the University of Auckland maintains a dense network of partnerships with leading companies and institutions in New Zealand and throughout the Pacific region, offering students outstanding career and networking opportunities. Added to this is Auckland’s unique geographical and cultural position: The city is the economic heart of New Zealand and one of the most important hubs in the Asia-Pacific region—one of the world’s most dynamic economic areas. Students who spend a semester abroad at the University of Auckland not only broaden their academic horizons but also gain a deep understanding of a region that is becoming increasingly important on the global stage.
The University of Auckland’s main campus is located right in the heart of the city—nestled between Auckland’s business district, the culinary hub of Grafton, and Albert Park, a green oasis right outside the campus. Students here live and learn in an urban environment that is vibrant, inspiring, and well-organized. The campus architecture blends historic late-19th-century sandstone buildings with modern university infrastructure. The result is a campus with genuine character: the Old University, the venerable Old Arts Building, and the Clock Tower Buildings are more than just backdrops—they tell the story of an institution that has shaped New Zealand’s intellectual life for over 140 years.
Functionally, the campus impresses with outstanding facilities: modern lecture halls and seminar rooms, well-equipped libraries—including the Kate Edger Information Commons, one of the country’s most modern learning environments—numerous cafés and restaurants, sports facilities, and social spaces for the active student body. Campus life is kept vibrant by dozens of student organizations, cultural events, and sports activities.
In addition to the main campus, the University of Auckland operates other locations, including the Grafton Campus for health sciences and the Newmarket Campus. All locations are easily accessible by public transportation.
Auckland is a city that leaves hardly anyone indifferent. As New Zealand’s largest city, with about 1.7 million residents, it is the country’s economic, cultural, and multicultural hub—and at the same time one of the world’s most nature-friendly metropolises. Hardly any other city offers you a lecture hall with a view of the harbor in the morning, surfing on the beach at noon, and a vibrant restaurant scene in the evening—all within a very small area. Auckland is defined by its multicultural DNA: About 40% of the population was born abroad, and the influences of Polynesia, Asia, and Europe are evident everywhere—in the cuisine, in the art, and in everyday life. This openness makes it easy for international students to settle in and make connections.
Anyone who loves being in nature will be thrilled by Auckland. Waitemata Harbor with its sailboats, volcanic cones like Mount Eden or One Tree Hill with panoramic views of the city, white-sand beaches like Mission Bay or Takapuna are never far away, as is Waiheke Island—just 35 minutes away—a paradise of vineyards, olive groves, and turquoise waters. Further afield, the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, and the Hobbiton film sets in Matamata beckon for unforgettable weekend getaways.
The cost of living in Auckland is high by New Zealand standards. Exchange students studying at the University of Auckland should start looking for housing well in advance. The University of Auckland offers university-owned residence halls (Halls of Residence), which are particularly recommended for the first semester: they provide a quick way to make friends and are logistically straightforward. Prices start at around 250–320 NZD per week, often including meals. Those who prefer private housing will find shared apartment options in neighborhoods such as Grafton, Parnell, Mount Eden, or Kingsland that are well-suited for students. Rent for a room in a shared apartment typically ranges between 200 and 350 NZD per week—depending on location and amenities. As for daily life: Auckland is well served by public buses, though the service is less frequent than in major European cities. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with the route network ahead of time.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with a semester abroad at the University of Auckland in New Zealand—all as part of a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at the University of Auckland as part of either a bachelor’s degree in International Business or a master’s degree in International Business, Finance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Marketing and Brand Management, or International Business | Sports Management and Media at MBS. Learn more about our degree programs now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Have you found a degree program that interests you? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. We recommend applying early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to both Munich Business School and the University of Auckland!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you’ll learn key business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your program and interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
The first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at the University of Auckland. When you’ll study abroad in Auckland depends on your degree program and when you started your studies. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Munich Business School and began your studies in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. However, if you started your bachelor’s program in February, you’ll go abroad in the sixth semester. For master’s students, the semester abroad is scheduled for the third semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you plan your semester abroad at the University of Auckland and answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at the University of Auckland, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in New Zealand is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (college) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in New Zealand will stay with you forever, and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll either return to Munich Business School for one to three more semesters (Bachelor’s program) or complete your degree with your thesis (Master’s program).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at the University of Auckland—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many students, a semester abroad at the University of Auckland in New Zealand is a real highlight of their academic career—and with a location like this, it’s no wonder! At the same time, studying on the other side of the world raises many practical questions: How good is the university really? What is the cost of living in Auckland? And what about the English language? In this FAQ, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about studying at the University of Auckland.
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top university and, according to the QS World University Rankings, consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide—making it the only New Zealand university in this league. The university excels particularly in the fields of business, law, engineering, and health sciences. As a member of the international university network Universitas 21, it has a global network. In specialized subject rankings, the Auckland Business School consistently achieves excellent results in the Asia-Pacific region. In short: Students who study in Auckland do so at an internationally recognized level.
Auckland is one of the more expensive cities in the Asia-Pacific region. The cost of living is higher than in other New Zealand cities, but it’s quite reasonable compared to major cities like Sydney or London. A room in a university dorm typically costs around 250–320 NZD per week, often including meals. Those living in a private shared apartment typically pay 200–350 NZD per week for a room. On top of that, there are living expenses for food, transportation, and leisure activities. Exchange students from Munich Business School do not incur any additional tuition fees at the University of Auckland, as the program is organized as fee-paying under the MBS program—you can obtain a detailed overview of the associated costs from the MBS International Center.
Yes, the language of instruction at the University of Auckland is English. This is a clear advantage for international exchange students: You can hit the ground running without having to learn a new language. That said, the English used at the University of Auckland is by no means easy—academic discourse is demanding, the texts are subject-specific, and group projects require clear, persuasive communication at a high level. Students who are already completing their studies at MBS in English have a solid foundation for this. As a general recommendation, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or a comparable proof of English proficiency is required for admission to the University of Auckland.
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