University of Auckland
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About this Program
The University of Auckland is big and prides itself on academic excellence. With more than 40,000 students, it is more than double the size of any other university in New Zealand, and with that comes a wonderful selection of course offerings in everything from business, where faculty enjoy using case study and group projects in many of their courses, to engineering, health sciences, fine arts, from marine science to Māori and Pasifika Studies. The University has been recognized internationally for its strengths in sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Ranked first in the world in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings in both 2019 and 2020.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Locals
- Local University Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Internship Opportunities
- Research Opportunities
- Housing is not included in the program fee. The program will provide housing in the following accommodation types:|Dorm
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 45-60
- Credit System: Auckland Points
- Typical Course load: 3-4
- Credit Per Course: 15
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: University of Auckland
- Credit Conversion Rate: 15 Auckland Points = 6 Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 18-24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $0
- Spring Semester: $0
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to Unviersity of Auckland on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by University of Auckland. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (September to November): Mild and wet, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Ideal for exploring blooming gardens and outdoor activities.
- Summer (December to February): Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Great for beaches and water sports.
- Autumn (March to May): Cooler, with temperatures from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), and vibrant fall foliage.
- Winter (June to August): Cold in the south and mountainous areas (0°C to 10°C / 32°F to 50°F) with snow, while the north remains milder (10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F). Ski season is popular in winter months.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major airports include Auckland International Airport, Wellington International Airport, and Christchurch International Airport. Domestic flights are common for travel between islands.
- Train: Scenic train routes like the TranzAlpine and Northern Explorer offer beautiful views, but the rail network is limited.
- Public Transport: Cities have efficient bus networks, and ferries are common for island connections, especially between the North and South Islands.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Popular tourist destinations include Milford Sound, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, and the Waitomo Caves.
- Language: The official languages are English and Māori, with English being the most widely spoken.
- Festivals: Major festivals include the Auckland Arts Festival, New Zealand International Film Festival, and Matariki, the Māori New Year.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: New Zealand is known for its seafood, lamb, and hangi (a traditional Māori feast cooked in an earth oven). Popular dishes include fish and chips and pavlova (meringue dessert).
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are widely available, especially in urban areas.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Wellington: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 (Phone: +64 4 462 6000)
- U.S. Consulate in Auckland: 23 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 (Phone: +64 9 202 2724)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Major cities and tourist sites are generally accessible for individuals with disabilities. Public transportation and accommodations provide accessible services.
- LGBTQ+: New Zealand is progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage is legal, and LGBTQ+ travelers are generally welcomed.
- Religion: New Zealand is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the largest faith, alongside growing numbers of non-religious individuals and smaller communities of Māori spiritualists, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.
- Race & Ethnicity: New Zealand has a bicultural foundation of Māori and European (Pākehā) heritage, along with growing immigrant communities, though Māori and Pacific Islander populations face social and economic disparities.
- Gender: New Zealand is a leader in gender equality, with strong legal protections and high levels of female participation in leadership, though challenges like gender pay gaps persist.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by University of Auckland.
U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a fee-paying student visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Detailed information can be found on University of Auckland’s Visa Information page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/international-students/study-options-for-international-students/study-abroad-and-exchange/study-abroad-programme-options/study-abroad-and-exchange/next-steps/visa-information-for-exchange-and-study-abroad-0.html University of Auckland will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in University of Auckland’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.