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Iowa in New Zealand: University of Auckland
Fast Facts
Sessions Offered:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Calendar Year
Location:
Auckland, New Zealand
Credit:
Transfer
Eligibility:
-Minimum 3.0 GPA
-At least Sophomore standing at time of application
-Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing
Application Due:
Fall Semester: February 24th
Spring Semester: September 24th
Program Cost:
Click the Application tab
The University of Iowa partners with The University of Auckland to offer students the opportunity to study in Auckland, New Zealand.
Designed for all students this semester, academic-year or calendar-year program allows students to take courses in a variety of areas related to their fields of study, as well as gen eds and elective courses at the University of Auckland. Potential course offerings include classes in business, visual & performing arts and design, social science, STEM, humanities, international studies and much more. From environmental science to engineering, and indigenous studies to an internship, students can choose from over 100 subjects at New Zealand's leading university.
The University of Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most comprehensive university. They offer courses in over 100 subjects across eight faculties. Study abroad students can enroll in courses across different subject areas and levels. Academic Departments and Schools at the University of Auckland are divided into eight academic divisions: Faculty of Arts; Business School; National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries; Faculty of Education and Social Work; Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Law; Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences; Faculty of Science. Students will enroll approximately two months prior to departure through the University of Auckland’s online system. Students will finalize their enrollment on-campus during the University of Auckland International Orientation.
Academic Program
The University of Auckland offers a wide range of undergraduate programs. Academic areas at the University of Auckland are divided into several divisions: Business & Commerce; Education & Teaching; Engineering & Construction; Fine Arts, Design & Architecture; Health & Biomedical Sciences; History, Literature & Philosophy; Languages, Cultures & Globalization; Law & Justice; Māori, Pacific & Indigenous Worlds; Media, Music & Performing Arts; Science & Mathematics; Society, Politics & People; and Technology & Innovation.
Courses (called “papers” in New Zealand) are available in a wide variety of disciplines.
Students enroll in 3-4 courses per semester (45 and 60 Auckland points), which usually transfers as 12-16 US semester credits (15 UoA credits, usually equivalent to 4 sh at UI)
HOW TO FIND COURSES
Course Levels:
- 100-level is the equivalent of a 200-level/sophomore level U.S. course.
- 200-level is the equivalent of a 300-level/junior level U.S. course.
- 300 level is the equivalent of a 400-level/senior level U.S. course. (Note: these courses require a high level of competency and you will most likely need to fulfill numerous prerequisites).
- 400-level + courses are graduate level and, for the most part, are not open to study abroad students.
Courses not available for enrollment:
- The New Zealand academic year begins each February. As you select courses, keep in mind: Semester 1 is February – June and Semester 2 is July – November. Ensure that you select courses from the correct semester.
- Courses for Semester 1 (February/March start) are generally not available until October. Although courses do not change tremendously from year to year, please be aware that you may need to make additional selections once papers are officially published.
- New Zealand universities have a drop/add period of one week once classes begin. The first week of courses allows you to visit other lectures to “shop around” for your best options.
- Visit the University of Auckaland's online course catalog.
- Select a Subject to view in the dropdown menu or use the search box to enter in a keyword.
- Scroll down and you will find the available courses (called papers) listed in their level. Click on a specific course name or course code to see the full course description.
- Pay attention to the course level indicated. As a study abroad student at UoA, you will be able to take courses at the 100, 200 and 300 levels. Also be sure to pay attention to which semester the class is offered.
- Spring (New Zealand's Semester 1): February - June
- Fall (New Zealand's Semester 2): July - November
- Before initiating an application with the University of Auckland, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
- After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
- Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.
For more information on course selection procedures, visit UoA's informational page on course selection.
Cultural Activities
This program will start with a week-long orientation. Visit UoA’s website for the latest orientation itinerary.
University Events
Stay up-to-date with a wide range of events and activities on campus. Workshops, sporting events, competitions, and much more. Check out UoA’s websitewhat’s coming up!Clubs, societies and associations
With over 200 clubs, societies and associations at the University of Auckland, there's a club for everyone. Visit UoA’s website for more information on social organizations and activities.
Program Dates
Winter and Summer programs are not available.
For more information
Steps to Studying Abroad
Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu
University of Auckland
Founded in 1883, Auckland (Māori: Tāmaki Makaurau) is the country’s largest university with over 40,000 students. Waipapa Taumata Rau In 2021, the University of Auckland was gifted a new Māori name by the people of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in an official gifting ceremony.
Auckland
A large urban city at the Northern-most point on New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is a young, vibrant, multicultural city. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of 1.6 million people, and is the center of the country's retail and commercial activities. As a harbor city, Auckland is famous for its fresh seafood offerings, but the city also embraces international flavors, with influences from Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. The city's significant tourist attractions include national historic sites, festivals, performing arts, sports activities, and a variety of cultural institutions.
New Zealand
Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, adrenaline-inducing adventure activities, national sport of rugby or friendly people, New Zealand won’t disappoint. Surrounded by water, home to more animals than people, and featuring some of the most unique landscapes and natural wonders in the world, New Zealand is the place to be for environmental science and wildlife studies. Here students can jump right into what they’re studying with real-life examples and experiences all around them. Beyond the stunning scenery, this island nation is known for its progressive political history and being a champion of women’s rights, as well as having extensive dairy and tourism industries. Art and culture are also front and center thanks to Maori influences, a flourishing film scene, and one of the best design schools in the world.
US Department of State Country Information
The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.
Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.
Living Arrangements
On-campus housing is included in the program fee, and the University of Iowa will arrange a room with the University of Auckland directly. You do not need to submit a separate accommodation application. You will be placed in a single room at Carlaw Park Student Village or Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa . These are self-catered student apartments and halls, so meals are not included in the programme cost. The bedroom comes with a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, shelves and a notice board, and you will need to provide your own linen and towels; however, a linen package can be purchased from the accommodation upon arrival.
Travel Arrangements
Students will receive instructions on making travel arrangements during a program-specific orientation session and will be able to arrange their own flights to Auckland. Upon arrival, ground transportation is available to take students to the program site. More information is available on the University of Auckland's Web site at UoA's Flights and Airport Pickup page.
Passport
If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.
Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.
Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.
Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.
Non-US Citizens
Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.
Local Transportation
One of the best ways to explore Auckland is on foot. The city center is compact; you can walk from one side to the other in under 30 minutes. Auckland has an excellent public transportation system, which is widely used by the locals.
Eligibility
To apply for the program, you must be a student at the University of Iowa. Students must have at least sophomore standing at the time of application, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
Costs
The Iowa in New Zealand: University of Auckland program is an affordable program in a young and vibrant city.
University of Auckland Cost Sheet - Spring 2025
University of Auckland Cost Sheet - Fall 2024The program fee includes tuition, housing, study admin abroad fees and the Overseas Student Health Cover mandated by the Government of New Zealand for international students studying in NZ. It does not include board, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, Iowa Regents CISI health insurance, or any personal expenses.
For more information regarding the mandatory Regents' insurance policy, follow this link: Insurance FAQs
Scholarships & Financial Aid
For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information
You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad.
How to Apply
Click here to apply.
This is a two-part process. You apply first with the University of Iowa. If approved, you will create a student portal with the University of Auckland, and complete the 2nd half of the application in their system. Once accepted by UoA, you can begin your housing application on their web site.
- Meet with the appropriate study abroad advisor to discuss your study abroad plans well ahead of the application deadline. Your application will not be approved until you've completed this step. You can set up an appointment by calling UI Study Abroad at 319-335-0353 or through the Advising Appointment section of your MyUI account.
- Meet with your academic advisor(s) to discuss how this program might fit your graduation plans, and make a back-up plan in case your preferred courses are not available when you arrive on your host university’s campus (see the Flexibility Regarding Course Offerings section for more information.)
- If you and your academic advisor agree that the program is a good match for you, request the online UI study abroad program application for your chosen program from your UI study abroad advisor. Note that a non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
- Request nomination to your host university by submitting the online UI program application by the due date.
- Your study abroad advisor will review your program application and, if you meet the requirements for the program, your advisor will nominate you to the host university.
- Once nominated, you will complete a visiting student application for the host university abroad.
- This application will be reviewed by the host university, and they will contact you with a final acceptance decision.
Post-Acceptance Confirmation
If you are accepted to your program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form, as well as completing requirements for your host university.
After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work both with UI Study Abroad and your host university. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI study abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.
Application Deadline
Fall semester: February 24th
Spring semester: September 24th
Health & Safety Planning
In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:
Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information
Students are also encouraged to complete theHealth Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.
Visa
US passport holders must obtain a student visa from New Zealand in order to participate in this program.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the conclusion of your semester to satisfy New Zealand’s entry requirements. The UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance and advising on the visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.
Orientation
In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. See below for more information.
Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation
You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu
Program-Specific Orientation
This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session after you have been accepted to the program.
In-country Orientation
Students will partake in an orientation program on their host university's campus.