auckland-lion-rock-trail-sunset
Auckland, New Zealand

Arts & Sciences (University of Auckland)

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

51 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Credit

16 semester hours

24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Arts + Sciences program in Auckland lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a diverse courses at CIEE's partner school, the University of Auckland. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in New Zealand culture. Live and learn in Auckland!

Unique Experiences

Immerse yourself in rich Māori culture

from tours to cultural performances

Explore the Hauraki Gulf

by taking a ferry to the islands of Waiheke or Rangitoto

Go Whale Watching

to spot majestic humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins in their natural habitat

Experience
  • auckland sky tower view from city streets

Your Destination

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich Māori heritage, and dynamic blend of cultures. Set between two harbors and surrounded by volcanic hills, Auckland offers a unique balance of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. Whether you're studying the arts or sciences, Auckland provides top-tier academics and a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere. With its vibrant waterfront, diverse cuisine, lush parks, and lively urban culture, Auckland is the perfect place to study abroad.

student abroad auckland learning

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from host institution courses at the University of Auckland that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
auckland hobbiton door

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Auckland will open doors for you to explore New Zealand's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.      

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Explore significant sites around Auckland with Māori guides to gain powerful insight into Māori history, traditions, and the land
  • Step into the magical world of Middle-Earth at Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from The Lord of the Rings, to explore the hobbit holes, gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn
  • Discovere the iconic kiwi bird at the Otorohanga Kiwi House and exploring the breathtaking Waitomo Caves

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.   

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Strengthening Student Support: CIEE Meets with the University of Auckland

By CIEE Auckland at CIEE

A couple of weeks ago, our local CIEE team in Auckland had the pleasure of meeting with Sarah Sung, Study Abroad Manager at the University of Auckland (UoA). The meeting... keep reading

From CIEE

Strengthening Student Support: CIEE Meets with the University of Auckland

By CIEE Auckland at CIEE

A couple of weeks ago, our local CIEE team in Auckland had the pleasure of meeting with Sarah Sung, Study Abroad Manager at the University of Auckland (UoA). The meeting... keep reading

From CIEE

My 24-hour visit to Auckland!

By CIEE Auckland at CIEE

When most people think of visiting New Zealand, Queenstown usually tops the list. But skipping Auckland—New Zealand’s largest city with over 1.5 million people—means missing out on a whole different... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Auckland: Study in Auckland, a vibrant city known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse communities, and welcoming atmosphere. From exploring local markets and cultural festivals to enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks and beaches, experience the unique blend of urban and natural beauty that defines Auckland.

University of Auckland (UoA): The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked university and a global leader in research, innovation, and academic excellence. Consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings), UoA offers a diverse and rigorous curriculum across its eight faculties, providing students with world-class learning opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment. 

GPA

2.7

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students in the Arts and Sciences program at the University of Auckland must enroll in 4 U.A. courses for a total of 16 U.S. semester credits.  

Program Credit

Total credit: 16 U.S. semester/24 quarter credits 

Course Credit

University of Auckland courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 150 notional hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

The academic structure at the University of Auckland reflects a blend of traditional lecture formats and interactive tutorials or lab sessions. Similar to U.S. higher education systems, students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and complete assignments independently. Classes are scheduled from Monday to Friday, with lectures supplemented by smaller group tutorials or lab components. 

Attendance is important, and students must be present for around 80% of face-to-face sessions, similar to attendance expectations in U.S. universities. Course material is typically made available online.  

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

At the University of Auckland, courses typically combine lectures with tutorials or labs, providing a well-rounded academic experience. Lectures cover the core material, while tutorials and labs give students the opportunity to engage in small group discussions, hands-on work, or field-based learning. Classes are held 2-3 times per week, from Monday through Friday, and are designed to balance independent study with collaborative learning. Instructors often encourage students to think critically and apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, aligning closely with U.S. academic practices. 

New Zealand universities emphasize student independence, requiring self-motivation and discipline. Daily assignments and readings are a common part of the academic routine, and students are expected to engage with these materials beyond the classroom in order to actively participate in discussions. This independent approach may demand more study time than students are used to at their home institutions. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

Assessment at the University of Auckland is rigorous, with continuous assessment methods that might include weekly quizzes, essays, project reports, a midterm, tutorial/seminar participation and performance, in-class presentations, and practical and final exams. Students can expect a combination of individual assignments and group projects, designed to develop both independent and collaborative skills.  

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

The University of Auckland offers a broad selection of courses each semester, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. Students can explore the course offerings by faculty in the Course Catalog. Draft syllabi, including course descriptions, are available for review here.

Students can opt to take courses across a wide range of academic fields, including:  

  • Arts
  • Business
  • Creative Arts and Industries*
  • Education and Social Work
  • Engineering
  • Law**
  • Medical and Health Sciences***
  • Sciences

*Only students majoring in these subjects at their home institutions may enroll in 100-level courses.

**Limited courses available to non-law majors.  

*** Study abroad students may not enroll in courses offered in Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing and Optometry.  

Courses with restricted enrollment listed here.  

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fall 2025 19 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $21,850
Program Academic year 2025-2026 51 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $42,700
Program Spring 2026 19 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $21,950
Program Fall 2026 19 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $14,956 **
Housing $6,400 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $21,850

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $1,900

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $417
International Airfare $1,800
Local Transportation $850
Books & Supplies $200
Visa Fees $100
Personal expenses $285
Other $242 ††
Total Costs $3,894

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $390 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††OSHC - Overseas Student Health Cover

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $29,106 **
Housing $13,100 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $42,700

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $1,900

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $417
International Airfare $1,800
Local Transportation $850
Books & Supplies $200
Visa Fees $100
Personal expenses $285
Other $242 ††
Total Costs $3,894

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $390 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††OSHC - Overseas Student Health Cover

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $14,756 **
Housing $6,700 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $21,950

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $466
International Airfare $1,800
Local Transportation $850
Books & Supplies $200
Visa Fees $100
Personal expenses $320 ††
Other $242 †††
Total Costs $3,978

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $390 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

†††OSHC - Overseas Student Health Cover

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Brett Armstrong

Center Director

Brett’s passion for global education has been shaped by a lifelong connection to academia and travel. Raised in San Diego, California, by an academic family, his mother’s dedication as a...

Maria Paz Montes Monsalve

Program Coordinator

María Paz Montes-Monsalve is an experienced professional in the international education field, with a background on translation and research.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info