New Zealand is an incredible country and always appears among the most popular study destinations in the world, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. The reasons are diverse, from the natural wonders and extreme sports to the country’s innovative approach to various aspects of life. It was in New Zealand, for example, that women gained the right to vote before any other part of the world and also where the atom was split for the first time.
At present, New Zealand has also become an example in the fight against Covid-19. Early on in the pandemic, the country quickly adopted strict measures and travel restrictions when there were only a few recorded cases. The agility in taking actions and the population’s adherence to social isolation were considered the main reasons why the coronavirus was practically under control in New Zealand in April.
However, the focus of this article is on one specific city: Auckland. Although it is not the national capital, it is the largest and most important city in New Zealand. It is certainly the number one choice of destination for international students who choose the country as a destination for their studies. And it is not for nothing!
Below are five of the countless reasons to consider a course in Auckland.
Auckland is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand
1. Renowned universities
If your intention is to study an undergraduate degree, international preparation or even an English course in an academic environment, Auckland has two of the most important and renowned universities in the country.
A University of Auckland is the only New Zealand higher education institution in the world’s top 100 and welcomes approximately 9,000 international students across five different campuses across the city. In addition, it is also a reference in scientific research, maintaining more than 60 research centers in different areas of specialization, and in sustainability, with recognition from Times Higher Education for its work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The other excellent option in the city is Auckland University of Technology (AUT), which won first place in New Zealand for both global impact research and international perspective in the famous Times Higher Education rankings. This result is considering that AUT is a very young institution, opened in 2000. In just 20 years, it has become the second largest in New Zealand, behind only the University of Auckland.
2. One of the best cities in the world
Auckland has been among the top ten positions for eight years on the famous list of the best cities in the world to live in, published annually by Mercer. In 2019, it ranked third among 231 cities evaluated, with excellent results in cleanliness, infrastructure, population, climate and variety of activities.
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3. Security
In this same edition, Mercer released a separate ranking on safety. The list analyzed the internal stability of cities, crime levels, enforcement of laws, limitations on social freedom, freedom of the press and relations with other countries. Auckland and Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, topped the ranking of the safest cities in Oceania. Cities in Australia, which is already a very safe country, were among the 50 best.
4. Leisure and lifestyle
Auckland has more than 80 beaches, 200 different cultural groups and a whole variety of outdoor activities, which is one of New Zealanders’ great passions. You can camp, hike, boat, horseback ride, surf, climb mountains and much, much more. Auckland is definitely an ideal destination for those who like big cities, but also like to be in constant contact with nature.
While providing outdoor activities, Auckland also has cultural, artistic, sporting and musical events throughout the year. Want to go to a big music festival with international artists? Want to watch a Rugby Blues match, the Auckland rugby team? Do you want to experience a great world surfing championship? Auckland is the right place for you!
5. Career opportunities
In addition to New Zealand degrees being internationally recognized, providing a career anywhere in the world you choose, Auckland also has excellent career opportunities during studies and also for those who decide to stay after completing their studies.
The city has 1.5 million inhabitants, which represents a third of the country’s entire population. In fact, there are more people living in Auckland than in the entire South Island. In addition to being New Zealand’s largest city, it is also the fastest growing economically – 3% per year –, becoming the national financial and economic powerhouse.
According to the New Zealand Now website, the government expects a 1.8% increase annually from 2021, meaning Auckland will need 46,000 new professionals per year in the recent future. Therefore, the city is always looking for qualified and talented labor to help support its growth in different sectors, especially in health, engineering and IT.
Even if your intention is not to stay in the country after your studies, you have the chance to work on a student visa part-time during the academic year. This way, you graduate with a New Zealand degree as well as professional experience in Auckland.