Study Abroad: AUT New Zealand plans 130 scholarships for international students, says pro-VC

NEW DELHI: Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, has bagged the 49th slot in the list of top 50 young global universities on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. THE has also placed AUT at the top slot in New Zealand for global research impact, second slot in Australia-New Zealand for international outlook, and amongst the world’s top 20 millennial universities founded in the 21st century. It offers programmes on engineering, management and health sciences. During an interaction with Careers360, Guy Littlefair, pro-vice chancellor-international, spoke about accommodation, visas, scholarships and part-time work hours. Edited excerpts below.

Q. What programmes do Indian students look for in your university?

A. Auckland University of Technology or AUT is the first choice for Indian students because of their one-year master's of construction management, master of engineering, master of computer and information sciences, master of supply chain management, master of IT project management.

At AUT, students can choose from more than 250 courses at all levels – from certificate to doctoral programmes. We are a university of technology, and a very comprehensive one. Students study a broad range of programmes. For instance, yesterday I was engaging with some of our former students. One of them studied sports science and another studied design with us. Some have studied master of business administration or MBA at our institute. So a variety of programmes are attractive to Indian students.

Also read Study Abroad in 2024: What are the new student visa requirements for top destinations?

Q. What is the duration of the postgraduate programmes you are offering?

A. Most of our postgraduate programmes are one-year masters, but some also are spread over 18 months. The most popular ones among Indian students are 12-months programmes spread over two semesters. But health sciences programmes, such as clinical programmes, and those on public health and allied health sciences, are of two years. Students need to go out and practice as there is a clinical component involved, for which they need to complete the registration compliance as well.

Q. What is the visa procedure for students aspiring to study in New Zealand?

A. Students who complete a master's programme, irrespective of the duration of that programme, will receive three years of study rights to be in New Zealand. Students receive one year of post-study work right for each year of study. So, a student completing a three-year undergraduate programme in New Zealand would receive three years of post-study work points.

Q. Are you taking any special initiative to attract Indian students?

A. Auckland University of Technology is looking to attract more Indian students. And from my perspective as an academician, I think it's really important that students choose to study internationally. The top five countries that students tend to choose are the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I think all these countries offer a very good standard of education. The one difference that New Zealand has with these countries is the programme fees. Our international student fees are relatively competitive compared to that of the rest. So is our standard of education.

Q. Do you offer scholarships to Indian students?

A. In 2024, a total of 130 scholarships are planned for international students. The scholarships are paid as a 50% rebate of students’ rental every week. This is worth $9,060 per annum at the Āhuru Mayoral Drive student accommodation facility for the first two semesters. The scholarship is for one room which is self-catered for a single student. It does not cover accommodation application fees, student residential life fees, security bonds or other costs associated with accommodation services.