University of Auckland Direct Enroll

More Information on the University of Auckland Direct Enroll Program

It is the largest university in New Zealand, hosting over 40,000 students on five Auckland campuses. The University places particular emphasis on promoting Māori presence and participation in all aspects of University life and encouraging teaching, learning and research in a range of fields important to Māori. The University is ranked No. 1 globally in the inaugural University Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE). The new rankings measure how universities worldwide are performing against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The study abroad program at the University of Auckland allows you to study there for a semester or the whole academic year and earn transfer credit towards your degree requirements. For more information about the program check here.

Semester 1 (an equivalent of MIT's spring semester) runs from the beginning of March through late June. Semester 2 (an equivalent of MIT's fall semester) lasts from late July to late November.

Being in the southern hemisphere, Australian universities typically have an academic calendar quite different from MIT's.

Semester 1 (an equivalent of MIT's spring semester): Mid-February to late June

Semester 2 (an equivalent of MIT's fall semester): Mid-July to mid-November

We recommend verifying program start and end dates directly with the University of Auckland: Academic Calendar

You must meet the admissions standards outlined by the program to which you are applying. Requirements vary; refer to the University of Auckland website for details.

MISTI applicants need to:

Have a GPA of 4.0 or above
In good academic standing
In good judicial standing
Up to date with the Communication Requirement
Up to date with HASS courses

Contact MISTI if you have questions about your particular situation.

Application process is a two-part process:

Apply directly to the University of Auckland program by the stated deadline for the program/term you wish to study abroad.
Apply through MISTI for approval to study abroad. Apply by the deadline for the term in which you plan to study abroad (below).

Course Options

At the University of Auckland, you can choose from a range of subjects in engineering, science, social sciences and humanities, including subjects unique to New Zealand such as Maori or Pacific studies. Courses at the University of Auckland are generally made up of a lecture plus a tutorial or lab component. There will be one lecture stream throughout the week covering the main content of the course. You also choose one tutorial or lab session which fits within your timetables.

All subjects are taught in English.

Review subjects by major using online course catalogue. For more details about course structure, assessment, and grades check here.

See more information about subjects available to study abroad students here (page 5). Note that some are specific to undergrads/postgrads; make sure that you take courses in a subject available to undergraduates.

Additionally, you should plan to take a full-time course load of four courses (60 points) per semester. Most courses weigh 15 points, which represents 150 hours of study or 10 hours of study per week for 15 weeks.

Transfer Credit

Information on the transfer credit process at MIT can be found here.

From the University of Auckland: Grade results are usually available on Student Services Online 10 days after the final exam. The Auckland Abroad team will request the official academic transcript for all Exchange and Study Abroad students once all grade results are posted at the end of the semester.

For this program, you will pay for tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses directly to the University of Auckland or in-country (depending on the category of expense) and not to MIT.

Financial aid is portable for this program. A few months before departure, SFS and MISTI will share with students the most up-to-date budget for participation on the program based on an agreement with the University of Auckland.

Admitted students who receive financial aid should make an appointment with the financial aid representative to whom they are assigned to discuss the particulars.

University accommodation for study abroad at the University of Auckland is guaranteed for study abroad students if you apply and pay a deposit by the deadline. The deadline to secure University accommodation is 15 October for Semester One (equivalent of MIT's spring semester), and 1 May for Semester Two (equivalent of MIT's fall semester).

All University residences are within easy walking distance of the City Campus, as well as many of Auckland’s main attractions. There are a variety of room options available. For more details check here.

You will need to secure a student visa for your study abroad at the University of Auckland. Check here for more details.