Best Universities in New Zealand for Engineering: Courses, Fees & Rankings

Choosing where to study engineering is a life-changing decision, and New Zealand has become one of the top choices for international students. With world-ranked universities, engineering degrees accredited under the Washington Accord, and strong industry connections, the country offers the perfect mix of academic excellence and global career opportunities.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best universities in New Zealand for engineering, their specialisations, fees, scholarships, and career prospects. This guide will give you everything you need to make an informed decision for your future.

Why Study Engineering in New Zealand?

1. Globally Accredited Degrees

All Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degrees in New Zealand are accredited under the Washington Accord, which means your qualification is recognised in more than 20 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

2. World-Ranked Universities

New Zealand is home to globally ranked universities such as the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury, which are recognised for research excellence and modern facilities. These institutions are considered among the best universities in New Zealand for international students.

3. Industry Connections and Practical Learning

Engineering programmes here focus on hands-on training, industry projects, and internships. Students graduate with not only strong academic knowledge but also practical experience valued by employers.

4. Variety of specialisations:

Universities offer a broad range of majors, from civil and mechanical to software, cybersecurity and mechatronics, allowing students to specialise in emerging fields.

5. Affordable Education Compared to Other Destinations

Tuition fees for the best engineering colleges in New Zealand are relatively lower than in the US, UK, or Australia, while still offering high-quality education and career outcomes.

6. Post-Study Work Opportunities

After completing your degree, you can apply for a post-study work visa, giving you the chance to gain valuable experience in New Zealand’s thriving engineering sectors.

7. Safe and Welcoming Environment

New Zealand consistently ranks high in terms of safety, quality of life, and student support, making it an ideal destination for international students.

Top Universities in New Zealand for Engineering

These are regarded as the top universities in New Zealand for engineering thanks to their global rankings, research excellence, and industry partnerships.

Best Engineering Universities (Detailed Profiles)

University of Auckland

• Why Choose: Largest engineering faculty in NZ with extensive majors and world-class labs in the heart of Auckland.
• Degree & Accreditation: BE(Hons) accredited by Engineering New Zealand (Washington Accord).
• Majors: Biomedical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronic, Computer Systems, Software, Mechatronics, Chemical & Materials, Engineering Science, Environmental.
• Work Experience: 800 hours of compulsory practical industry work.
• Facilities: Modern Engineering building, advanced robotics labs, and structural testing facilities.
• Best For: Students wanting the widest major options and access to Auckland’s thriving industry.

University of Canterbury

• Why Choose: Known for earthquake engineering and strong industry ties, with one of the most comprehensive engineering programmes in NZ.
• Degree & Accreditation: BE(Hons), Washington Accord accredited.
• Majors: Civil, Chemical & Process, Computer, Electrical & Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Software, Natural Resources, Forest Engineering.
• Work Experience: 800 hours (~100 days) of industry placement required.
• Facilities: Engineering Core building, world-leading seismic labs, and aerospace testing facilities.
• Best For: Students aiming for civil, natural resources, or forestry engineering careers.

Victoria University of Wellington

• Why Choose: Located in NZ’s capital, offering strong digital and tech-focused majors.
• Degree & Accreditation: BE(Hons), Washington Accord accredited.
• Majors: Cybersecurity Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics (Offered from 2026).
• Work Experience: 800 hours of supervised industry placement.
• Facilities: Links with Wellington’s IT and government sector; project-based learning in digital industries.
• Best For: Students focused on software, cybersecurity, and tech innovation.

Massey University

• Why Choose: Strong history in applied engineering and food technology. Note: BE(Hons) is no longer accepting new enrolments.
• Degree & Accreditation: Bachelor of Food Technology (Honours) with Food Process Engineering major (Washington Accord accredited).
• Majors: Food process, bioprocess, and industrial production engineering.
• Work Experience: 800 hours of compulsory industry-based practicum.
• Facilities: Modern food technology and bioprocess labs, pilot-scale food production plants, biotechnology and microbiology labs, plus research centres.
• Best For: Students interested in food processing, biotechnology, and applied industries.

University of Waikato

• Why Choose: Applied, design-driven BE(Hons) with strong emphasis on paid placements and an annual design showcase.
• Degree & Accreditation: BE(Hons), Washington Accord accredited.
• Majors: Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Software, Chemical & Process, Materials & Process, and Environmental.
• Work Experience: 800 hours of usually paid industry placement.
• Facilities: Cutting-edge labs and the Waikato Engineering Design Show (EDS).
• Best For: Students seeking paid internships and strong industry networking.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

• Why Choose: Practical, hands-on engineering with strong industry orientation and supervised co-op learning.
• Degree & Accreditation: BE(Hons), Washington Accord accredited.
• Majors: Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical & Electronic, Software, Architectural & Construction Engineering.
• Work Experience: 800 hours of mandatory industry work placement.
• Facilities: Modern labs, design studios, modern robotics and automation hubs.
• Best For: Students who want Auckland-based internships and practice-heavy training.

Popular Engineering Courses in New Zealand

When it comes to engineering courses in New Zealand, students can choose from a variety of in-demand programmes. Here are some of the top options:

Civil Engineering

• Universities: University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, AUT.
• Why Popular: Strong demand in infrastructure, earthquake-resistant design, and construction projects across NZ.
• Career Pathways: Structural engineer, transportation engineer, construction project manager.

Mechanical Engineering

• Universities: Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, AUT.
• Why Popular: Broad application in manufacturing, product design, energy systems, and robotics.
• Career Pathways: Design engineer, maintenance engineer, robotics engineer.

Software & Computer Systems Engineering

• Universities: Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Waikato, AUT.
• Why Popular: NZ’s growing tech industry and global opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
• Career Pathways: Software developer, cybersecurity specialist, AI/ML engineer.

Electrical & Electronic Engineering

• Universities: Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury, Waikato, AUT.
• Why Popular: Covers power systems, electronics, telecommunications, and renewable energy technology.
• Career Pathways: Electronics engineer, power systems analyst, telecommunication engineer.

Mechatronics Engineering

• Universities: Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, AUT (Victoria from 2026).
• Why Popular: Combines mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, ideal for robotics, automation, and smart systems.
• Career Pathways: Robotics engineer, automation specialist, control systems engineer.

Chemical & Process Engineering

• Universities: Canterbury, Waikato, and Auckland.
• Why Popular: Strong relevance to food, dairy, biotech, and industrial processing industries in NZ.
• Career Pathways: Process engineer, food technologist, materials engineer.

Specialised & Emerging Fields

• Biomedical Engineering (Auckland) – merges medicine with technology.
• Cybersecurity Engineering (Victoria Wellington) – highly in demand globally.
• Food Process Engineering (Massey) – unique NZ strength tied to its world-class food industry.
• Engineering Science (Auckland) – advanced modelling, simulations, and operations research.
• Forest Engineering (Canterbury) – niche but vital for NZ’s forestry sector.

Cost of Studying Engineering in New Zealand

Scholarships for Engineering Students

One of the biggest advantages of studying engineering in New Zealand is the availability of scholarships for international students. Below are some of the most popular scholarships that engineering aspirants should explore.

University of Auckland Scholarships

• International Student Excellence Scholarship: Offers up to NZ$10,000 towards tuition fees for high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
• Colombo Plan Scholarship in Engineering: Provides NZ$3,000 to support engineering students from Colombo Plan member countries.
• Jacobs Engineering Scholarship: Valued at NZ$6,000, aimed at supporting students in the Faculty of Engineering.
• Faculty of Engineering Kick Start Awards: Up to NZ$2,500, these help first-year BE(Hons) students with initial study costs.

University of Canterbury Scholarships

• UC International First-Year Scholarship: Grants up to NZ$15,000 to international students starting their undergraduate programmes, including engineering.
• Engineering-specific awards are also available for high-performing students in civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.

AUT (Auckland University of Technology) Scholarships

• AUT International Scholarships: Regional awards for students from Asia, Europe, and other regions, usually ranging between NZ$5,000–NZ$7,500.
• Faculty of Design and Engineering Awards occasionally extend support for students pursuing innovative engineering projects.

University of Waikato Scholarships

• International Excellence Scholarship: Offers up to NZ$15,000 based on academic achievement.
• Additional awards are available for postgraduate engineering students pursuing research in advanced fields like mechatronics and materials science.

Massey University Scholarships

• Massey University International Excellence Scholarship: Up to NZ$20,000 for outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
• Engineering students also have access to research project funding and support for mechatronics and electronics majors.

Government & External Scholarships

• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS): Fully funds PhD studies, including tuition, living costs, and insurance.
• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA): A collaborative award for Indian students offering partial funding in priority areas, including engineering.
• Commonwealth and regional scholarships are also available, depending on the home country’s eligibility.

Career Opportunities After Engineering in New Zealand

Studying engineering in New Zealand opens doors to global career opportunities. Since degrees are accredited under the Washington Accord, graduates can work in over 20 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. This recognition gives them access to roles in multinational companies, research institutes, and international projects.

After graduation, students can pursue careers in high-demand fields such as:

• Civil Engineering – Roads, rail networks, bridges, water systems, and large-scale urban development.
• Mechanical Engineering – Manufacturing, aerospace, automotive design, and energy systems.
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering – Power generation, telecommunications, renewable energy, and automation.
• Software & IT Engineering – Software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
• Mechatronics – Robotics, smart manufacturing, and industrial automation.
• Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering – Pharmaceuticals, food technology, and environmental sustainability solutions.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

International students completing a BE(Hons) degree can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years). This allows them to gain valuable industry experience and often leads to employer sponsorship for long-term roles.

Admission Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose an Engineering Programme & University

Begin with shortlisting the best universities for engineering in New Zealand and programmes that align with your interests, like civil, mechanical, software, or mechatronics. Make sure you verify that the programme is accredited under the Washington Accord for international recognition.

Step 2: Check Eligibility & Entry Requirements

Visit the official university site for the entry requirements.

• Academic qualifications: High school completion (for UG) with Mathematics and Physics, or a relevant bachelor’s degree for PG.
• English proficiency: This is a mandatory requirement for all international students. Highly accepted English tests are:
  • IELTS Academic – Minimum overall 6.0 to 6.5
  • PTE Academic – Score between 50–58 or higher
  • TOEFL iBT – Typically 80–90+ with minimum sub-scores
  • Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) – Accepted by some universities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents, including academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL), passport copy, and any additional documents as specified by the university.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the university portal. For example, at the University of Waikato, you'll use the “MyWaikato” system to apply online, with options to use education agents if needed.

Step 5: Receive and Accept the Offer of Place

If your application is successful, you'll get an Offer of Place (conditional or unconditional). Accept the offer and pay the required tuition deposit via the portal. This document is essential for visa processing.

Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa

Submit your application via Immigration New Zealand’s ADEPT system, which has streamlined the visa process to be paperless and faster since August 2025. You’ll need to provide:

• Offer of Place
• Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
• Valid passport, health and character certificates, etc.
• Evidence of English proficiency

Note: It’s highly recommended to apply at least three months before your intended travel date to avoid delays.

Step 7: Enrol and Get Ready for Your Engineering Journey

Once the visa is approved, you’ll receive approval in principle (AIP). On arrival in New Zealand, complete any final enrolment steps, attend orientation, and arrange essentials like accommodation and health insurance.

Final Takeaway

New Zealand has become one of the best destinations for engineering aspirants, offering world-ranked universities, globally accredited engineering degrees, and a wide choice of engineering courses. With scholarships for international students, strong industry connections, and post-study work opportunities, graduates gain both local experience and global recognition.

For those seeking the best universities in New Zealand for engineering, this country is a smart choice for a rewarding future.