Architecture in New Zealand: Best Architecture Colleges, Courses and Jobs In New Zealand

According to QS World University Rankings 2023, the architecture colleges of New Zealand that are - the University of Auckland and the Victorian University of Wellington ranked in the top 100 worldwide. The famous course offers hands-on experience to the architecture students with studio coaching and workshops.

• Studying Architecture in New Zealand implies learning practically, theoretically and by conducting research.
• There is a high demand for architects in New Zealand. This means that a pool of architectural opportunities awaits the students studying there.
• Work while you study: Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week and full time during holidays in New Zealand.
• Students pursuing Masters in architecture in New Zealand may work full-time throughout their studies.
• Most architecture universities in New Zealand offer numerous scholarships to international students.
• Comparatively low cost of living and appealing student life.

 Suggested: Popular Student Cities in New Zealand for International Students

Moving on, let us answer the highly anticipated question- “Where to study architecture in New Zealand?”. Architecture colleges in New Zealand are top-ranked universities. International students opt for the architecture courses NZ to learn through practicality and gain exposure. These top universities are good to pursue masters in architecture in New Zealand too.

The top three colleges to study architecture in NZ are:

1. University of Auckland
2. Auckland University of Technology
3. Victoria University of Wellington

Let us know about each of these best architecture colleges in New Zealand in detail:

University of Auckland

The courses at the University of Auckland covers Architectural design and media, including drawing by hand and digitally, Architectural technology, Architectural history and theory. This is yet another great college to consider pursuing your architecture masters in New Zealand.

Course Intakes: February

Courses Offered:

What is Taught?

The University of Auckland architecture degree NZ covers:

• Architectural design
• Architectural media, physical and digital
• Architectural technology
• Architectural history and theory
• Professional practice studies
• Environmental design, including sustainable design
• Research methods

Auckland University of Technology

The courses at AUT cover Architectural intelligence, communication, design and ecologies. In addition to these, students also learn business strategies, entrepreneurial management and histories of architectural practices in their architecture courses NZ.

Course Intakes: February; Anytime for PhD

Courses Offered

What is Taught?

Some of the topics covered at the architecture universities in New Zealand are:

• Architectural Ecologies
• Histories and Theories of Architectural practise
• Project delivery
• Research methods
• Business and Entrepreneurial Management
• Construction Management
• Construction engineering
• Supply chain management for construction
• International construction
• International construction
• Built Asset management

Suggested: Cheapest Universities in New Zealand

Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington is one of the best architecture universities in New Zealand. Students interested in studying architecture in NZ hold high regard for this university.

Their curriculum includes Architecture history and theory, interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, project management and sustainable engineering systems. These are some of the key factors that influence an architect’s career. Thus, making this one of the most desired colleges to pursue an architecture degree NZ. 

Course Intakes:  February

For Masters: February, anytime for PhD

Courses Offered

What is Taught?

Students studying architecture in NZ, Victoria University are taught:

• Architectural Ecologies
• Histories and Theories of Architectural practise
• Interior Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Architectural Design
• Sustainable architecture
• Architectural Technology
• Research methods
• Performance building
• Construction technologies and materials
• Simulation methods and virtual spaces.

Suggested: Best courses to pursue in New Zealand

Different architecture colleges in New Zealand have different requirements and criteria to meet for admission. Some of the common documents you will have to produce are:

• 2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOPs)
• Resume
• Writing sample if necessary
• Portfolio to be produced for Arts, Architecture and Design courses
• Certificates of achievements and extracurricular activities (focusing on your design achievements).

Suggested: SOP for New Zealand

The admission process of architectural courses in New Zealand for international students is similar to applying for any other course in New Zealand. It is recommended to dedicate at least about 6 months to complete the admission process.

Some of the steps to follow to get architecture admission are:

Step 1: Shortlist the best architecture course and college in New Zealand

Step 2: Make a list of their application deadlines

Step 3: Take necessary standardised tests such as IELTS in time before beginning the admission process

Step 4: Put your application and documents together

Step 5: Apply for the course through the university’s website

Step 6: If selected, prepare your Student Visa application

Step 7: Apply for a student visa

Suggested: What is the Admission Process to Study in New Zealand for International Students?

If you pursue a bachelor or an architecture masters in New Zealand you have a vast pool of opportunities to choose from. Some of the future occupations you can consider as an architecture graduate include:

• Architectural Technicians
• Project Manager
• Surveyor
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Interior Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Naval Architect
• Health Services Manager
• Building and Construction Manager
• Valuer

An architect earns up to NZ$ 85,000 on an average every year in New Zealand.

Suggested: All about Jobs in New Zealand

Universities in New Zealand prioritise training in fundamental skills over just theoretical knowledge. Education in architecture from New Zealand will not only hone your essential skills for fieldwork but also supply you with a direct entry for work into the industry. To know more about Architecture in New Zealand for Indians, get in touch with a Yocket professional to help you through your application.