There are eight public universities in New Zealand, and every one of them appears in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The University of Auckland leads the country at #67 globally, followed by the University of Otago at #198 and Massey University at #215.
New Zealand's Ministry of Education describes all eight as state-funded universities, while Universities New Zealand says every university in the country sits within the world's top 3%.
For international students, though, ranking is only part of the decision. Tuition can differ by more than NZ$20,000 a year depending on the subject, and the university with the highest overall ranking is not necessarily the strongest option for your particular course.
Here is the comparison first.
Public Universities in New Zealand: Rankings and Fees at a Glance
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University
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City
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QS 2027
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Indicative International Tuition*
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Particularly Strong For
|
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University of Auckland
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Auckland
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#67
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NZ$42,236–60,910
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Engineering, Business, Science, Health
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University of Otago
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Dunedin
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#198
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NZ$39,700–48,720
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Health Sciences, Dentistry, Science
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Massey University
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Palmerston North, Auckland, Wellington
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#215
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NZ$34,220–46,100
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Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Business
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Victoria University of Wellington
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Wellington
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=241
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NZ$35,400–46,500
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Law, Politics, Humanities, Computing
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University of Canterbury
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Christchurch
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#257
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NZ$36,410–54,180
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Engineering, Science, Forestry
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University of Waikato
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Hamilton
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=293
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NZ$34,020–44,343+
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Business, Computing, Social Sciences
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Lincoln University
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Lincoln, Canterbury
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=419
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Around NZ$35,000+
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Agriculture, Environment, Land
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Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
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Auckland
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#431
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Around NZ$36,522–49,122
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Technology, Design, Health, Hospitality
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Note: Where a complete 2027 fee schedule is not yet available, the latest official published estimate is used. Specialist degrees such as medicine, veterinary science and aviation can cost considerably more.
The rankings above follow the QS ranking of New Zealand universities. New Zealand's Ministry of Education confirms that the country has eight state-funded universities.
If you are still deciding whether the country itself suits your plans, first look at what studying in New Zealand involves for an international applicant.
List of the 8 Public Universities in New Zealand
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand's highest-ranked university, sitting at #67 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university performs strongly across engineering, business, medicine, science, law and architecture, making it one of the broadest choices on this list.
It is also one of the more expensive options.
For 2027, the university estimates annual international tuition at NZ$42,236.40 for a standard Bachelor of Arts, NZ$51,020.40 for Commerce and NZ$60,909.60 for Engineering (Honours). Medicine costs considerably more, reaching roughly NZ$86,561 from Year 2 onwards.
Those figures come directly from the University of Auckland's 2027 international fee schedule.
Auckland makes the most sense for students who want strong global recognition, a wide course selection and the opportunities that come with living in New Zealand's largest city.
Best for: Engineering, Business, Medicine, Science and students prioritising global ranking.
2. University of Otago
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and ranks #198 in QS 2027.
Its reputation is particularly strong in health sciences, dentistry, biomedical science and humanities. Dunedin also offers something Auckland cannot: a much more concentrated university-town atmosphere.
For 2027, an international Bachelor of Arts is estimated at NZ$39,700–45,360 per year, depending on the papers selected. Science subjects often sit higher; Agricultural Innovation, for example, is listed at NZ$48,720.
The university's official 2027 Bachelor of Arts information also confirms a 1 March 2027 Semester One start and 12 July 2027 Semester Two start for eligible programmes.
Best for: Health Sciences, Dentistry, Biomedical Science and students looking for a strong university-city experience.
3. Massey University
Massey University ranks #215 in QS 2027 and operates campuses in Palmerston North, Auckland and Wellington.
Its subject profile is distinctive. Veterinary science, agriculture, food technology, business, design and applied sciences are particular strengths.
Massey's current international fee schedule still uses 2026 estimates for many undergraduate programmes. A Bachelor of Arts costs approximately NZ$34,220–42,300, a Bachelor of Business about NZ$38,080, and Information Sciences can reach around NZ$46,100.
You can check the programme-level figures in Massey's official international tuition fee table.
The multi-campus model matters too. Living and studying in Palmerston North can produce a very different budget and lifestyle from choosing the Auckland campus.
Best for: Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Food Technology, Business and students wanting campus flexibility.
4. Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington ranks =241 in QS 2027. Its location in New Zealand's capital gives it a particularly natural fit for law, politics, public policy, international relations, humanities and government-related fields.
The university has already published 2027 start dates for many degrees, although its broad 2027 tuition schedule is not yet displayed across all programmes. The latest official 2026 examples put a Bachelor of Arts at about NZ$35,400 per 120 points, while engineering-related study can reach roughly NZ$46,500.
Many undergraduate programmes begin on 22 February 2027, with 7 December 2026 used as an international application deadline for a number of courses.
Eligible international Bachelor's students may also qualify for a NZ$15,000 undergraduate international scholarship currently advertised by the university.
The university's international undergraduate information provides current start-date and scholarship details.
Best for: Law, Politics, International Relations, Public Policy and Humanities.
5. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury, based in Christchurch, ranks #257 in QS 2027 and is particularly well known for engineering, science, forestry and technology.
Its 2027 international fees are already published.
A Bachelor of Arts is estimated at NZ$36,410 per 120 points, Commerce at NZ$39,590, Science at NZ$44,980, and first-year Engineering (Honours) at NZ$49,540. Engineering rises to around NZ$54,180 in Years 2–4.
The University of Canterbury's official 2027 undergraduate fee table shows the figures qualification by qualification.
This is why searching for one “cheapest university in New Zealand” can be misleading. The course often changes the cost more than the university name.
Students considering Christchurch can also compare how different New Zealand locations fit student life and budgets.
Best for: Engineering, Forestry, Science, Data-related subjects and Technology.
6. University of Waikato
The University of Waikato, based mainly in Hamilton, ranks =293 in QS 2027.
It is a strong option for business, computing, education, law, social sciences and environmental study. Hamilton can also appeal to students who want access to a sizeable city without choosing Auckland.
Waikato has published a full 2027 international fee table. Its Bachelor of Arts is estimated at around NZ$34,020–44,342, depending on subject selection. Individual Arts subjects such as Anthropology and History sit close to NZ$34,000, while Environmental Planning costs more.
The full breakdown is available through Waikato's official 2027 international tuition table.
Here's the thing: that programme-level variation is precisely why comparing one headline fee from each university is not enough. Always compare the actual degree you plan to study.
Best for: Business, Computing, Education, Social Sciences and students considering Hamilton.
7. Lincoln University
Lincoln University ranks =419 in QS 2027 and is different from the other seven universities for a useful reason: it is New Zealand's specialist land-based university.
Its major strengths include agriculture, agribusiness, environmental management, land and property, food, sustainability and related sciences.
Lincoln has created a 2027 international-fee section, although some programme information is still being updated. As a realistic reference point, its latest published Bachelor of Commerce international estimate is around NZ$35,000 for 120 credits.
Students should therefore check the official Lincoln international fee page for their exact qualification.
For a student planning a career in agriculture or land-based industries, Lincoln can therefore be a better academic match than several universities with much higher overall rankings.
Best for: Agriculture, Agribusiness, Sustainability, Environment and Land Management.
8. Auckland University of Technology
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) ranks #431 in QS 2027. It has a practical, career-focused profile and is particularly visible in technology, design, computing, health, communications, business and hospitality.
AUT already lists 22 February and 12 July 2027 as start dates for a number of programmes, including its Bachelor of Business.
However, AUT states that its full 2027 tuition fees have not yet been set, so it would be misleading to label the current amounts as 2027 prices. The latest official examples are approximately NZ$36,521.60 for a Bachelor of Arts, NZ$38,121.60 for Business and around NZ$40,121–49,121 for several health programmes, including the student services levy.
AUT makes clear that fees can change from year to year, so students planning for 2027 should verify the final amount through its official international student fee page before accepting an offer.
Best for: Technology, Computing, Design, Health, Hospitality and applied learning.
Public Universities in New Zealand for International Students
All eight public universities in New Zealand for international students accept overseas applicants, although admission standards vary by country, qualification and programme.
The sector also operates within a formal quality-assurance framework. New Zealand has eight state-funded universities, while other tertiary providers fall into separate categories such as institutes of technology, polytechnics, wānanga and private training establishments.
For an international student, I would compare five things in this order:
Start with course fit. A university that ranks lower overall may be considerably stronger in the subject you actually want to study.
Then compare the real tuition fee for that degree, not a broad university average. After that, look at scholarships and location together. A NZ$5,000 scholarship can lose some of its advantage if your accommodation costs are substantially higher.
Finally, check whether your programme actually accepts students in your preferred intake.
Students who need financial support should compare funding opportunities available across New Zealand as well as university-specific awards.
How Much Do Public Universities in New Zealand Cost?
For many mainstream international undergraduate degrees, a reasonable 2027 planning figure is roughly NZ$34,000 to NZ$61,000 per year.
That is not a fixed national price.
Current official examples include:
- University of Auckland BA: NZ$42,236.40 for 2027.
- University of Otago BA: NZ$39,700–45,360 for 2027.
- University of Canterbury BA: NZ$36,410 for 2027.
- University of Waikato BA: NZ$34,020–44,342 for 2027.
- University of Auckland Engineering: NZ$60,909.60 for 2027.
Medicine, veterinary science, aviation and other specialist professional programmes can sit well above that range.
Tuition is not your entire budget either. Universities can charge student services levies, insurance and course-specific costs on top.
For student-visa purposes, Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students funding themselves to show NZ$20,000 for each year of living costs, or NZ$1,667 per month for study lasting less than a year.
That figure is a visa requirement, not a guarantee that NZ$20,000 will cover every lifestyle in every city. Anyone who has compared rent in central Auckland with a smaller university city will understand why.
International students should also budget for suitable medical and travel cover. You can check what student health insurance usually involves in New Zealand separately rather than burying that topic inside a university comparison.
Scholarships at New Zealand Public Universities
Scholarships can reduce the real cost substantially, but amounts and eligibility change by university and nationality.
A few examples show the scale.
Victoria University of Wellington currently advertises a NZ$15,000 undergraduate international scholarship for eligible Bachelor's students.
Universities also offer merit awards, subject-specific funding and country-targeted scholarships. Some awards cover a modest part of tuition; highly competitive schemes can be worth considerably more.
Do not choose a university based on the maximum advertised scholarship alone. Check whether:
- your nationality is eligible;
- your degree qualifies;
- a separate scholarship application is required;
- the award covers one year or multiple years;
- and whether it can be combined with another scholarship.
That gives you the net study cost, which is the number that actually matters.
2027 Intakes at New Zealand Public Universities
For most international students, February or March 2027 will be the main intake. Several universities also offer a second start around July 2027, but not every course participates.
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University
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Confirmed/Typical 2027 Start Information
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University of Auckland
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Main early-year intake; programme dates vary
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University of Otago
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1 March and 12 July 2027 for eligible programmes
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|
Massey University
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Semester One and Semester Two
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Victoria University of Wellington
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22 February 2027 for many programmes
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|
University of Canterbury
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Main Semester One plus selected later starts
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|
University of Waikato
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Multiple programme-specific starts
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|
Lincoln University
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February and July starts available for many programmes
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|
AUT
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22 February and 12 July 2027 for many degrees
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Otago, for example, has 15 November 2026 as the Semester One international application deadline for many standard programmes and 30 April 2027 for eligible Semester Two entry.
Massey's standard deadline for new international Semester One applicants is 31 October 2026.
Victoria University of Wellington lists 7 December 2026 as the application deadline for a number of degrees beginning on 22 February 2027.
So there is no single “New Zealand university deadline”. Check the specific university and programme before planning around one date.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Requirements differ, but most international applicants will need:
- recognised school or previous university qualifications;
- academic transcripts and certificates;
- evidence of English-language proficiency where required;
- a valid passport or other identification;
- and any programme-specific documents.
Some degrees may also ask for a portfolio, interview, CV, references or additional academic prerequisites.
For postgraduate programmes, universities normally expect an appropriate Bachelor's degree or equivalent prior study. Research degrees can require a research proposal and evidence that the university has suitable supervision available.
English-language requirements also vary. An IELTS score that works for a general business degree may not satisfy nursing, teaching or another professionally regulated programme.
If you are specifically considering a Master's degree, postgraduate diploma or research qualification, compare postgraduate study routes available in New Zealand separately. Keeping those topics separate helps you compare universities without turning this page into a general study-abroad guide.
Are Public Universities and Government Universities in New Zealand the Same?
In normal student searches, government universities in New Zealand usually refers to the country's public, state-funded universities.
The Ministry of Education confirms that New Zealand has eight state-funded universities.
You may see online lists claiming that New Zealand has 15, 20 or more public universities. Usually, those lists mix universities with other tertiary providers.
New Zealand also has wānanga, institutes of technology, polytechnics and private training establishments. Some of these institutions award degrees, but that does not make them additional universities.
So if you are searching for a New Zealand public university list, there are eight.
Which Public University in New Zealand Should You Choose?
There is no universal winner.
Use your priority instead.
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Priority
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Universities to Compare First
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Highest overall QS ranking
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University of Auckland
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Health Sciences and Dentistry
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University of Otago
|
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Engineering
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University of Auckland, University of Canterbury
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Veterinary Science
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Massey University
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Agriculture and Agribusiness
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Massey University, Lincoln University
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Law, Politics and Public Policy
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Victoria University of Wellington
|
|
Business
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Auckland, Waikato, Massey
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Applied Technology and Design
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AUT
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Land and Environmental Studies
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Lincoln University
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Lower-cost mainstream options
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Waikato, Canterbury or Lincoln, depending on the degree
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Think about it this way: you are not really choosing a university ranking. You are choosing a programme + annual budget + city + career direction.
Get those four right and the decision becomes much easier.
If staying in New Zealand after graduation forms part of your longer-term plan, keep that decision separate from university ranking. Check the current rules around working after graduation and, where relevant, study areas linked with longer-term career planning rather than assuming a particular university automatically leads to residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public universities are there in New Zealand?
There are eight public universities in New Zealand. The Ministry of Education identifies all eight as state-funded universities.
What are the 8 public universities in New Zealand?
They are the University of Auckland, University of Otago, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, Lincoln University and Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
What is the No. 1 university in New Zealand in 2027?
The University of Auckland is New Zealand's highest-ranked university in QS 2027, at #67 globally.
What are the top public universities in New Zealand?
Based on QS 2027, the top three are the University of Auckland (#67), University of Otago (#198) and Massey University (#215).
Are New Zealand public universities government-funded?
Yes. New Zealand's Ministry of Education describes the country's eight universities as state-funded universities.
Which is the cheapest public university in New Zealand?
There is no single cheapest option for every student because tuition varies by course. As a reference, Waikato lists some 2027 Arts pathways from around NZ$34,020, Canterbury's 2027 BA is around NZ$36,410, and Lincoln's latest Bachelor of Commerce international estimate is approximately NZ$35,000.
Compare the exact programme rather than the university average.
Are public universities free in New Zealand for international students?
No. International students normally pay international tuition fees. For many mainstream undergraduate degrees, planning for roughly NZ$34,000–61,000 per year is reasonable, although specialist programmes can cost more.
Which public universities in New Zealand are best for international students?
All eight accept international students. The best choice depends on subject and budget. Auckland leads the overall ranking, Otago is particularly strong in health sciences, Canterbury in engineering, Massey in veterinary and agricultural subjects, and Lincoln in land-based disciplines.
When should I apply for the 2027 intake?
For the main February/March 2027 intake, start preparing during 2026. Some universities close standard international applications between October and December 2026, while competitive programmes can close earlier.
How much money will I need to study in New Zealand?
Add tuition to living costs, insurance, travel and other study expenses. Immigration New Zealand currently requires most self-funded tertiary students to demonstrate NZ$20,000 per year for living costs, separate from tuition.
Can international students get scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes. All major universities offer some form of international funding, although award values and eligibility vary. Compare both university-specific scholarships and wider funding opportunities for studying in New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
The eight public universities in New Zealand make the country's university sector unusually easy to shortlist, but the best choice is not simply the one with the highest ranking.
Start with the degree.
Then compare the 2027 tuition fee, scholarship, intake and city.
For one student, that may lead straight to the University of Auckland. For another studying veterinary science, agriculture or environmental management, Massey or Lincoln could make far more sense.
Once you have two or three realistic choices, you can discuss your shortlist and application options before committing to an offer.