Gap Year with the University of Auckland

Spend a year in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest and most diverse city! As the best-connected city in the country, you’ll have easy access to all the natural wonders of the country and the rest of the Pacific region.

What does a gap year look like with the University of Auckland?

First, you will spend a semester (4 months) at the University of Auckland studying our highly ranked and unique subjects. This will give you an opportunity to get familiarised with the country and connect with local kiwi students. You will then go on to further adventures working and travelling around the country for the last part of your gap year.

Programme highlights

Get a head start at a university ranked in the top 100 in QS World University Ranking*
Enjoy living close to stunning beaches, untouched forest and tranquil islands while
studying in the heart of New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city
From sailing to surfing and everything in between - go on an adventure and meet new
friends through the University of Auckland student clubs
Get paid while gaining international work experience and exploring New Zealand’s
world-famous mountains, beaches, glaciers, rainforests and more
Make kiwi friends and experience the New Zealand lifestyle - learn why we are considered
one of the happiest countries in the world!

*68th in the world in QS World University Rankings 2024

Interesting courses*
Innovation and Entrepreneurship	Sustainability
COMMS 102: Communication and Social Change	ENVCHG 100: Global Climate Change
INNOVATE 100: Innovation through Design	ENVSCI 101: Environment, Science and Management
INTBUS 151: Business across Borders	GLOBAL 101: Global Issues, Sustainable Future
INNOVENT 203: The Entrepreneurial Mindset	PACIFIC 205: Pacific Innovation and Sustainability
INNOVENT 204: Understanding Entrepreneurial Opportunities	SUTAIN 100: Sustainability and Us

*You are not limited to courses here and can choose courses from over 100 subject areas. For a full description, please check out Course Options.

Eligibility

This is the right opportunity for you if you:

Are interested in exploring other cultures and interests before your next stage of life
want to travel and work while earning credits in interesting subject areas
Want to make friends and grow your global network
Have completed high school (secondary school) qualification but have not enrolled in a university/college
Are over 18 years old, and from a country with a working holiday visa scheme in place with New Zealand

What is a working holiday visa?

A working holiday visa lets you study part-time or full-time for up to 6 months and travel New Zealand while making money to support yourself financially. Working holiday visas usually last 12 months, but for details, please check the Immigration New Zealand website.

Entry requirements from high schools*
Country	Requirements
Denmark	Completed either Hojere Forberedelseseksamen or Hojere Handelseksamen
Germany	Completed Abitur/Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife
Norway	Completed Certificate for Upper Secondary Education and Training (Vitnemål-videregående opplaering). The average of 3.2
Sweden	Completed Avgangsbetyg/Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskola (previously Studentexamen) (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
USA	Completed USA High School Diploma. Minimum SAT score of 1150 or ACT score of 28

*Qualifications from other countries are assessed case by case. If you have completed minimum one year of tertiary study, please provide a transcript for degree or masters.

For more guidance, you can refer to our Application Guide.

Apply now