Are you thinking of pursuing a law degree, yet uncertain about which institution to choose? In this article, we delve into the prospects for studying for a law degree in New Zealand – from possible universities to tuition costs.
When it comes to attracting international students, New Zealand is a fantastic destination that boasts breathtaking landscapes, diverse heritage, and exciting metropolitan hubs.
The country’s highly regarded universities offer an extensive variety of courses – for this piece, however; we will highlight some compelling motives to pick law as your chosen discipline whilst studying in New Zealand.
Law
Choosing the area of law to study is a decision based on your interests and career aspirations as there are multiple options available. Being a lawyer may not necessarily confine you to the legal industry exclusively; they can be found in diverse fields such as media, commerce, politics, and more.
Thus becoming an attorney offers myriad opportunities for growth and development while honing critical communication skills along with other valuable soft skills that employers seek in graduates today.
We cannot list all the available law courses here, but you can easily locate them by visiting our website and utilizing the destinations tab. After selecting New Zealand as your location of interest, filter your search results to focus on Law programs. You should be able to find a comprehensive listing of six universities offering various legal courses for consideration.
Which universities are ranked highest for Law in New Zealand?
Top-ranked universities in New Zealand are globally recognized and highly rated. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE), three law schools rank among the top 250 worldwide. The five leading institutions for law studies, as per THE’s ranking system, include:
- Auckland University of Technology
- University of Auckland
- University of Canterbury
- University of Waikato
- University of Otago
You have likely observed Auckland, the capital city of New Zealand, hosting two leading universities. Nonetheless, there are other exceptional student cities within the country as well.
International students’ admission criteria
It is crucial to note that the entry prerequisites vary for each university and program. It’s imperative to conduct thorough research on every institution’s specific requirements. To provide a general understanding, we’ve presented an outline of the admission criteria for the aforementioned courses below.
| Course | University | Entry Requirements | IELTS |
| Bachelor of Commerce in Commercial Law | University of Auckland | Academic: Overall band score 6.0. All bands are 5.5 or higher. | Academic: Overall band score 6.0. No bands below 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Arts – Criminology and Criminal Justice | Auckland University of Technology | Equivalent to New Zealand year 13 or University Entrance. | Academic: Overall band score 6.0. All bands 5.5 or higher. |
| Bachelor of Laws | The University of Waikato | These are different depending on which country you’re applying from. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. | Academic: Overall band score 6.5. No band below 6.0 |
| Masters of Human Rights | Auckland University of Technology | Bachelor’s degree with minimum B grade average or higher in papers at level 7 or equivalent. | Academic: Overall band score 6.5 All bands 6.0 or higher. |
Each educational establishment has distinct prerequisites. Certain colleges mandate a minimum of 3 A-level subjects or completion of the International Baccalaureate. Meanwhile, at the University of Waikato, applications are evaluated on an individual basis according to their merits.
In case you’re uncertain whether your qualifications fulfill the eligibility criteria for admission, it’s always best practice to approach the university directly and inquire about your application standing.
To enroll in a course at any university in New Zealand, proof of adequate English proficiency is mandatory. IELTS is among the various tests deemed valid for this purpose and yields scores ranging from 0 to 9.
As per the provided table, certain universities hold a minimum acceptance criterion of a band score of 5.5 while others may mandate higher scores; hence it’s crucial to verify each institution’s precise language requirements beforehand.
Conclusion
New Zealand offers limitless options for pursuing higher education and launching a rewarding career, rendering it an exceptional educational hotspot. Obtaining a legal degree from one of the premier universities can unlock numerous opportunities in various sectors and domains, further establishing this country as an imperative choice for students.
