The University of Auckland, in partnership with leading Australasian pathway provider UP Education, has launched the
University of Auckland International College, unveiling a refurbished teaching facility at 345 Queen Street today.
Classes can be delivered both physically and virtually, allowing international students to prepare for future study at
the University of Auckland from wherever they are in the world, as well as, when border openings allow, a stone’s throw
from the University Central City Campus.
Professor Valerie Linton, University of Auckland Provost, says the partnership with UP provides a clear and strong
pathway to university education that provides a compelling benefit for international students.
“Our foundation/pathway programmes have proven to deliver excellent results to prepare international students to succeed
in their University of Auckland degree.
“We value our partnership with UP Education and acknowledge the investment they have made as part of this to refurbish
teaching facilities in central Auckland to enhance the student learning experience,” she says.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, UP Education and the University of Auckland have taken steps to keep
international education open via online learning and offshore study hubs.
Craig Jones, CEO of University Partnerships at UP Education, says the sector is working with the Government to plan a
careful reopening of the border and to welcome international students back to Aotearoa.
“Online learning has been crucial since the beginning of the pandemic, enabling international students to progress their
education journey, and be fully prepared to come to New Zealand to start their university education when it is safe for
them to do so. Since the pandemic began, some 700 students across a range of countries have fully or partially completed
the foundation programmes.
“To prepare for a new era of international education, we have invested in a purpose-designed education facility with
uniquely Aotearoa influences, that provides a safe, modern and welcoming space for international students to excel. This
means that when we can welcome students back, we are ready to give them the warmest of Kiwi welcomes and the highest
quality education experience.”
University of Auckland Director International, Brett Berquist, says the College is a highlight of a twenty-two-year
partnership between the University and UP Education.
“During that time, almost 10,000 international students have successfully transitioned from UP Education to study with
us. While Covid-19 has meant that we have been unable to welcome students onto our physical campuses, we have used this
time to reflect on how we can better meet the needs of students both offshore and when they return,” he said.
The partnership has also worked together to provide support outside of New Zealand for international students.
“As part of our support for students unable to come to New Zealand we have created offshore study hubs. We recently
launched the Vietnam Study Hub alongside the University of Auckland and local partner LightPath in Ho Chi Minh City to
provide a learning community and shared services for Vietnamese students studying online.” Said Jones.
“This gives international students more flexibility in how they can start their international education journey, and
allows them to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to study at the University of Auckland while the world
continues to navigate the pandemic.”
The University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies is delivered at the University of Auckland International College.