New Zealand University Computing Programs Guide¶

Undergraduate Degrees in Computing, IT, and Digital Technologies¶

Prepared for: High School Digital Technologies Students in New Zealand
Last Updated: January 2026

1. UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Auckland
Website: https://www.auckland.ac.nz
General Contact: +64 9 373 7999

Faculty/Department¶

School of Computer Science
Faculty of Science
Location: Building 303, 38 Princes Street, Auckland
Website: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/school-of-computer-science.html

Undergraduate Programs¶

1.1 Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Description: Understanding conceptual building blocks of computers, software, and communications. Includes COMPSCI 399 capstone project
Topics: Algorithms, AI, complexity theory, computer vision, cyber security, data science, graphics, HCI, networks, programming languages, robotics, software engineering
URL: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/computer-science/undergraduate.html

1.2 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Computer Systems Engineering¶

Duration: 4 years
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Design
Description: Hardware and software design of digital systems with advanced electronic design automation tools
Focus Areas: Hardware design, software design with C++/Java/Python, object-oriented programming
Accreditation: Engineering New Zealand accredited
URL: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/computer-systems-engineering/undergraduate.html

1.3 Information Technology Management¶

Faculty: Business School
URL: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/information-technology-management/undergraduate.html

Postgraduate Pathway¶

Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech)
Contact: student.information@auckland.ac.nz

2. AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (AUT)¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Auckland
Website: https://www.aut.ac.nz
General Contact: +64 9 921 9999

Faculty/Department¶

School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Website: https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/engineering-computer-and-mathematical-sciences

Undergraduate Programs¶

2.1 Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences¶

Duration: 3 years (360 points)
Faculty: School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
Description: Highly flexible degree with research and development project in final year
Accreditation: Recognized by Seoul Accord (IITP accredited)
Annual Fee (2025): NZD $8,190-$8,287 tuition + $1,221.60 student services levy
URL: https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/engineering-computer-and-mathematical-sciences/courses/bachelor-of-computer-and-information-sciences

Available Majors¶

Computer Science
Software Development
Networks and Cybersecurity
IT Service Management
Analytics
(Additional majors - check website for full list)

Key Features¶

Outstanding facilities and industry connections
Third-year research and development project
Can include subjects from outside computing
Double major options available

Contact¶

Email: Through AUT website study enquiry form
Website: https://www.aut.ac.nz

3. VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON (TE HERENGA WAKA)¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Wellington
Website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz
Phone: +64 4 472 1000 / 0800 04 04 04
Email: info@vuw.ac.nz

Faculty/Department¶

School of Engineering and Computer Science
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/science-engineering

Undergraduate Programs¶

3.1 Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Description: Concepts, techniques and theory behind computer science including AI, networking, graphics, games, and programming languages
Specializations Available:
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
URL: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/study/programmes-courses/subjects (search for Computer Science)

3.2 Bachelor of Design Innovation¶

Specializations: UX Design, Game Development
Faculty: Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

Key Features¶

Strong practical focus with hands-on laboratories
Field trips and summer scholarship opportunities
Research-informed education
Small class sizes
Culturally diverse environment

Contact Information¶

Email: info@vuw.ac.nz
Phone: +64 4 472 1000
Toll-free: 0800 04 04 04
Website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz

4. UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Christchurch
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz
Phone: +64 3 366 7001

Faculty/Department¶

Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE)
College of Engineering
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/engineering/schools-and-departments-engineering-forestry-product-design/computer-science-and-software-engineering-department

Undergraduate Programs¶

4.1 Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: College of Engineering
Description: Extremely flexible degree, can be combined with second major
Required First Year: COSC 121, COSC 122, MATH 120, MATH 102
Recommended: COSC 101
URL: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/engineering/schools-and-departments-engineering-forestry-product-design/computer-science-and-software-engineering-department/undergraduate-computer-science-and-software-engineering/computer-science--bsc-

4.2 Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE Hons) - Software Engineering¶

Duration: 4 years
Faculty: College of Engineering
Description: Prescribed courses with strong focus on large projects and teamwork
Requirements: 800 hours practical work
Special Features: Final year research project (can be industry-sponsored), presented at final year conference
URL: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/engineering/schools-and-departments-engineering-forestry-product-design/computer-science-and-software-engineering-department/undergraduate-computer-science-and-software-engineering/software-engineering--be-hons-

4.3 Bachelor of Science - Data Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Description: Modern technical knowledge of computing systems and statistical simulation
URL: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/engineering/schools-and-departments-engineering-forestry-product-design/computer-science-and-software-engineering-department/undergraduate-computer-science-and-software-engineering

4.4 Bachelor of Engineering with Honours - Computer Engineering¶

Duration: 4 years
Focus: Smart embedded electronic devices
URL: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/subjects/computer-engineering

Key Features¶

QS World rankings: Top 3% of universities worldwide for engineering and technology
Strong Google recruitment presence
International recognition with award-winning staff

Contact¶

Department Email: Contact through website
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/engineering/schools-and-departments-engineering-forestry-product-design/computer-science-and-software-engineering-department/contact-the-computer-science-and-software-engineering-department

5. UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Hamilton (Main Campus), Tauranga Campus
Website: https://www.waikato.ac.nz
Phone: +64 7 838 4466 / 0800 924 528
General Email: info@waikato.ac.nz

Faculty/Department¶

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Location: Ground Floor, FG-Block Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton
Phone: +64 7 838 4322
Email: stem@waikato.ac.nz
Website: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/about/faculties-schools/cms

Undergraduate Programs¶

5.1 Bachelor of Computer Science (BComp)¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Description: Specialized, industry-aligned degree. Choose from specified programmes or take a minor in any subject
Accreditation: Seoul Accord accredited, pathway to CITPNZ (Chartered IT Professional NZ)
URL: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/qualifications/bachelor-of-computer-science

5.2 Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Description: Flexible degree allowing focus on particular area or more generalist major
URL: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/subjects/computer-science

5.3 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Software Engineering Major¶

Duration: 4 years
Faculty: School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
URL: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/subjects/computer-science

5.4 Bachelor of Design (BDes)¶

Focus: Design with analytical, technological and creative abilities
Faculty: School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Key Features¶

Among the best computing facilities in New Zealand
Cluster of computers for massively parallel processing
24-hour access to computer labs
Several Mac-equipped labs for professional design
First NZ member of international iSchools group (2016)
50 years of computing excellence (est. 1973)

Special Programs¶

Unistart Programme: High school students can take university papers while still at school (online or on-campus options)

Contact¶

Email: stem@waikato.ac.nz
Phone: +64 7 838 4322
General Enquiries: 0800 924 528
Website: https://www.waikato.ac.nz

6. MASSEY UNIVERSITY¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Three campuses - Palmerston North (Manawatū), Auckland (Albany), Wellington
Website: https://www.massey.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 MASSEY (0800 627 739)

Faculty/Department¶

School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences
Website: https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/find-a-subject-course-or-qualification/study-computer-science-and-information-technology

Undergraduate Programs¶

6.1 Bachelor of Information Sciences (BInfSc)¶

Duration: 3 years (360 credits)
Unique Feature: Only NZ university offering 5 majors in this degree
Accreditation: Only degree in NZ accredited by IT Professionals industry body
Flexible learning: On campus, online, or mixed
URL: https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/all-qualifications-and-degrees/bachelor-of-information-sciences-UBINS

Available Majors: 1. Computer Science (120 credits) - Topics: AI, graphics, web-based systems, networks, operating systems - No prior programming required - URL: https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/all-qualifications-and-degrees/bachelor-of-information-sciences-UBINS/computer-science-UBINS1JCMSC1

Data Science (120 credits)
Modern technical knowledge for processing big data
Statistical simulation and computing systems
Information Systems (120 credits)
Information Technology (120 credits)
Software Engineering (165 credits - joint major)
Combines computer science and information technology
Focus on design and construction of large software applications
Technical programming knowledge + design and team skills

6.2 Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: College of Sciences
Description: Rigorous computing skills for various industries
URL: https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/all-qualifications-and-degrees/bachelor-of-science-UBSCN/computer-science-UBSCN2JCMSC1

Key Features¶

First computing degree in NZ with industry accreditation
Institute of IT Professionals endorsement
Flexible online and on-campus options
Strong industry connections
Practical work-integrated learning

Contact¶

General Enquiries: 0800 MASSEY (0800 627 739)
Website: https://www.massey.ac.nz
Email: Contact through website enquiry forms

7. UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Dunedin
Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz
Email: university@otago.ac.nz

Faculty/Department¶

School of Computing
Faculty of Science
Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/school-of-computing

Undergraduate Programs¶

7.1 Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Computer Science Major¶

Duration: 3 years
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Description: Opens doors to machine learning, animation, games, software design, robotics, legal, financial and business careers
URL: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/computer-science
Note: Can also be studied as a minor in various degrees (BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc, BComSc)

7.2 Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE Hons) - Software Engineering¶

Duration: 4 years
Faculty: School of Computing
Description: Blends technical coding with creative problem-solving, ethical development principles
Specializations: AI, Human-Computer Interaction (VR/AR), Data Science
Entry Requirements: NCEA Level 3 Calculus or equivalent (MATH 120 for those without)
URL: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/subjects/software-engineering

7.3 Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Computer Science Major/Minor¶

Duration: 3 years
Can be combined with other arts subjects

7.4 Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Can include Computer Science minor¶

7.5 Conjoint Degrees¶

Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) - Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom) - Computer Science
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) - Computer Science

Key Features¶

Small class sizes creating close, supportive learning environment
Globally diverse academic team
Strong Māori and Pasifika connections
Practical work experience integrated into degrees
Industry connections ensure latest tech and tools
State-of-the-art computer labs
Emerging tech access (Snapchat Spectacles, VR headsets, robots)

Graduate Outcomes¶

Otago graduates have contributed to NASA's Mars rover programme
Co-founded CloudCannon (globally-used web platform)
Established successful game studios
Pioneered aerial mapping technology

Contact¶

General: AskOtago service
Email: university@otago.ac.nz
Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz

8. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY¶

Institution Overview¶

Location: Lincoln (near Christchurch)
Website: https://www.lincoln.ac.nz
Phone: +64 3 325 2811 / 0800 106 010
Email: info@lincoln.ac.nz

Computing Programs¶

Lincoln University is New Zealand's specialist land-based university, focused on agriculture, environmental science, agribusiness, food innovation, landscape architecture and related fields.

Computing-Related Programs:

8.1 Master of Applied Computing (Postgraduate Only)¶

Duration: 18 months
Description: For career changers or upskillers, includes industry projects and practical skills
Focus: Software creation projects for land-based industries
URL: Contact university directly
Email: info@lincoln.ac.nz

Note for Students¶

Lincoln University does not currently offer undergraduate degrees specifically in Computing, IT, or Software Engineering. Students interested in computing should consider the other seven universities listed above. Lincoln's strength is in land-based industries, and their Master of Applied Computing is designed for graduates transitioning into tech roles within these sectors.

Contact¶

Phone: 0800 106 010 or +64 3 325 2811
Fax: +64 3 325 3615
Email: info@lincoln.ac.nz
Website: https://www.lincoln.ac.nz

SUMMARY TABLE: UNDERGRADUATE COMPUTING PROGRAMS¶

University	Computer Science	Software Engineering	IT/Information Systems	Data Science	Other
Auckland	BSc (CS)	BE(Hons) Comp Sys Eng	IT Management	-	-
AUT	BCompInfSc (CS Major)	BCompInfSc (SW Dev)	BCompInfSc (IT/Networks/Analytics)	-	-
Victoria (Wellington)	BSc (CS)	-	-	-	BDes (UX/Games)
Canterbury	BSc (CS)	BE(Hons) SW Eng	-	BSc (Data Sci)	BE(Hons) Comp Eng
Waikato	BComp, BSc (CS)	BE(Hons) SW Eng	-	-	BDes
Massey	BInfSc (CS), BSc (CS)	BInfSc (SW Eng)	BInfSc (IT/InfoSys)	BInfSc (Data Sci)	-
Otago	BSc (CS), BA (CS)	BE(Hons) SW Eng	-	-	Conjoint degrees
Lincoln	-	-	-	-	*PG only

*PG = Postgraduate programs only (Master of Applied Computing)

KEY INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS¶

Program Duration¶

Bachelor of Science (BSc): Typically 3 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): Typically 4 years
Bachelor of Computer Science/Information Sciences: Typically 3 years

Accreditation¶

Several programs are internationally accredited: - Seoul Accord: AUT, Waikato - Engineering New Zealand: University of Auckland, Canterbury - IT Professionals (IITP): AUT, Massey

Entry Requirements¶

Most programs require: - University Entrance (typically NCEA Level 3) - Mathematics (often Calculus for Engineering programs) - English language requirements for international students

Career Opportunities¶

Graduates typically work as: - Software Engineers/Developers - Data Scientists/Analysts - Systems Analysts - Network Engineers - Cybersecurity Specialists - UX/UI Designers - Game Developers - AI/Machine Learning Engineers - Database Administrators - IT Project Managers

Further Information¶

Students should: 1. Visit individual university websites for detailed program information 2. Attend university open days and information sessions 3. Check specific entry requirements for chosen programs 4. Consider location preferences (Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin) 5. Investigate scholarship opportunities at each institution 6. Review program structures and course offerings 7. Consider work-integrated learning and industry placement opportunities

Document Prepared: January 2026
Note: Information is subject to change. Always verify current details with individual universities before making study decisions.