university of auckland phd acceptance rate

University of Auckland: Statistics

Updated: February 29, 2024

Quick Review

* The University of Auckland is among the institutions that don't provide data on acceptance rates. This might happen because the university has programs where applicants only need to meet admission requirements to enroll and don't necessarily compete with others.

We estimate the above acceptance rate based on admission statistics of closely ranked nearby universities with similar research profiles that do publish such data.

Acceptance rate & Admissions

Research profile.

University of Auckland is a world-class research university with 103,776 scientific papers published and 2,874,648 citations received. The research profile covers a range of fields, including Biology, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Physics, Psychology, and Political Science.

University of Auckland majors

by publication & citation count

Annual publication & citation counts

The tuition table for University of Auckland gives an overview of costs but prices are approximate and subject to change and don't include accommodation, textbooks, or living expenses. The costs of programs might differ significantly for local and international students. The only source of truth for current numbers is the university's official website.

Programs and Degrees

The table below displays academic fields with programs and courses that lead to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees offered by University of Auckland.

Note that the table provides a general overview and might not cover all the specific majors available at the university. Always visit the university's website for the most up-to-date information on the programs offered.

University of Auckland alumni

Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt. From 1985 to 1988 he served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh and concurrently as Ambassador to Nepal.

Rose McIver

Frances Rose McIver is an actress from New Zealand. She portrayed Olivia "Liv" Moore in The CW supernatural comedy-drama series iZombie (2015–2019), Summer Landsdown the Yellow Ranger in Power Rangers RPM (2009), and Amber Moore in the romantic comedy film A Christmas Prince (2017) and its two sequels, The Royal Wedding (2018) and The Royal Baby (2019).

Marcus Chang

Marcus Chang is a Taiwanese actor and singer-songwriter. He made his acting debut with the 2014 film Café. Waiting. Love. He is best known for his leading roles in the television series Back to 1989 (2016), Behind Your Smile (2016-2017), Between (2018), and Lost Romance (2020).

Fua Leiofi Bundellu Aki is a professional rugby union player who plays as a centre for United Rugby Championship club Connacht. Born in New Zealand, he represents Ireland at international level after qualifying on residency grounds.

University of Auckland faculties and divisions

General information, location and contacts, university of auckland in social media.

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre, applying for a phd with the faculty of medical and health sciences.

If you are interested in applying for a PhD at The University of Auckland, you can make an application using our application portal, so that we can evaluate your academic background and match your research interests with an appropriate supervisor. To make an application, please visit  Apply to Study .

For guidelines on the application process, and the entry requirements of a PhD with the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, please see the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences guide to the doctoral registration process .

Rate this Answer

• Enquire Now
• About SI-New Zealand
• SI-New Zealand Office
• All Global Offices
• Course Search
• Application Services
• Free Service
• Top Universities Service
• Visa Service
• PhD Service
• New Zealand Application Process
• New Zealand Education System
• New Zealand University Rankings 2024
• All New Zealand Study Information
• University Profiles
• Pathways Profiles
• University Subject Guides
• Study Options
• Study Blogs
• Study English

Book your Free Consultation

A member of the SI-New Zealand team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our education experts.

• New Zealand Study Blog
• Best Universities in NZ

Best Universities in New Zealand for International Students

Last updated: 18 December 2023 NZ University Rankings Study in New Zealand

Why do so many international students choose to study in New Zealand? New Zealand offers a high-quality education system recognised worldwide, and the country has reputed universities and institutes consistently ranking highly in international rankings.

New Zealand universities offer a wide range of courses in different disciplines so that students can explore extensive opportunities for research and study, and as the cost of studying abroad in New Zealand is low compared to other countries, you can also make long-term savings, which will help during and after study.

To learn more about why studying in New Zealand can be a perfect place to boost your career, enquire today with SI-New Zealand.

Top Universities in New Zealand 2024

Here is the list of the best universities in New Zealand as per the QS World University Rankings 2024:

1. The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is a public research university established in 1883 and is New Zealand’s largest university by enrollment. It gathers around 7426 international students with a student-faculty ratio of 61:7. With an acceptance rate of 45% and 68th rank in the QS World Ranking 2024, the UoA believes in achieving equity in employment and education, making it New Zealand’s leading place to work and study.

2. University of Otago

The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is one of the oldest universities in Oceania. The public research university gathers around 1,400 international students each year with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. With an acceptance rate of 58% and 206th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and 1st in New Zealand, the university aims to preserve, create, and apply knowledge, critical thinking, and independence to enhance understanding and development of individuals and communities. 

3. Massey University

Massey University is a public research university established in 1927 in Palmerston North, Auckland, Wellington, New Zealand. The university gathers around 5000 international students with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. With an acceptance rate of 65% and 239th in the QS World University Rankings 2024; the university aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for you to succeed and thrive in every moment. 

4. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington is a public research university established in 1897 in Wellington, New Zealand. The university gathers around 3,000 international students each academic year and has a 75.3% student satisfaction rate. Victoria University Wellington consistently ranks among the top 300 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and performs well in subject rankings for development studies, law and politics, and international studies.

5. University of Waikato

The University of Waikato is one of the top universities in New Zealand, established in 1964. It has two campuses located in Hamilton and Tauranga. The university stands proudly worldwide as a future-focused, international education provider and an active player in global research. With an acceptance rate of 72%, the university ranks 250th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is the #1 in New Zealand for research. With around 13,000 students and 1500 staff members, the University of Waikato is committed to delivering a world-class education and research portfolio.

6. University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury is a public research university established in 1873 in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is New Zealand’s second-oldest university after the University of Otago. The university is known for its engineering and science course programs, with its civil engineering, fine arts, law and social work courses ranking well in world subject rankings. With an acceptance rate of 50%, the university prepares students to find their best career path and change their lives.

7. Lincoln University

Lincoln University (NZ) was established in 1990 in Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand. It is a top public university and is considered one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture, arts and humanities, business and management and life sciences.

8. Auckland University of Technology

Auckland University of Technology was established in 2000 and is the second-largest university in New Zealand. The university is located in Auckland, New Zealand, and has received five-star ratings for teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities, innovation, and inclusiveness. AUT has consistently ranked first in New Zealand and 407th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, with around 5000 industry partners worldwide. With an acceptance rate of 50%, the university’s mission is to prepare and create graduates for the rapidly changing world.

Eligibility Criteria

For undergraduate courses.

• Students must have completed their higher secondary education from a recognised institute or school
• Language/English proficiency tests, such as IELTS/TOEFL

For postgraduate courses

• A minimum GPA score of 50-60% from a recognised university
• GMAT or GRE scores for students applying for  management studies
• Some New Zealand universities might ask for internships or previous work experience

For MBA courses

• Bachelor's degree with 70% or above
• A minimum IELTS score in each module
• A minimum of 4 to 5 years of work and internship experience in a relevant field

Documents Required

To study in New Zealand, you must fulfil specific requirements to become an eligible candidate. Here are some essential eligibility criteria apart from academics

• Fill out the application form
• Identity proof
• Proof of funding statements, such as expenses 
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• A passport from the native country that is valid for at least three months post-completion of the desired degree in the country
• Relevant educational documents and certificates, such as GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL
• Passport-size photographs
• Job experience certificates

Apply to Study in New Zealand

To learn more about studying in New Zealand, how to begin your application, or what course is right for you, contact SI-New Zealand today for a free consultation.

Universities featured in this article:

" SI-New Zealand helped me successfully apply to study business in New Zealand and I cannot thank them enough for their support. They assisted me with each step, ensuring I was aware of all my options in terms of program and university selection, making the process totally stress free. "

Isabella Ramos Business and Management

Leading Universities in New Zealand

©2024 SI-New Zealand | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Study in New Zealand /

University of Auckland Acceptance Rate

• Updated on  
• Dec 9, 2022

The University of Auckland is a public research university in Auckland, New Zealand . It is one of the largest, highest ranked and most comprehensive universities in New Zealand. The institution was established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand. Today, the University of Auckland is the largest in terms of enrolment as it’s hosting about 40,000 students on five Auckland campuses. The city campus has a large number of students and faculty. Let’s explore the University of Auckland acceptance rate, courses and more!

• University of Auckland Highlights 

This Blog Includes:

Popular courses offered by the university of auckland , eligibility for admission in the university of auckland.

The undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by The University Of Auckland in Auckland, New Zealand are given below in the table along with the full-time duration. 

Also Read: The University of Auckland Launches Micro-Internship Program

Apart from academics, The University of Auckland evaluates students on the basis of their competencies. Some of the ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS are listed below:

• Test scores of standardized exams 
• Official transcripts
• Resume if necessary
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation(s)
• Language (english) proficiency scores. 

NOTE: Students should keep in mind that their IELTS, PTE, TOEFL scores shouldn’t be more than 2-3 years old. 

Well, the acceptance rate of the University of Auckland for overseas students is approximately 45%. In general, 4 out of every 10 students who apply there actually get admission to the university. Applicants should focus on their grades, scores in specified exams and documents to increase their chances & for a smooth admission process. 

Yes, there is no doubt about that. New Zealand is a top destination to study abroad. It has a lot to offer including quality education, ample opportunities, top qualifications, a good lifestyle and whatnot.

The university is one of the largest universities in Auckland, New Zealand with over 40,000 students and about 10,000 of them graduates annually. 

The University of Auckland is ranked 262 in the world according to the latest research.

Are you planning to study at the University of Auckland but not sure where to start? Call our Leverage Edu experts ayt 1800 57 2000 for end-to-end assistance from application to the visa process.

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Universities

The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland: Acceptance Rate, Fees & Courses

Auckland, New Zealand

Help Me Decide

• Counselling
• Discussions

University Type

QS Global Rank

Average Living Expenses

Auckland, New Zealand's University of Auckland is a public research university. In the QS World University Rankings, it is routinely placed among the top 100 biggest, most comprehensive, and best-respected institutions in New Zealand. In 1883, the university founded the college as a constituent college. A former courthouse served as the original location. The Institution of Auckland now has more than 40,000 students enrolled across five locations in Auckland, making it the biggest university in New Zealand. Most students and faculty are located at the City Campus, located in the heart of Auckland's business district. A law school and three research institutes are part of the eight-school system.

What is the acceptance rate of the University of Auckland?

The University of Auckland acceptance rate is 45%.

Top Reasons to Study in the The University of Auckland

• The University is able to operate better as a globally competitive research-led university because of its worldwide collaborations.
• Times Higher Education's first University Impact Rankings put the University of Auckland at the top of the list (THE).

Masters in Data Science

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

Tuition fee

Masters in Engineering

Faculty of Engineering

MS in Engineering Management Mem

Cost of Studying at The University of Auckland

Average tuition fee

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

Loan amount sanctioned

Assistance for loan process

Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

Average living expenses (Masters)

Average on-campus living expenses

Admissions at The The University of Auckland

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

Application Fee

How to Apply at The University of Auckland

• Visit the institution's official website.
• Simply click on the 'Apply Now' or the "Register Here" button to begin the application process.
• It is time to finish filling up your educational record with all of your academic achievements.
• Fill out your previous job history.
• This is where you may describe who you are.
• Fill out the application and send it in with the required costs.

Documents Required to Apply to The University of Auckland

• Complete and submit the online application.
• Transcripts should be submitted and evaluated.
• GRE scores above 300 are required.
• Provide program-specific specifications ( if any).
• a copy of your passport
• Basic command of the English language is required.

Exams Accepted By The University of Auckland

College Finder

Know universities that fit you best!

Take us through your profile, study preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and we’d find you universities that are tailor made for you, instantly!

Rankings for The The University of Auckland

US World and News Report

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

More rankings for this university

Students the university of auckland.

Yocketers applied

Yocketers admitted

Yocketers interested

Premium Yocketer profiles

Mohamed Atif

Public Health

Sheena Agrawal

Engineering

Summer 2023

Engineering Studies

Civil Engineering

International Students

% of international students in the university

Total International Students in the university

Alumni at The University of Auckland

• Edmund Hillary
• David Beattie
• Helen Clark
• Stephen Donald

Yocket’s Counsel

Meet our counsellors.

We got a team of 50+ experienced counsellors ready to help you!

Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

32 minutes ago

33 minutes ago

34 minutes ago

Reviews for The University of Auckland

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has 7

Campus locations Auckland

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

University of Auckland Campus is conveniently located in the city's downtown core. All of the city's major cultural, entertainment, and shopping hotspots are within easy walking distance of your hotel. An additional draw are the views of the harbour and Albert Park. Henceforth, all the means of transportation are available to reach the University of Auckland . You can use both public and private vehicles.

Services offered by the university

The University's main City campus is 16 hectares in size. As a result, each campus is well-equipped to provide students with an exceptional educational experience. Located in Auckland's central business district, City Campus has eateries, health care services, libraries, childcare facilities, and a leisure area. It is possible that the Engineering and Science faculties at Newmarket Campus, which is located in Newmarket's central business district, may eventually expand.

Student life at The University of Auckland

About 3500 students are enrolled in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at Epsom Campus, which offers foundational, undergraduate, and graduate degrees. More than 200 students are housed at the Tai Tokerau Campus, which offers a variety of foundation courses, including New Start and the Tertiary Foundation Certificate. At the Grafton Campus, the university's medical school, library, and other clinical facilities are located.

Faculty Information

University Faculty Stats

Total number of faculty members:1624

Total number of students:32,983

Total number of courses:200+

Jobs and Opportunities

University Endowments Value

Research opportunities at the university of auckland.

There are six campuses at the University of Auckland : City, Newmarket, Epsom, Grafton, Tai Tokerau and South Auckland. The University of Auckland offers courses at each of these sites. To recognize the university's achievements in research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalization, innovation, and inclusivity, QS Stars awarded it five stars.

Internship opportunities at The University of Auckland

Once you enroll at the university of Auckland , you can discover the advantages of working at New Zealand's most prestigious university, job listings, and more, by visiting the university's website. You can also get opportunities to work as an intern under various recognised companies.

Placement of The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is committed to fostering a diverse community. More than 33,000 students are enrolled in the university, of whom 25,700 are undergraduates and 7,700 are postgraduates, with 2,200 academic members on campus. About 89 lakhs a year is the average pay for graduates from the University of Auckland . GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2020 submitted 360 overseas programs offered at the University of Auckland for the category of Diversity Innovation. Wellington Water, McKinsey, Deloitte New Zealand, PwC New Zealand, and others are among the top recruiters at this institution.

1. University of Auckland's application fee? The University of Auckland charges an application fee of 85 New Zealand Dollars (INR 4244) for undergraduate programs and 100 New Zealand Dollars (INR 4993) for graduate programs.

2. When it comes to overseas students, how would you rate the University of Auckland? The University of Auckland is ranked number one in New Zealand and among the world's top 100 universities. With over 40,000 students, it is also the biggest university in the nation. In terms of research output, the university has a well-deserved reputation for excellence across the world. Accreditation from the famous Triple Crown is also a mark of distinction for Auckland's Business School.

3. Where can I find out more about the University of Auckland's academic offerings? Various courses are available at the University of Auckland . There are more than 200 courses available, ranging from the undergraduate level all the way up to the doctoral level.

4. When can I expect to hear about my acceptance? Getting an admissions decision usually takes four to six weeks after your application, and the admissions office has received all supporting documentation.

5. For admission to Auckland University, are SAT scores required? No. SAT scores are not required to be submitted, but a high score might offer you an advantage over other candidates.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main navigation
• Tāwāhi International
• Oranga Tauira Student Life
• Rangahau Research
• Ākonga o Mua Alumni
• Ahumahi me ngā Kaiwhakawhiwhi Mahi Industry & employers
• Mō Mātou About
• Apply Enquire
• MyAUT Staff intranet

Doctoral scholarships

Our PhD students are at the heart of AUT’s research culture. To attract and recognise highly achieving research students and stimulate doctoral research in areas that enhance AUT’s capability, AUT offers a number of doctoral scholarships.

To qualify for a doctoral scholarship, you must have gained admission into an approved doctoral programme at AUT before applying for the scholarship.

2024 AUT doctoral scholarships you can apply for

Doctoral scholarships are awarded to applicants with an excellent academic record (normally first-class honours), strong academic references and the potential for high-quality research.

Each Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarship consists of an annual stipend of $33,000, plus tuition fees and compulsory student services fee for up to three years.

Who can apply for an AUT Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarship

To qualify, you must:

• Be applying as a new doctoral candidate
• Have an unconditional Offer of Place in the AUT doctoral programme
• Have a GPA of 8.0 or above in your most recent qualifying programme completed at a New Zealand tertiary institution
• Māori and domestic Pacific applicants: have a GPA of 7.5 or above from your most recent qualifying programme completed at a New Zealand tertiary institution, and be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• You must enrol into the doctoral programme within three months after being offered the scholarship

Full AUT doctoral scholarship regulations

When to apply

Applications for a Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarship are accepted at any stage during the year, apart from between 1 December to 15 January.

Each AUT Doctoral Scholarship consists of an annual stipend of $33,000, plus tuition fees and compulsory student services fee for up to three years.

Who can apply for an AUT Doctoral Scholarship

• Open to all applicants including those from countries other than New Zealand who meet the admission requirements for a doctoral programme
• You must have received an Offer of Place for the doctoral programme at AUT

Other scholarships you will be considered for

If you’re applying for an AUT Doctoral Scholarship you will also be considered for one of the following faculty or school funded options:

• A full fee scholarship
• Full fees plus an annual stipend equivalent to at least $20,000 or the minimum living cost criteria for Immigration NZ student visa, whichever is the highest

These faculty doctoral scholarships include:

• AUT Doctoral Scholarships – Business Economics and Law
• AUT Doctoral Scholarships – School of Future Environments (Māori and Pacific)
• AUT Doctoral Scholarships – Faculty of Culture and Society (fees only)
• AUT Doctoral Scholarships - Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences (fees only)
• AUT Doctoral Scholarships – School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

There are three closing dates to apply for an AUT Doctoral Scholarship in 2024:

Applications open one month before the closing dates.

If you haven’t already applied for admission into the doctoral programme at AUT you must complete both steps below. If you’re a current PhD student at AUT or already have an Offer of Place to start your PhD at AUT, go directly to step 2.

1) Apply for admission into the doctoral programme at AUT

You need to have been accepted into the AUT doctoral programme to qualify for a doctoral scholarship. The admissions process may take up to two months, so you need to apply for admission to the doctoral programme at least two months prior to applying for this scholarship.

If you haven’t completed the process of applying for admission into the doctoral programme, you won’t be eligible to apply for the scholarship.

For information on how to start your application for admission to the doctoral programme email the AUT Graduate Research School at  [email protected]

2) Apply for a doctoral scholarship

• Download the AUT doctoral scholarship regulations and familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria and the conditions of acceptance
• Apply through the AUT online scholarships application portal – you need to register and select which AUT scholarship(s) to apply for
• Upload a two-page statement outlining your proposed research in up to 1,000 words plus references (longer documents won’t be accepted)
• Upload a brief CV (up to three A4 pages)
• Upload your academic transcript(s) for any tertiary study that was completed at a university other than AUT
• Upload a copy of your conditional or unconditional Offer of Place
• Provide details of your two academic referees and, via the scholarship application portal, ask them to submit a confidential report directly to the portal by the closing date
• If your proposed AUT primary supervisor or head of school isn’t one of your referees, provide a letter or evidence of AUT faculty support. If your supervisor is also a referee they need to provide only one statement covering both purposes. Your application will not be provided to the panel unless you can demonstrate that the AUT faculty support your application
• Submit your completed application via the online scholarships application portal once you have completed all the required sections. This can be done before your referees have submitted their reports

Application portal and supporting documents you may need

• AUT online scholarships application portal
• AUT doctoral scholarship regulations
• Thesis proposal *

*You can find a thesis proposal template in the application portal or can upload the proposal document yourself.

Research at AUT

AUT research is focused on real-world impact, and we're proud of our reputation as a leading research university. We have more than 60 research centres and institutes delivering innovative research that addresses issues facing the environment, society and the world.

EXPLORE AUT RESEARCH

Meet some of our doctoral scholarship recipients

Claudine Nalesu

Tanuj Wadhi

Roxane de Waegh

Jasper Wong

Keegan Chessum

Su Myat Kyaw

Stefania Patrone Scholarships Officer [email protected]

How we assess applications

AUT uses a number of criteria when assessing scholarship applicants, including your GPA and research experience, and how your research aligns with AUT’s research priorities.

RANKING CRITERIA

Apply to study at AUT

Before applying for a scholarship you need to have gained admission into AUT’s doctoral programme.

Applying to AUT is easy – submit your application online today.

Apply online

Support for postgraduate research students

As a postgraduate research student at AUT you have access to a range of support and resources, including postgraduate study spaces, events and researcher development activities.

• MyAucklandUni
• Student Services Online
• Class search
• Student email
• Change my password
• MyCDES+ (job board)
• Course outlines
• Learning essentials
• Libraries and Learning Services
• Forms, policies and guidelines
• New students
• Enrol in courses
• Campus card
• Postgraduate students
• Summer school
• AskAuckland
• Student Hubs
• Student IT Hub
• Student Health and Counselling
• Harassment, bullying, sexual assault and other violence
• Complaints and incidents
• Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)
• Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira | Student Disability Services (SDS)
• Rainbow support
• Covid-19 information for our community
• Emergency information
• Report concerns, incidents and hazards
• Health and safety topics
• Staff email
• Staff intranet
• ResearchHub
• PeopleSoft HR
• Forms register
• Careers at the University
• Education Office
• Early childhood centres
• University Calendar
• Opportunities
• Update your details
• Make a donation
• Publications
• Photo galleries
• Video and audio
• Career services
• Virtual Book Club
• Library services
• Alumni benefits
• Office contact details
• Alumni and friends on social media
• No events scheduled for today You have no more events scheduled for today
• Next event:
• Show {0} earlier events Show {0} earlier event
• Event_Time Event_Name Event_Description
• My Library Account
• Change Password
• Edit Profile
• My GPA Grade Point Average About your GPA GPA not available Why can't I see my GPA?
• My Progress
• Points Required Completed points My Progress Progress not available All done!
• Student hubs
• Health and counselling
• All support
• Health, safety and well-being

Breadcrumbs List.

• News and opinion

Liggins graduate leads groundbreaking mental health research

Liggins Institute , Health and medicine , Graduation

Metua Daniel-Atutolu’s research journey into the mental health of Cook Island adolescents highlights the importance of Indigenous voices in research and sheds light on a deepening crisis.

The first thing Metua Daniel-Atutolu thought when senior nursing colleagues contacted her about a critical mental health research project focussing on adolescents in the Cook Islands was not “Can I really fit this into my life?” but “Am I the right person for this role?”. 

Metua already had a Masters of Nursing, as well as a full time clinical position, and significant family responsibilities to her husband and four adult children, but also as the nurse in her large Pacific family and wider Cook Islands community.

But those other commitments weren't what concerned her when deciding whether to take on the Masters research, to undertake a baseline survey of the mental health of young Cook Islanders. 

Instead, what she asked herself was: Shouldn’t this research be done by someone living in the Cook Islands?

I wanted to make sure our Cook Island ways of doing and our voices weren’t lost ... I also knew I needed to be respectful of those who are back home and of those who came before me.

Metua Daniel-Atutolu Liggins Institute graduate

“My father’s background is from Aitutaki, Penrhyn and Palmerston and my mother is from Mangaia. I was born in New Zealand but always had connections to the homeland. So in my mind I knew it was a privilege to be able to do this research, but I wished it had been someone, a nurse or clinician, from back home. 

“I wanted to make sure our Cook Island ways of doing and our voices weren’t lost, and I was grateful for the opportunity, but I also knew I needed to be respectful of those who are back home and of those who came before me.”

Two years later, Metua has graduated with a Masters in Health Science, first class honours. More importantly, her research – the first in its field in the Cook Islands – has highlighted the need for attention to be focused on mental health among adolescents. It has also signalled a way forward for education and health agencies.

“There is anecdotal evidence around young people experiencing poor mental health, including anxiety, depression and engaging in risky behaviours, but there was no measure. Researchers have come in before and they’ve looked at different factors influencing our young people’s lives – like drinking alcohol, smoking, and what they are eating – but they’ve never focussed purely on adolescents’ mental health.”

And without research data it was difficult for the authorities to develop a health and wellbeing strategy around young people’s mental health.

Now they have that evidence, however confronting that might be: it appears today's Cook Islands teenagers are experiencing high rates of mental health distress. Although the sample size in Metua's study was relatively small, she says, data was gathered using the global and well-validated mental health screening tool, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, or SDQ, which means Cook Island adolescent mental health can now be benchmarked internationally.

And those early comparisons are worrying. In fact, following some alarming numbers in the initial stages of the research, Metua, together with a Cook Islands-based team including Dr Evangelene Daniela-Wong and Christine Porio, helped set up a clinical pathway and support guidelines for how the young study participants would be followed up. 

With the knowledge she has provided through the project’s partnership with the ministries of Education and Health, she’s hopeful the SDQ mental health tool will become part of the Cook Islands’ annual school health checks.

Metua says it was important that the research findings be presented in the Cook Islands first, and this was done at the Pacific Medical Association and Te Marae Ora (Ministry of Health) annual conference in the Cook Islands in September last year.

“Part of giving back to our people was to ensure my research was presented back home first, because it belongs to us. On presentation day my room was completely full; I felt overwhelmed by support. And I knew it was because people wanted to hear about this research; it’s about our young people.”

And the future? Metua hasn’t closed the door on a PhD. She says if an opportunity presents itself and the topic is right, then she will step in. But if there is someone living back home in the Cook Islands who would be able to take on the research, she would be happy for this.

“I feel that whenever you’re doing research in the Pacific, Indigenous knowledge carried by Indigenous people is so important. If you do research on a population of people, like mine from the Cook Islands, then it’s important to have a researcher who is from that population. You know the people and you can work more collaboratively.

“I’m really grateful it was a Cook Islander who undertook this research.”

Part of giving back to our people was to ensure my research was presented back home first, because it belongs to us.

Metua’s thesis title was “Baseline assessment of mental health in Cook Island adolescents”. It was supervised by Professor Mark Vickers and Dr Jacquie Bay and supported via an ongoing collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education in the Cook Islands as part of a Pacific Research Project led by Dr Neti Tamarua-Herman and funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. 

Professor Mark Vickers describes Metua as someone with “a passion for supporting the mental health of young people”.

“She combined her clinical experience and cultural knowledge to complete a highly successful project in the Cook Islands that has provided key baseline data indicative of a current significant mental health burden in Cook Island adolescents and therefore identified an urgent need to develop scaffolded resources to support these students, their families, the schools and wider community.”

Metua is one of four Liggins Institute students graduating in May. Amy Barker and Georgia Wansink have gained Bachelor of Medical Imaging degrees, with Honours, and Zahlee Buckley a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours.

Media contact

Nikki Mandow | Research communications M: 021 174 3142 E:  nikki.mandow@auckland.ac.nz

Related links

• Making all the difference in the world
• First in family to go to university, now a doctor from Aitutaki