The University of Auckland, whose Māori name is Waipapa Taumata Rau, opened on 23 May 1883 as Auckland University College, part of the University of New Zealand, with 95 students. It became independent in 1962, and its 2025 Annual Report states that it was established by The University of Auckland Act 1961. Nic Smith became Vice-Chancellor in August 2026.
According to the 2025 Annual Report, the university had 49,901 students by headcount in 2025, of whom 11,759 were from overseas, and 6,250 full-time equivalent staff. Its faculties are Arts and Education, Business and Economics, Engineering and Design, Law, Medical and Health Sciences, and Science. The report states that Auckland UniServices Limited, part of the university group, has a branch in Saudi Arabia.