Formally opened in 1883, The University of Auckland is regarded to be the top-tier University of New Zealand in terms of employability of graduates. During the depression of the early 1930s, there was an increased interest in academic research. A group of students started a literary journal, Phoenix, which later became the focus for the first literary movement in the history of New Zealand.

In the late 1960s, the university created the largest library in New Zealand. The University of Auckland has more than 40,000 students enrolled in its five campuses, close to 10,000 students graduate on a yearly basis. In addition, the university has the biggest research organization of New Zealand, which comprises of more than 13,000 staff and postgraduate students, who participate in the field of fundamental research and applied.

The University of Auckland organizes its teaching premises within 8 faculties, two major research institutes as well as other institutes and centers. The university includes faculty of arts, business school, science faculty, creative arts faculty and industries, medical faculty and health sciences, education faculty and social, faculty of engineering, faculty of law, Liggins Institute, Auckland Bioengineering Institute and a variety of research institutes and centers.

In QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018, Auckland University attained a position among the top 50 universities worldwide for 18 of their subjects on offer. More specifically, the university three subjects - Archaeology, Education and Anatomy attained the world ranks of 10, 17 and 18, respectively. According to the most recent evaluation in 2012, it was found that the University of Auckland had 35% of the top level researchers in New Zealand.

Moreover, the university has generated around $230 million in annual research revenue. According to evaluation, it gained 33% of the funding on the basis of research degree completions. It also gained 36% of the funding on the basis of external research income.

Furthermore, the university gained 31% of its overall funding on confirming its position of being the nation premier research institution. Auckland University has one of the most impressive alumni networks in the world. Some of the successful alumni of the university include Beijing-based filmmaker Han Niu, who did MA Screen Production from Auckland University in 2014 and is currently working towards creating a feature film project titled The Manifesto.

Another successful alumnus is perfume brand manager Clorinda di Tommaso, who did BA degree in Auckland in 2002, followed by a translation diploma and a Masters in Italian Cinema.