NZ · Bachelor's
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Bachelor of Communication Studies
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Course Overview
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) hosts the School of Communication Studies within the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies — New Zealand's largest and highest-rated communications school, consistently top 200 globally for Communication and Media Studies (QS Subject Rankings). The Bachelor of Communication Studies is AUT's flagship media degree, taught at the City Campus in central Auckland — minutes from TVNZ, Three (formerly MediaWorks), NZME (NZ Herald, Newstalk ZB), and the cluster of Auckland production houses servicing Amazon's Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Avatar sequels. The 3-year degree offers six majors: Journalism, Digital Communication, Public Relations, Public Communication, Advertising Creativity, and Television and Screen Production — students declare their major in Year 2.
Sri Lankan A-Level / IB applicants from English-medium school backgrounds choose AUT for the combined New Zealand lifestyle + clear PR pathway: post-study work visa is 3 years for Level 7 Bachelor's, and Public Relations Professional (ANZSCO 225311) plus several journalism / communications roles appear on NZ's Green List skilled migration pathway (subject to ongoing list reviews). AUT's career office places graduates into TVNZ, Three / Discovery NZ, NZME (NZ Herald, Newstalk ZB), Stuff (NZ digital news), RNZ (Radio New Zealand), plus the New Zealand creative industries (Weta Workshop adjacent companies, Sir Peter Jackson's Park Road Post, and Auckland advertising agencies — DDB NZ, Saatchi NZ, Colenso BBDO).
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Cambridge / Edexcel A-Levels: 3 A-Level passes at minimum grade C; English Language at A or AS Level strongly preferred.
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 passes (S or above) in Arts / Commerce / Physical Science stream.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 24 points minimum.
- check_circle Personal Statement (250-500 words) — required for Bachelor of Communication Studies admission.
- check_circle Portfolio / writing sample required for the Television and Screen Production major (waived for Year 1 generalist entry; required at Year 2 major declaration).
- check_circle Two academic references.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 60 Overall (min 18 Writing).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 50 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English B2 First grade C.
- check_circle Waived if you have completed 4+ years of full-time English-medium secondary education (most Sri Lankan Edexcel / Cambridge International / Royal / Trinity / St Joseph's / Visakha / Asian International applicants qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | NZD 35,000 | Rs. 6,650,000 |
| Living Expenses in Auckland (per year) | NZD 20,000 | Rs. 3,800,000 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory, per year) | NZD 800 | Rs. 152,000 |
| Student Visa, IELTS & Application Fees | NZD 700 | Rs. 133,000 |
| Books, Equipment & Travel | NZD 2,500 | Rs. 475,000 |
| Total Programme Investment (3 years) | NZD 175,500 | Rs. 33,345,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa — 3 years of open work rights for Level 7 Bachelor's graduates in NZ (no employer sponsorship required). Public Relations Professional (ANZSCO 225311) and several adjacent communications roles appear on the NZ Green List Tier 2 or Other Critical Worker lists from time to time — review against the current Green List at application. AUT Communication Studies graduates route into TVNZ, Three / Discovery NZ, NZME (NZ Herald, Newstalk ZB, Coast FM), Stuff, RNZ, the Spinoff, plus Auckland advertising agencies (DDB NZ, Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, Colenso BBDO, FCB NZ, Special Group), corporate communications at Fonterra, Air New Zealand, Spark, Auckland Council, plus the NZ creative industries (production houses servicing Amazon Studios NZ, the Park Road Post group, Weta Workshop adjacent companies). Median NZ starting salary NZD 50,000-65,000 (LKR 9.5M-12.35M/yr). Sri Lankan returnees route into senior reporting and communications roles at Daily FT, Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, Roar Media, Groundviews, plus into corporate communications at MAS Holdings, John Keells, Brandix, broadcast positions at Sirasa, Derana, News First, MTV Maharaja.
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