History
The Auckland Royal Academy was founded a century ago in Auckland City by a small group of prominent New Zealand and international educators and scholars who were inspired by the limitations of existing academic institutions. Their vision was to create a university that combined rigorous scholarship with a commitment to social justice, cultural diversity, and practical impact.
Since those early decades, Auckland Royal Academy has grown into a comprehensive international university offering over 80 degree programmes across the arts, sciences, business, and technology. The university has attracted students and researchers from more than 60 countries, reflecting its commitment to global perspectives and cross-cultural academic exchange.
In 1980, they founded the Auckland Royal Academy for Social Research. Now formally named The Auckland Royal Academy, the university has grown to include five colleges, with courses that reflect the founders’ interest in the emerging social sciences, international affairs, liberal arts, history, and philosophy, as well as art, design, management, and performing arts.
Leading University
1980
Opening of the Auckland Royal Academy Central Library, housing over 500,000 volumes and digital archives
1982
Political scientist George Michael begins teaching at The Auckland Royal Academy
1992
Hundreds of students successfully graduate first master’s programs
1996
First education program for Social change
1962
One year anniversary of the university