Auckland Institute of Studies

What Auckland Institute of Studies does

Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) is a privately held, NZQA Category 1-rated tertiary education provider founded in 1990 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. The institution operates across three Auckland campuses (Mt Albert, St Helens, Asquith) and offers a portfolio of approximately 13 programmes spanning six disciplines: Business (BBus, GDBus), Business Administration (PGCBA, PGDBA, MBA), Information Technology (NZDITTS, BIT, GDIT, PGDIT, MIT), Hospitality Management (NZ Diploma Level 5), Tourism Management, and English Language (NZCEL Level 4 and 5). The Bachelor of Business programme holds dual accreditation from CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, providing graduates with direct pathways to professional accounting qualifications.

The institution serves both domestic New Zealand students and international students from over 40 countries, with international students paying programme fees of approximately NZ$22,000-NZ$27,000 per 120 credits versus domestic fees of approximately NZ$5,000-NZ$7,650 per 120 credits. AIS operates on a flexible three-semester academic calendar that enables fast-tracking, and offers full online/offshore delivery for select programmes including NZCEL Level 5. The technology stack comprises standard educational infrastructure: an Enroller online enrolment portal (hosted under the up-education domain), Microsoft Teams for virtual orientation and classes, My eQuals for credential verification, and Paymark Click for payment processing.

AIS generates revenue primarily through tuition fees across international and domestic student cohorts, with international tuition representing the higher-value revenue stream at roughly 4-5x the domestic rate. Distribution is multi-channel, combining direct online enrolment, a global education agent network spanning China, Vietnam, Indian Subcontinent, Turkey, Middle East, and Pacific Islands, formal sister-school linkages with Tonga Institute of Higher Education and partner schools in Samoa for pathway enrolment, and government-supported StudyLink loan arrangements for domestic students. The institution has accumulated over 50,000 alumni since founding, and is led by CEO Richard Smith.

Name

Auckland Institute of Studies

Legal name

Auckland Institute of Studies Ltd

Website

https://ais.ac.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Auckland Institute of Studies is a private, NZQA Category 1 tertiary education provider in Auckland, New Zealand, offering business, IT, hospitality, tourism, and English language programmes to domestic and international students from over 40 countries via on-campus and online delivery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education / Tertiary Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Credentialing, Academic Credit, Assessment & Transcript Services (EDAIAFAO)

Keywords

• Tertiary education services
• Higher education programmes
• Business degree programmes
• English language training
• International student education

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. International Student Tuition: International students pay programme fees ranging from NZ$22,000 to NZ$24,750 per 120 credits, plus resource fees and student services fees. This is the primary revenue stream supporting institutional operations.
2. Domestic Student Tuition: Domestic students pay subsidized programme fees of approximately NZ$4,995-5,355 per 120 credits. Some programmes are eligible for student loans through StudyLink, providing accessible payment options.
3. English Language Programmes: Specialized English language courses (NZCEL Level 4 and 5) generate revenue from students requiring English proficiency qualifications for academic or immigration purposes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) is a private tertiary education institution that designs, delivers and awards academic qualifications ranging from English language certificates (NZCEL Level 4 and 5) through undergraduate diplomas and bachelor's degrees to postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and master's degrees in Business, Business Administration, Information Technology, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management. Programmes are delivered on-campus in Auckland and online/remotely to offshore students, with revenue generated from tuition fees paid by both domestic and international students.

Product overview

Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) is an NZQA Category 1 tertiary education provider offering a portfolio of academic programmes across six main disciplines: Business (including the CPA/CAANZ-accredited Bachelor of Business), Business Administration (MBA, PGDBA, PGCBA), Information Technology (from NZDITTS diploma through to Master of Information Technology), Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and English Language (NZCEL). The institution operates on a flexible three-semester system with programmes ranging from certificate-level English language courses through to Level 9 master's degrees. AIS provides both on-campus and online/offshore delivery options, with cross-credit recognition enabling students to fast-track their studies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Business (BBus) A Level 7, 360-credit undergraduate degree offering study pathways in Accounting, Marketing, Facilities Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Healthcare Management. Accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), it prepares students for professional business careers and is offered to both domestic and international students.
• Graduate Diploma in Business (GDBus) A 124-credit graduate diploma designed for graduates of a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than business who wish to achieve competency and advanced qualification in business disciplines. Available to domestic and international students.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) An 18-month full-time professional degree in business management covering business disciplines that form the basis of executive decision-making. Delivered with weekend classes. Described as the most internationally-recognised business qualification offered by AIS.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) A postgraduate business administration diploma typically studied alongside the MBA programme with weekend classes, providing advanced business administration education for graduates.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (PGCBA) A postgraduate business administration certificate providing foundational business management education for graduates seeking entry-level postgraduate business credentials.
• New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5) A Level 5 diploma programme in hospitality management covering hotel operations, food and beverage service, and hospitality industry fundamentals, preparing students for careers in hotels, resorts and hospitality venues.
• New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (NZDITTS) A Level 5 NZQA-approved diploma providing foundational IT technical support skills and knowledge for students seeking entry-level IT support roles.
• Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) An undergraduate degree programme in information technology preparing students for careers in software development, networks, and information systems.
• Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (GDIT) A 135-credit, 12-month graduate diploma for students with a non-IT bachelor's degree wishing to develop knowledge in IT, or IT graduates seeking to enhance career opportunities through specialisation in Software Development, Networks and Security, or Information Systems.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (PGDIT) A Level 8 postgraduate diploma in IT designed to fill the global skills shortage within the IT sector, with specialisation options in networks and security, software development, or information systems.
• Master of Information Technology (MIT) A Level 9, 180-credit master's degree programme equipping graduates with advanced IT skills needed for complex IT environments, including the ability to critically evaluate literature, analyse research results, and perform independent research into complex IT issues.
• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) (NZCEL) A Level 4 English language certificate equipping students with listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary to undertake a full-time tertiary programme in New Zealand. Typically delivered on-campus.
• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5) (NZCEL) A Level 5 English language certificate offered online for offshore learners, providing the same academic rigour as on-campus study and accessible from anywhere in the world.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50,000 students educated from 40+ countries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister school relationship providing seamless transition from Tonga diploma qualifications to AIS degree programmes. Students from TIHE receive full credit transfers, enabling faster completion of bachelor's degrees. This partnership has produced numerous graduates now working in Tonga and New Zealand.
• Sister Schools in Tonga and SamoacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal institutional linkages creating student pathways from Pacific Island diploma qualifications into AIS degree programmes with cross-credit recognition. Supports Māori and Pacific Island Association activities on campus.
• Immigration New ZealandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial partner for student visa processing. International students from certain countries recommended for Pre-Visa Assessment before paying programme fees. AIS provides Confirmation of Enrolment and tuition receipts required for visa applications.
• StudyLinkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency providing student loans and allowances for domestic students. AIS programmes are eligible for student finance, enabling domestic students to defer fee payment while studying.
• Absolute AnalyticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal internship partner company that hired AIS Post-Graduate Diploma in Information Systems graduate as full-time Web Analytics Specialist/Developer after successful internship.
• CPA AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional accounting body that has accredited AIS Bachelor of Business programme. Accreditation enables graduates to pursue CPA Australia membership with appropriate elective selection.
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional accounting body that has accredited AIS Bachelor of Business programme. Graduates can satisfy academic requirements for CAANZ membership and pathway to professional qualification.
• SkyCityminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMajor Auckland entertainment complex that has hired multiple AIS hospitality graduates for VIP Gaming Services and food and beverage positions. Represents industry employment pathway for graduates.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC): NZTC is another private NZ tertiary institution within the UP Education group specialising in early childhood education programmes. Comparable to AIS as a privately operated NZ tertiary provider with international student recruitment infrastructure.
• Whitecliffe: Whitecliffe is another established NZ private tertiary education institution offering certificates through to postgraduate degrees, with programmes in arts, design, health, and technology. Comparable to AIS as a long-standing private NZ tertiary provider serving similar domestic and international student segments.
• Yoobee College of Creative Innovation: Yoobee is part of the UP Education Group (which appears to share AIS's enrolment platform) and is a major NZ private tertiary provider focused on design, film, animation, and technology. Direct peer as another private NZ tertiary competitor recruiting both domestic and international students with similar fee structures.
• NZ School of Education (NZSE): NZSE is a private NZ tertiary institution focused on teacher education and training programmes. Directly comparable to AIS as a private NZ tertiary provider targeting similar international and domestic student segments with comparable fee structures.

Regional players

• Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT is a Te Pūkenga polytechnic based in South Auckland with programmes in business, IT, and trades and substantial Pacific Island student enrolment. Comparable to AIS as a geographically adjacent Auckland tertiary competitor with overlapping Pacific Island student pipeline and similar programme portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology: Toi Ohomai is a Te Pūkenga polytechnic offering business, IT, hospitality, and tourism programmes across certificate to degree levels. Comparable to AIS as a NZ tertiary competitor with significant international student intake from similar source markets including Pacific Islands.
• Massey University: Massey University is a major NZ public university with extensive business, IT, and hospitality programmes and significant international student recruitment. Comparable to AIS as a domestic NZ tertiary competitor offering similar programmes at degree and postgraduate level, though at much larger scale.
• University of Auckland: The University of Auckland is NZ's largest public research university with comprehensive business, IT, and tourism programmes and a large international student cohort. Comparable to AIS as the dominant Auckland tertiary competitor competing for the same domestic and international student base, though with significantly broader programme range.
• Otago Polytechnic: Otago Polytechnic is a Te Pūkenga institution offering programmes in business, IT, hospitality, and tourism across multiple qualification levels. Comparable to AIS as a major NZ tertiary competitor with overlapping programme mix and similar international student recruitment focus.
• Ara Institute of Canterbury: Ara is a major NZ polytechnic (now part of Te Pūkenga) offering programmes from certificates through to postgraduate degrees across business, IT, hospitality, and trades. Comparable to AIS as a broader NZ tertiary competitor with overlapping business and IT offerings and similar international student recruitment.

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/edu/auckland-institute-of-studies-15501
• Xx.com/AIS_AucklandNZ

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Auckland Institute of Studies