In 1989 ATI became Auckland Institute of Technology (AIT), and the current name was adopted when university status was granted in 2000.

[8] AUT has three campuses: City (in Auckland CBD), North and South, and the training institute, Millennium.

The largest site is situated on Wellesley Street East and is home to most of the academic units and central administration, including the Vice-Chancellor's Office and research centres.

The Faculties of Business, Economics and Law, Design and Creative Technologies, Culture and Society and Te Ara Poutama share this location.

Sustainability was also a goal, with rain water being collected for use in the labs, occupancy sensors in the rooms to ensure that areas are not being unnecessarily lit and solar fins on the outside of the building to regulate heat from the sun and ease load on the air-conditioning system.

Named after the former Chancellor of the university, the Sir Paul Reeves Building hosts the School of Communication Studies.

[11] The most recent addition to the city campus is the WQ building (Formally known as Te Āhuru Student Accommodation and Recreation Centre).

The rest of the building is occupied by the AUT Recreation centre which has a multipurpose court, breakout rooms, dance studios as well as staff offices.

The campus also boasts astro turf courts with tennis, basketball, netball, volleyball, touch, and soccer equipment available for hire.

Construction of MH was completed in December 2016, and was officially opened by Prime Minister Bill English in March 2017.

The Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences (including the Sport and Recreation division) and School of Education share this campus, which has park-like grounds.

AUT's main sport and fitness centre is located at the campus, encompassing a gymnasium, weights room, testing equipment, golf swing clinic, and indoor courts.

The 12m telescope is located near Warkworth and is part of New Zealand's and Australia's involvement in the international mega-science project, the Square Kilometre Array.

[24] The education programme teaches English language skills at early childhood, primary, secondary and adult levels, as well as orientation to life in New Zealand.

With a new set of learners arriving every two months, and with ages ranging from early childhood to adult, the teaching team has developed a curriculum that gives refugees English and life skills, but remains flexible in order to tailor the lessons to each new intake.

These are: AUT offers undergraduate and postgraduate (both doctoral and Master) degrees, as well as sub-degree qualifications such as diplomas and certificates.

[26] The university opened new research centres and institutes in 2016, bringing the total number to more than 60, covering a wide range of disciplines.

[37] Founding director David Robie, a New Zealand author, journalist and media academic, won a Vice Chancellor's Award in 2011 for excellence in university teaching.

[68] AUT now features amongst the world's elite institutions in 11 subjects, featuring in the QS World University Rankings for:[68][clarification needed] AUT is the first and only tertiary provider in New Zealand to be awarded the Rainbow Tick,[69] which attests to the university's work to ensure inclusiveness for the LGBTQI community, and in positively responding to issues of gender diversity.

[74] The AUTSA Advocacy Team provide advice to students with academic grievances, grade appeals, harassment, or tenancy issues.

There are Business and Law, Design and Creative Technologies, Health and Environmental Sciences, Culture and Society and Te Ara Poutama Faculty Representatives.

Former presidents include April Pokino (2014–2015), Kizito Essuman (2012–2013), Veronica Ng Lam (2010–2011), Andre D'cruz (2009), and Jan Herman (2007–2008).

AUTSA supports more than 40 affiliated clubs, and organises concerts, comedy shows, live DJs, dance parties, the annual Orientation Festival and other events.

AUTSA sponsored the AUT Titans at the Australian University Games in 2009, winning gold in netball and touch rugby.