Notwithstanding the economic depression the Auckland University College Act was passed in 1882, the college being opened in 1883 with a statutory grant of £4,000, and affiliated with the University of New Zealand.

Stout, a persistent, ardent reformer, now member of Senate, and also Premier and Minister of Education, returned to the fray in 1886. He complained that the University regarded examinations as its chief function, that research was neglected because the colleges were too poor, and that a peripatetic Senate meeting once or twice a year was out of touch with the colleges. He proposed to bring down a Bill incorporating the main recommendations of the commission of 1879, but, as the Senate was not enthusiastic, he turned his attention to advocacy of a college in Wellington. He had, in 1887, introduced a Wellington University College Bill, intending to provide for the needs of Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki, and on a novel plan. Scientists employed in the Government service would serve as teachers during the sessions. The Bill met strong opposition and was withdrawn. It was R. J. Seddon who, returning from Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, adorned with an honorary doctorate of Cambridge, and filled with admiration for “the advantages of higher education” brought the desired college to birth by passing the Victoria University College Act in 1897. The college was duly affiliated to the University in 1899.