New Zealand has a reputation as a popular tourist destination, but international students don’t just travel there for the local landscapes, wildlife and sporting opportunities. You can do all of these while studying for a Masters in New Zealand, of course. Still, you’ll also have access to a wide variety of postgraduate degrees at internationally-renowned universities in New Zealand for Masters.
You can find out how postgraduate degrees work within the New Zealand university system, what the visa requirements are for international students and more.
There are plenty of great reasons to study for a Masters in New Zealand. You might be looking to indulge your sense of adventure while studying for a postgraduate degree – in which case you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied in a country that offers snow-capped ski-resorts and sub-tropical oceans.
One-year Courses in New Zealand for International Students
Why study in New Zealand?
Here are just a few reasons to consider postgraduate universities in New Zealand for Masters this year:
- Internationally-renowned universities: Though there are only eight universities in New Zealand, three feature in the world’s top 350 (according to Times Higher Education). If you think about it, that’s a pretty impressive proportion.
- A familiar education system: New Zealand university degrees are also recognised worldwide.
- Quality of life: New Zealand consistently appears near the top of various quality of life metrics, with a reputation for being one of the world’s least corrupt and most peaceful nation.
- A welcoming attitude to international students: Around 25% of New Zealand’s population was born overseas, and the country is known for its tolerance and diversity.
Key Highlights of a Masters degree in New Zealand
In the below table are some key details of undertaking a masters program in New Zealand:
| Universities | 8 |
| Oldest University | University of Otago (1869) |
| International Students | 52,702 |
| Course Length | 1-2 years |
| Average Fees (international) | NZD $26,000-37,000 (USD $17,200-24,500) |
| Academic Year | February to November |
Types of Masters degree in New Zealand
Postgraduate courses in New Zealand suit a variety of career aims. Instead of merely selecting a Masters in an academic subject area linked to your Bachelor’s degree, you can also use postgraduate study and training to acquire or develop professional skills.
This can be particularly useful if you wish to specialise in fields in which New Zealand excels, such as education, social work, sports science and physiotherapy.
There are four main varieties of Masters degree in New Zealand:
- Traditional Masters programmes are academic courses, further building on a related undergraduate program. They tend to award familiar qualifications such as the Masters of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc).
- Change of direction Masters degrees helps you switch academic or career pathways and become competent in a field you haven’t previously studied. Most will offer a solid grounding in a subject before providing the chance to specialise in a specific aspect of it.
- Graduate entry professional qualifications allow candidates to acquire advanced vocational skills at the postgraduate level or qualify for professional careers such as teaching or social work.
- Professional development qualifications, unlike graduate-entry courses, are for candidates with relevant work experience. They can provide additional skills and training to enhance or modify an existing career path.
Countries Which Do Not Require IELTS for Immigration
Universities in New Zealand for Masters
Below we have mentioned universities in New Zealand for a post-graduate degree:
University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked. Currently, it ranks 85th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2019. Established back in 1883, it was a constituent college of the University of New Zealand before the latter dissolved in 1961. The university comprises eight faculties and six campuses and currently has more than 40,000 students. In New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland makes it an even more attractive choice for numerous students worldwide.
Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand’s third entrant in the QS World University Rankings 2019, Victoria University of Wellington, ranks joint 221st globally. It was established in 1897 as a constituent of the University of New Zealand. It became an independent institution in 1961. Besides, the university is host to about 22,000 students in its nine faculties. It is also well known for its programs in law, the humanities and some scientific disciplines. Also, it offers a wide range of other courses.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato ranks 274th globally in 2019, up 18 places from last year. It’s also one of the younger top universities in New Zealand, founded in 1964, and is located in Hamilton and Tauranga’s cities on the North Island. The university further has around 12,300 students and appears in the top 350 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 for nine subjects.
The other three universities in New Zealand, Massey University, Lincoln University and Auckland University of Technology, are also ranked among the world’s top 500 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2019.
University of Canterbury
Also located on the South Island, in the island’s largest city of Christchurch, the University of Canterbury is the fourth-best university in New Zealand. It is also ranked joint 231st in the world. It was founded in 1873, which further makes it the second-oldest higher education institution in the country. Moreover, about 15,000 students are enrolled, with courses offered in arts, commerce, engineering, fine arts, forestry, health sciences, law, music, social work, speech and language pathology, science, sports coaching and teaching.
University of Otago
New Zealand’s oldest higher education institution, the University of Otago, was established in 1869. It is also New Zealand’s second entry in the QS World University Rankings 2019, ranked joint 175th in the world. Moreover, the university, whose motto is “Dare to be wise”, currently teaches around 20,800 students in its four faculties (humanities, sciences, health sciences and business). It is situated in Dunedin, which is the second-largest city on the South Island.
Thus, this was our complete guide on Masters in New Zealand. We further hope we were able to resolve any queries you would have had.
Good luck!