Masters in New Zealand: Fees, Top Universities, Job Opportunities, Scholarships

When you are going to complete your master yourself in 2025, then definitely New Zealand is one of those countries to think of. The nation has the best institutions, hands-on approach as well as flexible courses that can fit into various career objectives. What’s more? Obtaining the degree here also comes with post-study working prospects.

New Zealand has approximately 12 universities where one can get an MS degree. Some of the best universities offering MS in New Zealand are University of Auckland, University of Otago, AUT, Massey University, etc. The range of tuition fees to study an MS degree in New Zealand in the top ranked universities ranges between INR 20 L - INR 40 L.

Once their studies are finished, students can remain in New Zealand for job hunting. The post-work visa enables you to remain within New Zealand up to 3 years so that you can find employment. According to the sources, the median income earned by MS graduates in New Zealand is NZ 75,000 or INR 38 L per year.

New Zealand provides you with a good background whether you find a corporate job, pursue a career in research, or even become a permanent resident in the future.

Masters in New Zealand: Highlights

Most of the universities take 1 year - 2 years to study Masters in New Zealand. Some of the highlights of MS in New Zealand are as follows: 

Masters in New Zealand – Important Dates and Events

Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

International students who plan to undertake a Master program in New Zealand need to get to know the most important deadlines of application and intakes among other things.

Why Choose a Masters in New Zealand?

Although just the course to study MS abroad is a huge addition to your CV, pursuing the course has some advantages that are specific to New Zealand. These are the most well-known ones:

• Quality schooling: According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, all Kiwi institutions appear in the top 500.
• Diversity in the course of studies: New Zealand has a diversity of courses from which you can select one according to your interests. You may choose a taught Master's to undertake specialised training in the selected area or have a research Master's in case you want to brush up on your research expertise.
• World-class faculty: By studying in New Zealand, you will get an opportunity to network with great minds in Science in the world. This will certainly increase your employment opportunities in any part of the world

Also Read: Masters in Malaysia

Best Universities/Colleges for Masters in New Zealand (QS Rankings + Fees)

There are eight government universities in New Zealand. And all of them are being ranked in the world in the most recent QS World University Ranking 2025. These institutions do not only give credit to their good academics. They also provide hands-on learning, industry projects, and good employment links, in particular, to master students.  

This is the list of the best master universities in New Zealand which are renowned with customized learning and international experience.

The following Top universities in New Zealand for masters, provide different program options, such as MBA, Engineering, Data Science, and others, and have excellent industrial and research connections.

Masters in New Zealand Eligibility Criteria

International students usually require completing secondary education (12th grade or equivalent level) and passing English language exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. to be able to study in New Zealand.

1. Application Process

• Research: Find out the appropriate courses and programs at the desired universities in accordance with your educational experience as well as the professional purpose.
• Application: Online application can be made or using mails and all specified documents are required. Certain universities will want you to submit certified translations of your academic documents. 
• Interviews: Interviews might be carried out by some colleges during the admission process and mostly to the international students. 
• Offer of Place: In case you accept, you will be offered a place on a course and sent information regarding the course and line of study, the start date as well as the tuition fees. 
• Student Visa: With the offer letter, and the other necessary documents, apply to the New Zealand student visa. 
• Enrolment: If the visa application is successful, you are expected to pay the school fees and do the enrolment procedures.

2. Documents Required

• Academic Transcripts: Formally provided records of all educational institutions that have a secondary and tertiary level of study that has already been done.
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results being usable as the demonstration of the ability of English language proficiency.
• Passport: A passport that is valid and has a valid period to stay in New Zealand being longer than the purpose of a stay in New Zealand.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is a paper that tells about why you decided to pursue the given course in the given university. 
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): 2 or 3 Letters of recommendations that will be written by a teacher or an employer who can vouch on your academic or even professional potentiality.
• Resume/CV: One resume/curriculum vitae is a current one especially in cases of postgraduate applications. 
• Portfolio: Requirement of portfolio is likely to be required in courses and courses in art and design and architecture. 
• Proof of Funds: Documented information of available finances to offset requirements of tuition fee, salary and the living cost.
• Other Documents: Birth certificate, passport sized photos and in case of extracurriculars certificates of extracurriculars (if any).

3. Visa Application Timeline

The application process of some visas may take time and thus you want to apply about three months in advance before you commence the course.

1. Research and Documentation: Get together all the documents that are required, academic transcripts, English language test (IELTS/TOEFL), passport and also the financial capability documents. 
2. Application to Universities: Write your application to the universities of your choice and make sure that every necessary document is given with it. 
3. Offer of Place: After application you would get an offer of place in the university in case of acceptance. 
4. Visa Application: You should apply for your student visa in Immigration New Zealand. 
5. Approval of visa: After your visa is granted, you will be free to travel.

Top Entrance Exams for Masters in New Zealand

MBA programs usually undergo GMAT, whereas others tend to demand GRE results and proficiency examinations in the English language such as IELTS. New Zealand has good employment prospects and a high rate of employability of graduates, and opportunities of gaining permanent residency.

GMAT Preparation Strategy

• Become familiar with the format of the test: Get to know how GMAT is structured; its parts are the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
• Study using official materials: Study using the official GMAT guide and other available materials that follow the trend of Graduate management admission council (GMAC).
• Practice Tests: Prepare practice tests and this way you will be able to know the areas that you require improvement.
• Professional recommendation: You may take research on proving a GMAT course or employing the services of a tutor.

IELTS/TOEFL Tips

• Check your test-taking, practise it some time and habituate yourself to the structure of the test.
• Rather, you should work on trying to master the English language.
• From time to time learn to practice tests so as to know how you are progressing.
• Make good use of the time you take in taking your examination.
• To increase your word base and knowledge, listen to audial works, read, as much as possible.

GMAT Waiver MBA Programs

• Gauging that most business schools need GMAT to enroll in their MBA programs, it is important to note that some schools waive their GMAT requirements on grounds of other parameters such as work experience or academic experience.
• Do research on specific schools and majors and identify those that will provide you with GMAT waiver potentials.

Masters in New Zealand Cutoff

In New Zealand, you need to have a suitable bachelor level education with a minimum grade point average (which is usually 60% or 6.0 in a scale of 4.0) and proof of English language ability (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores) to get a place on a masters programme. Different universities and programs have different requirements, so it is very important to visit the official web site of the particular university to find its cutoffs.

• Academic Qualification: Bachelor degree (or equivalent) degree and minimum GPA of which is usually 60-70 per cent. 
• Knowledge of English language: It can be confirmed by the result of the following tests: IELTS (usually 6.5 or more), TOEFL or PTE.

Masters in New Zealand Syllabus

Master degrees New Zealand are combinations of core theory with the application of research or capstones.

Electives & Specializations

• Business/ Business- Studies: Business strategy, business marketing, the entire discipline of Finance, business-entrepreneurship
• Engineering departments: Robotics Department, Renewable energy Department, Structural Department, Chemical Department
• Data Science/IT: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Security information
• Environment: Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture

Masters in New Zealand Scholarships

New Zealand universities provide different scholarships to study MS courses to both the domestic and international students. Some of the best 5 scholarships are as follows:

Cost of Living in New Zealand

In the current section, we will speak about the price of the MS in New Zealand in Indian rupees:

Tuition Fees

New Zealand Universities tuition fee of top ranked Masters program is within the range INR 20 L - INR 40 L. The tuition fee of various Masters in New Zealand Universities is given below:

Living Cost

The Living Cost in New Zealand will be based on your style of living. Nevertheless, you would likely have to spend approximately NZD 1,715.4 or INR 87,000 per month on your living expenses.

Career Scope After Masters in New Zealand

The Master degree in New Zealand provides good career opportunities to the international students, especially to the careers that are in demand such as IT, healthcare and engineering.

Information Technology:

Auckland and Wellington are some of the most successful tech centres, where one can find the vacancies in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

Business and Finance:

Graduates with MBAs or in finance can be picked as candidates to become aspiring analysts, managers and advisors. 

Healthcare:

Having graduated in health science and psychology, there is an opportunity to find some work in hospital, NGO or policy think tanks.

Sustainable and environment:

Environmental science and renewable energy graduates are important because it is one of the green innovations that New Zealand targets. 

Engineering:

There are opportunities in all areas of project management, design and development with a special focus on the infrastructure. 

Construction:

We have the need of civil engineers, project managers as well as skilled workmen with infrastructure work underway. 

Education:

They are the desired educators and professionals in STEM and special education and academics.

Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

Some of the top recruiters and placement agencies in New Zealand to Master graduates include a combination of international and local agencies.

• Tech & IT: IBM, Xero, Orion Health
• Finance: ANZ, Westpac, KPMG
• Engineering: Fletcher Building, Fonterra, Opus
• Consulting: PwC, Deloitte, EY

Masters in New Zealand Salary Package

The following are the best 5 international jobs and career opportunities, which one international student can look forward to after pursuing an MS in New Zealand:

Data Scientist

• Designation: Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer
• Average Salary: NZD 90,000 – NZD 120,000 per year

Finance Analyst

• Designation: Financial Analyst / Investment Analyst
• Average Salary: NZD 80,000 – NZD 110,000 per year

Environmental Consultant

• Designation: Environmental Scientist / Sustainability Consultant
• Average Salary: NZD 75,000 – NZD 100,000 per year

Healthcare Manager

• Designation: Health Services Manager / Hospital Administrator
• Average Salary: NZD 85,000 – NZD 115,000 per year

IT Project Manager

• Designation: IT Project Manager / Business Analyst
• Average Salary: NZD 100,000 – NZD 130,000 per year

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What is a Post graduate study in New Zealand called?

Ans: The Master of Science (MS) program in New Zealand is a postgraduate degree that equips a student with complicated knowledge and areas of specialization in their respective research in the field of science. It usually includes coursework, research and even a thesis.

Ques: Is an MS degree available for international students in New Zealand?

Ans: Yes, the New Zealand universities accept international students to pursue their MS programs. It is important to note the details of the entry requirements and any other supporting documents that the international students may require.

Ques: Do international students have access to scholarships when they study MS in New Zealand?

Ans: Yes, there are a lot of New Zealand universities who provide scholarship and financial help to the international students on merit, need basis or according to the terms. Look at the websites of the universities to find scholarship opportunities.

Ques: Can the student work part time in the course of his or her MS in New Zealand on a student visa?

Ans: Yes, student visas granted to international students normally allow them to work part time during the school period, and full time during regular holidays. The up-to-date information can be checked in regard to the visa regulations.