New Zealand has become one of the most attractive destinations for postgraduate education. With world-class universities, globally respected qualifications, and excellent job opportunities after graduation, more students from Asia, Europe, and Africa are choosing to study masters in New Zealand.
If you’re planning to study masters in New Zealand, this guide will explain tuition fees, study costs, scholarships, schooling pathways, admission requirements, top universities, and everything you need to know for 2025.
🌟 Why Study Masters in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s universities consistently rank among the world’s best, offering degrees recognized globally. Here’s why thousands of international students choose to study masters in New Zealand for postgraduate study:
✔ Global Recognition
All master’s programs in New Zealand follow the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), ensuring high academic standards.
✔ Excellent Post-Study Work Opportunities
Master’s graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) for up to 3 years, allowing them to work full-time.
✔ Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
Master’s graduates often qualify for PR sooner because New Zealand’s skilled occupation lists favor advanced qualifications.
✔ Affordable Tuition vs Other Countries
New Zealand offers affordable master’s programs compared to the USA, UK, and Australia—without compromising quality.
✔ Safe, Clean & Multicultural
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest countries, New Zealand is ideal for international students.
🎓 Types of Master’s Degrees in New Zealand
Students who wants to study masters in New Zealand can pursue:
1️⃣ Taught Master’s (Coursework-based)
Duration: 1–2 years
Ideal for: Business, IT, Engineering, Education, Hospitality
2️⃣ Research Master’s
Duration: 1–2 years
Ideal for: Science, Agriculture, Health, Engineering, Humanities
Benefits: Offers strong PR pathways & university-funded scholarships.
3️⃣ Professional Master’s
Duration: 1–2 years
Examples:
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Master of Professional Accounting
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Master of Engineering Management
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Master of Applied Information Technology
💰 Tuition Fees—Study Masters in New Zealand
The cost of studying for a master’s degree varies by university and subject area. So, here are some information about some university and subject area cost for students who wants to study masters in New Zealand.
| Master’s Program Type | Annual Tuition (NZD) | Equivalent in BDT |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | 26,000 – 35,000 | 1,820,000 – 2,450,000 |
| Engineering | 32,000–37,000 | 2,240,000 – 2,590,000 |
| IT & Computer Science | 30,000–36,000 | 2,100,000 – 2,520,000 |
| Health & Nursing | 30,000–40,000 | 2,100,000 – 2,800,000 |
| Arts, Education, Humanities | 24,000 – 32,000 | 1,680,000 – 2,240,000 |
| Research-based Master’s | 8,000 – 12,000 | 560,000 – 850,000 |
💡 Note: Research master’s students often receive scholarships and domestic-level fee reductions.
🏡 Living Costs for Master’s Students
International students who wants to study masters in New Zealand should budget around NZD 15,000–20,000 per year for living expenses.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 800 – 1,200 |
| Food | 300–500 |
| Transport | 100–150 |
| Utilities & Internet | 100–150 |
| Miscellaneous | 200–300 |
For a student visa, you must show NZD 20,000 in your bank statement.
🏆 Scholarships for Master’s in New Zealand
New Zealand offers numerous funding opportunities for students who want to study masters in New Zealand:
⭐ 1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (Government-Funded)
Covers:
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Full tuition
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Living allowance
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Travel expenses
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Insurance
Extremely competitive, ideal for exceptional students.
⭐ 2. University of Auckland International Excellence Scholarship
Value: Up to NZD 10,000
Eligibility: Academic merit & leadership.
⭐ 3. Victoria University Tongarewa Scholarship
Value: NZD 5,000–10,000
For both undergraduate & postgraduate students.
⭐ 4. University of Otago Research Master’s Scholarship
Covers:
-
Full tuition
-
Monthly stipend
Ideal for research-focused degrees.
⭐ 5. Lincoln University Master’s Scholarship
Covers 50% of tuition fees.
🏛 Top Universities for Students Who Want to study Masters in New Zealand
| University | QS Rank 2025 | Best Master’s Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 65 | Engineering, Business, Law, Health |
| University of Otago | 206 | Health Science, Research, MBA |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 241 | Law, Politics, Data Science |
| University of Canterbury | 256 | Civil Engineering, Education |
| Massey University | 239 | Agriculture, Aviation, Food Tech |
| University of Waikato | 250 | Cyber Security, Management |
| Lincoln University | 362 | Agribusiness, Environment |
| AUT (Auckland University of Technology) | 407 | Hospitality, IT, Media |
All eight universities accept international students and offer globally accredited master’s programs.
🔍 Admission Requirements for Master’s Programs
Academic Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% (or CGPA 2.7–3.0)
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Relevant subject background for technical programs
English Language Requirements
| Exam | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0) |
| PTE | 58–64 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 |
Some universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) for specific programs.💼 Job & PR Opportunities After Master’s
Students completing a master’s degree in New Zealand gain a massive advantage in the job market.
⭐ Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
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Valid for 1–3 years
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Allows full-time work in any sector
⭐ High-Demand Sectors
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IT & Software Engineering
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Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
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Healthcare & Nursing
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Business & Accounting
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Agriculture & Food Technology
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Education & Teaching
⭐ PR Pathway
Master’s graduates have higher PR points under the Skilled Migrant Category and may qualify faster for residency.
🧾 Schooling & Pathways to Master’s
Students who plan long-term can enter via:
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Schooling (Year 9–13)
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Foundation programs
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Diploma to Degree pathways
These options help prepare for a bachelor’s, which then leads to a master’s program with better academic readiness.
📌 Total Estimated Cost for Studying Master’s in New Zealand
| Category | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 26,000 – 37,000 |
| Living Costs | 15,000–20,000 |
| Annual Total | NZD 41,000–57,000 |
🌏 Final Thoughts
For international students planning to study at the postgraduate level, admission to a point masters programme in New Zealand has become one of the most popular pathways toward career advancement and global exposure. A point masters degree generally follows a credit-based structure, offering flexible learning options designed to match industry needs. Because of this, securing point masters degree admission at a New Zealand university gives students a strong academic foundation along with practical, job-ready skills. With world-class teaching, supportive learning environments, and excellent post-study work opportunities, many students now prefer masters degree admission to New Zealand institutions as a direct route to a high-quality education and solid future prospects.
Pursuing study masters in New Zealand is one of the smartest decisions for international students seeking global exposure, affordable education, and excellent career outcomes. With world-class universities, generous scholarship programs, and strong pathways to PR, New Zealand offers unmatched value for your academic and professional journey.
If you dream of studying abroad, New Zealand is the ideal place to begin your transformation.
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