Top Postgraduate Colleges in New Zealand
Talk to Expert
If you are considering to pursue postgraduate degree from abroad, most probably New Zealand will not be on the top countries list. But this mindset is fast changing with New Zealand universities and polytechnics gaining popularity with international students, especially from India, for the master’s courses. The reason behind this is easy and quick admission process along with great immigration opportunities.
Because of all these factors and low costs of living, New Zealand universities should be on your list of shortlisted colleges for master’s degree. Here are the top New Zealand colleges/polytechnics -
University of Waikato, Hamilton
University of Waikato is ranked in the top 50 universities under 50 years old by UK-based Times Higher Education. Now it is ranked in the 401-410 band in the world by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds Limited) in its world rankings index.
Popular Postgraduate courses –
Business
- Master of Business and Management (MBM)
- Masters of Management Studies (MMS)
- Master of Electronic Commerce
- Master of Professional Management
Science
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Environmental Planning
- Master of Applied Psychology - MAppPsy
Computers
Engineering
Humanities
Download this guide to read it offline
Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
The University is particularly well known for its programmes in law, the humanities, and some scientific disciplines. Victoria had the highest average research grade in the New Zealand Government's Performance Based Funds. Victoria has been ranked 265th in the World's Top 500 universities.
Popular Postgraduate courses –
Business
Computers
AUT University of Technology, Auckland
The university ranked 82nd worldwide in the 2011 with a total number of student 40,000. The campus has world-class training facilities, athlete accommodation and sports science laboratories. AUT became a university in 2000 turning to be the largest and leading university in the country.
Popular Postgraduate courses –
Engineering
Business
University of Otago, Dunedin
It is the oldest Universities of New Zealand having 4 campuses in 4 zones of the country. The Dunedin College of Education merged with the University on 1 January 2007, and this added a further campus in Invercargill. The University of Otago provides a research-led learning environment that is second to none with a richly deserved reputation for excellence.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Popular Postgraduate courses –
Business
UUNZ Institute of Business, Auckland
UUNZ is the abbreviation of Universal United New Zealand which has the mission to enable broad participation in higher education, and to make significant contributions to research and community development. UUNZ as one of the fastest growing Business Schools in New Zealand based in the heart of Auckland city and offers internationally recognised programs in conjunction with the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Popular Postgraduate courses -
Business
Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua
Waiariki Institute of Technology is one of the largest tertiary institutes outside the university centres in New Zealand. Waiariki has four main campuses. Mokoia, Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane Campus. 800 international students take admission to Waiariki each year.
Popular Postgraduate courses –
Business
- Master of Management
Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, Auckland
Whitecliffe is an independent Arts and Design school of choice, producing the highest quality graduates and shaping exceptional creative citizens. Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design was established in 1982 and is New Zealand’s leading private Arts and Design Tertiary Institution. Whitecliffe offers internationally recognised programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Popular Postgraduate courses -
Humanities
Business
University of Auckland, Auckland
It is the largest and leading university in the country that is ranked 82 worldwide with more than 40,000 students. The University has a strong emphasis on serving the student body with the main campus is in the heart of Auckland city and it has four specialist campuses. The University is also the highest ranked New Zealand University in the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Popular Postgraduate courses -
Business
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Engineering
Computers
Auckland Institute of Studies, Auckland
Auckland Institute of Studies has highly qualified and experienced faculty and it has a multicultural, family-oriented environment. For admissions, it has Fast Track Programs and Flexible Entry Dates.
Multi-lingual Student Services are available for international students
Popular Postgraduate courses -
Business
Commonly asked questions
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
The tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students going abroad for higher education. All of eight universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 3% universities in the world. New Zealand education sets up students with a globally recognised qualification and real-world skills. Each year thousands of students from India apply for various universities in the New Zealand. As per Govt. of India, there are more than 2,500 Indian students that went to study in 2022 in various universities in New Zealand.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Raj Vimal is an education writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. He helps Indian students find the right universities, visas, and courses abroad. Currently, he leads content strategies at InfoEdge India
Read Full Bio