Top Ranked MS Universities in New Zealand 2026
There are 7 top MS Universities in New Zealand out of which the majority of the best colleges are located in the central city. Students can submit the test scores of TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT for admission to the best universities in New Zealand. According to the QS Global MS Rankings, some of the top universities in New Zealand are the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, Massey University, the University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in 2022 a total of 2,664 Indian students went to New Zealand for higher education.
Also read: Student Guide to New Zealand
Top MS Universities in New Zealand: Highlights 2023
Generally, a regular MS course in most of the top-ranked universities in New Zealand has a duration between 8 months to 2 years. The universities for MS in New Zealand offer admissions to inter
There are 7 top MS Universities in New Zealand out of which the majority of the best colleges are located in the central city. Students can submit the test scores of TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT for admission to the best universities in New Zealand. According to the QS Global MS Rankings, some of the top universities in New Zealand are the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, Massey University, the University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in 2022 a total of 2,664 Indian students went to New Zealand for higher education.
Also read: Student Guide to New Zealand
Top MS Universities in New Zealand: Highlights 2023
Generally, a regular MS course in most of the top-ranked universities in New Zealand has a duration between 8 months to 2 years. The universities for MS in New Zealand offer admissions to international students in the Spring, Summer, and Winter intakes every year.
| Factors |
Particular/Statistics |
|---|---|
| No. of MS Universities in New Zealand |
7 universities |
| Cost of MS Universities in New Zealand |
Tuition fee: INR 9.8 L – INR 22.12 L (approx.) annually Living expenses: INR 8.8 L– INR 9.8 L annually. |
| Top MS Specializations |
Medicine, Engineering, Hospitality, IT, and computer science. |
| Entrance Exam required |
|
| Work Permit Required for that country |
Yes |
Top-Ranked MS Universities in New Zealand
The QS Global MS Rankings will focus on the best MS programs around the world. Given below is the list of top MS universities in New Zealand as mentioned in the prominent rankings.
| University Name | QS Global Rankings 2024 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 | US News and World Report Rankings 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | #68 | #139 | #123 |
| University of Otago | #206 | #301-350 | #247 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #241 | #401-500 | #495 |
| Massey University | #239 | #601-800 | #598 |
| University of Waikato | #250 | #401-500 | #739 |
| University of Canterbury | #256 | #601-800 | #466 |
| AUT University | #407 | #251-300 | #372 |
Best MS Universities in New Zealand: QS World University Ranking
In the QS Global MS rankings, it is observed that the University of Auckland has improved in its ranking position over the years. Comparatively, the University of Otago has declined in its ranking position during 2022-24.
| University Name | QS World Rankings 2022 | QS World Rankings 2023 | QS World Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | #85 | #87 | #68 |
| University of Otago | #194 | #217 | #206 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #236 | #275 | #241 |
| Massey University | #284 | #292 | #239 |
| University of Waikato | #373 | #331 | #250 |
| University of Canterbury | #258 | #284 | #256 |
| AUT University | #451 | #486 | #407 |
Best MS Universities in New Zealand: Times Higher Education Ranking
The Times Higher Education rankings of the best MS universities in New Zealand are given as follows:
| University Name | Times Higher Education 2022 | Times Higher Education 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | #137 | #139 |
| University of Otago | #201-250 | #301-350 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #501-600 | #401-500 |
| Massey University | #601-800 | #601-800 |
| University of Waikato | #401-500 | #401-500 |
| University of Canterbury | #601-800 | #601-800 |
| AUT University | #251-300 | #251-300 |
Also read: MS in New Zealand- Colleges and Fees 2024
Top MS Universities in New Zealand: Admission Requirements
Requirement criteria can vary by the course you choose to study. The general requirement for master’s courses in New Zealand is given as follows:
- Application form
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Academic transcripts, or school reports
- IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Interview
Students can refer to the table given below in order to have a general idea of the eligibility requirements that are required to study in New Zealand.
| University Name | Admission Requirements | English Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | CGPA: 5/9 | PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| University of Otago | Bachelors Degree | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 50/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Graduation | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| Massey University | Graduation | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| University of Waikato | Bachelors Degree | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 65/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| University of Canterbury | Bachelors Degree | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| AUT University | B Grade Average | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
Scholarships offered by Top MS Universities in New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand can be a little costlier, but this should not discourage you from achieving your dreams. There are several scholarships available for international students. Some scholarships are provided by the university themselves. Please visit our website for more comprehensive information about the scholarships.
Visa Requirements for Top MS Universities in New Zealand
New Zealand has several types of student visas. Some of the most popular student visas are:
- Fee-paying student visa
- Exchange student visa
- Pathway student visa
- Visitor visa
The most common visa for international students is a “Fee paying student visa”. The cost of the student visa is INR 16.2 K.
Also read: How to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa for Indian Students?
Acceptance Rate of Top-Ranked MS Universities in New Zealand
The table below shows the acceptance rate and average GPA requirements for top MS universities in New Zealand:
| University Name | Acceptance Rate* | Average GPA |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | Around 45% | Average 5.0 |
| University of Otago | Around 58% | 4 or more |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 64% | 3.0 out of 4.0 |
| Massey University | 65% | minimum 2.5 |
| University of Waikato | Around 69% | Minimum 6.5 |
| University of Canterbury | 50% | NA |
| AUT University | 50% | 5.0 to 5.5 |
*Data given has been taken from unofficial sources, students can check the official website for more updates.
Is Studying at the Best MS Universities in New Zealand expensive?
Considering the table given below, it can be observed that the majority of the top-ranked MS universities in New Zealand have a 1st-Year Tuition Fee above INR 15 Lakh and living costs above INR
| University Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Living Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | INR 18.9 L - INR 24.1 L | NA |
| University of Otago | INR 17.1 L - INR 21.3 L | INR 3.15 L |
| Victoria University of Wellington | INR 16.6 L - INR 31.7 L | INR 1.12 L |
| Massey University | INR 16.7 L - INR 25 L | INR 9.66 L |
| University of Waikato | INR 15.3 L - INR 27.6 L | INR 7.44 L |
| University of Canterbury | INR 19 L - INR 37.1 L | INR 5.42 L |
| AUT University |
INR 17 L - INR 29 L
|
INR 6.67 L |
*The above costs are MS Subject-level accommodation expenses.
Salary in Top-Ranked MS Universities in New Zealand
The table below shows the top MS universities in New Zealand along with their first-year tuition fees and the average salary students can expect upon graduation.
| University Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | INR 18.9 L - INR 24.1 L | INR 30.05 L |
| Victoria University of Wellington | INR 16.6 L - INR 31.7 L | INR 29.56 L |
| Massey University | INR 16.7 L - INR 25 L | INR 41.88 L |
| University of Canterbury | INR 19 L - INR 37.1 L | INR 27.10 L |
Also read: Job Opportunities in New Zealand for Indian Students
Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for International Students
Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand
Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand
After graduation, students can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand. A post-study work visa lasts for 1 – 3 years depending upon the level of the qualification. Students are eligible for all kinds of work after getting a post-study work visa.
Compare Best MS Universities in New Zealand
A comparison of the top MS universities in New Zealand is given below:
| University Name | Current Year Ranking | 1st Year Tuition Fee | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | #68 | INR 18.9 L - INR 24.1 L | Around 45% |
| University of Otago | #206 | INR 17.1 L - INR 21.3 L | Around 58% |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #241 | INR 16.6 L - INR 31.7 L | 64% |
| Massey University | #239 | INR 16.7 L - INR 25 L | 65% |
| University of Waikato | #250 | INR 15.3 L - INR 27.6 L | Around 69% |
| University of Canterbury | #256 | INR 19 L - INR 37.1 L | 50% |
| AUT University | #407 |
INR 17 L - INR 29 L
|
50% |
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Top Ranked MS Universities in New Zealand FAQs
Q. Is New Zealand good for MS courses?
A. There are top reasons that encourage international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand, including academic as well as post-study work options. From being lower in terms of studying costs, availability of numerous scholarships to ease of finding a job and working while in New Zealand are some of the major reasons along with the following ones as well:
-
The learning experience in New Zealand is qualitative and easier for Indian students to learn in that model.
-
Also, the cost of living in New Zealand is lower than the cost of living in Australia by almost 12%.
-
Pursuing higher education and research in New Zealand is propitious for international students with various benefits of PR, stipends and cost of living exemption.
-
All qualifications of New Zealand are globally recognised, thus, international students can work anywhere in the world.
-
Healthcare and Engineering sectors which hire skilled workers are bound to be paid higher than those in Australia by almost 25%.
Q. How much does MS in New Zealand cost for international students?
A. The first year tuition fees for top MS universities in New Zealand are given as follows:
| University Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Auckland | INR 18.9 L - INR 24.1 L |
| University of Otago | INR 17.1 L - INR 21.3 L |
| Victoria University of Wellington | INR 16.6 L - INR 31.7 L |
| Massey University | INR 16.7 L - INR 25 L |
| University of Waikato | INR 15.3 L - INR 27.6 L |
| University of Canterbury | INR 19 L - INR 37.1 L |
| AUT University |
INR 17 L - INR 29 L
|
Q. What are the leading job sectors in New Zealand for MS courses?
A. Some of the popular job sectors in New Zealand for MS courses are given as follows:
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Education
- Engineering
- Construction
- Business and Finance
- Health and Social Services
Q. What are the popular courses in top MS universities in New Zealand?
A. Some of the popular courses in top MS universities of New Zealand are given as follows:
- IT and Networking
- Biology
- Computer Science and Engineering
- General Studies
- Geology
- Health Sciences
Q. What are the admission requirements for MS courses in New Zealand?
A. The admission requirements for MS courses in top universities in New Zealand are given as follows:
| University Name | Admission Requirements | English Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | CGPA: 5/9 | PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| University of Otago | Bachelors Degree | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 50/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Graduation | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| Massey University | Graduation | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 58/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
| University of Waikato | Bachelors Degree | TOEFL: 90/120 PTE: 65/90 IELTS: 6.5/9 |
