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Last modified: 2026-09-28

# Master's Degrees in New Zealand: 120, 180 and 240-Point Programmes, 2027 Fees and Post-Study Work

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A master's degree in New Zealand takes one to two years: a 120-point programme runs about 12 months, 180 points about 18 months and 240 points about two years, and the university decides which length you are admitted to based on your previous degree. For 120 points an international student pays roughly $20,690–33,030 (NZD 36,500–58,258) in 2027, depending on the university and field; MBAs cost more. Most programmes ask for a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0. The main practical advantage: a master's studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks leads to a three-year Post-Study Work Visa, and a master's student's partner can work during the degree.

This guide explains taught and research master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas, how programme length follows your previous qualification, 2027 fees at named universities, scholarships, deadlines, domestic-fee PhDs and the mistakes that cost graduates the three-year visa. US dollar figures use the ECB rate of 28 September 2026, rounded to the nearest $10. For a country overview, see [studying in New Zealand](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-new-zealand).

The Puaka–James Hight library building at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo: MelodyOfDespair / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Puaka%E2%80%93James_Hight_Building_in_June_2024.jpg), [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).

## Postgraduate qualifications {#section-1}

Everything sits on the NZQCF framework, and the level matters more than the title because it decides post-study work rights and partner visas.

| Qualification | NZQCF level | Typical length | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) | 8 | one semester, 60 points | short specialisation, sometimes the first step towards a master's |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), bachelor's with honours | 8 | one year, 120 points | deepening after a bachelor's; entry to a 120-point master's |
| Master's degree | 9 | 120, 180 or 240 points | taught or research degree |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 10 | usually 3–4 years | independent research |

The University of Auckland defines a research master's as one with a thesis or research portfolio of at least 90 points; in a taught master's, courses dominate and any research project is under 90 points. The difference affects work rights: research master's students have no weekly hour limit.

## Which length fits your degree {#section-2}

Auckland's admission rules illustrate the logic:

| Programme | Usual entry requirement |
| --- | --- |
| 120 points (about a year) | a New Zealand honours degree or PGDip, or an equivalent overseas postgraduate qualification |
| 180 points (about 18 months) | a bachelor's degree or PGCert; work experience may be considered |
| 240 points (about two years) | a bachelor's degree; work experience may be considered |

Universities assess Russian and Kazakh degrees themselves and decide the programme length you can take, so compare options by total programme cost: the same subject at 180 points costs 1.5 times the 120-point version. At Victoria, the Master of Data Science is a 240-point degree that can be completed in 180 points and 12 months with credit.

Architecture, design, fine arts and music require a portfolio or audition. Research master's applicants need a research proposal and a supervisor who has agreed to take them on.

## PGDip or master's: protecting the three-year visa {#section-3}

| What you complete | Post-Study Work Visa | Partner work rights during study |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Master's (level 9), at least 30 weeks full-time in New Zealand | 3 years | yes, Partner of a Student Work Visa |
| PGDip (level 8), at least 30 weeks full-time | equal to the time spent studying, usually about a year | only if the qualification is named on the Green List |
| PGDip followed immediately by a master's shorter than 30 weeks | the master's does not qualify; apply based on the PGDip within 12 months of that visa expiring | depends on the programme |
| From 16 November 2026: a level 7 graduate diploma held with a bachelor's degree | time spent studying, up to 1 year | only for qualifications on the Green List or the Post-Study Work Visa list |

Two rules follow. A 120-point master's studied full-time in New Zealand for about a year normally exceeds 30 weeks and leads to the three-year visa. A one-semester "top-up" from a PGDip to a master's does not. The Post-Study Work Visa is granted once, so plan it around your final qualification. Full conditions are in our [New Zealand student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-new-zealand-student-visa) guide.

## 2027 master's fees {#section-4}

| University | Programme | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| University of Auckland | Arts / Education, per 120 points | $26,770 / 26,000 (NZD 47,218 / 45,857) |
| University of Auckland | Business and Economics (excluding coursework business master's), per 120 points | $28,650–30,110 (NZD 50,534–53,111) |
| University of Auckland | Engineering, Science, Architecture, per 120 points | $33,030 (NZD 58,258) |
| University of Auckland | Law / Medical and Health Sciences, per 120 points | $29,080–35,890 / 32,860–49,070 (NZD 51,299–63,302 / 57,974–86,561) |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Master of Data Science per 120 points / Master of Professional Accounting, whole 180-point programme | $27,320 / 33,420 (NZD 48,200 / 58,950) |
| University of Canterbury | MSc per 120 points / MBA, 180 points | $26,980 / 37,240 (NZD 47,600 / 65,700) |
| University of Otago | Master of Public Health per year / MSc (Coursework) Computer Science, 180 points / MBA, 240 points over 15 months | $31,250 / 42,380 / 43,220 (NZD 55,125 / 74,760 / 76,240) |
| Massey University | Master of Business Studies per 120 points / Master of Analytics, 180 points | $23,270 / 34,900 (NZD 41,040 / 61,560) |
| AUT | MBA, 180 points | $38,150 (NZD 67,289.51) |
| Lincoln University | master's of 120 / 180 credits | $20,690–22,110 / 33,450–37,410 (NZD 36,500–39,000 / 59,000–66,000) |

Add the student services fee (NZD 1,132.80 per 120 points at Auckland in 2026) and insurance of about NZD 900–1,000 a year. The visa requires NZD 20,000 ($11,340) for each year of living costs. Full budgets with housing are in our guide to the [cost of studying in New Zealand](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-new-zealand). University strengths are compared in [universities in New Zealand](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-new-zealand), with profiles of [Otago](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-otago), [Victoria](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-victoria-wellington), [Canterbury](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-canterbury-nz) and [Waikato](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-waikato).

## Master's scholarships {#section-5}

Citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan are not eligible for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, which cover Pacific countries and a short list of Asian countries. University awards are partial:

| University | Scholarship | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Auckland | International Student Excellence Scholarship | 25% of one year's tuition; invitations go out on 21 October 2026 to students holding an offer for Semester One or Quarter Two 2027 by 20 October, with forms due by 4 November |
| Victoria | Postgraduate International Scholarship | NZD 10,000 ($5,670) for the first year of a 120, 180 or 240-point master's or a 120-point PGDip, awarded automatically |
| Otago | Coursework Master's Scholarship / International Master's Research Scholarship | NZD 10,000 (MBA excluded) / NZD 18,204 ($10,320) a year plus a one-year fee waiver up to NZD 35,000 |
| Waikato | Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship | up to NZD 15,000 for taught master's; by 30 November for the March intake |

## PhD at domestic fees {#section-6}

Most universities charge new international doctoral students the domestic fee if they live in New Zealand for the programme; Auckland and Massey allow up to 12 months of research abroad in total.

| University | Annual PhD fee | Scholarship |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Auckland | NZD 8,847.60 ($5,020) in 2026, plus a NZD 1,132.80 services fee | University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship: up to NZD 35,468 ($20,110) a year for up to 42 months, plus tuition and health insurance; rounds on 1 November, 1 February, 1 May and 1 August |
| Victoria | about NZD 11,150 ($6,320) per 120 points in 2027 | Wellington Doctoral Scholarship: NZD 32,000 ($18,140) a year plus domestic tuition for up to three years, competitive |
| Canterbury | NZD 8,570–10,321 ($4,860–5,850) in 2026 | UC Doctoral Scholarship: NZD 32,650 ($18,510) per 120 points plus tuition for up to 360 points |
| Massey | NZD 8,550 ($4,850) if living in New Zealand; NZD 40,010 if studying from overseas | faculty-based |
| Lincoln | NZD 9,060 ($5,140) in 2026 | faculty-based |

Doctoral students have unlimited work rights, their partners can hold open work visas for the programme and their children attend school as domestic students. After submitting the thesis, graduates have six months from the end of the student visa to apply for a three-year Post-Study Work Visa.

## Applying: documents and 2027 deadlines {#section-7}

Documents:

1. Bachelor's or specialist degree certificate and transcript, with English translations.
2. IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0 or an equivalent; education, law and health programmes set higher scores. TOEFL moved to a new scale on 21 January 2026, so use your university's current conversion table.
3. CV, references and a statement of purpose where the programme asks for them.
4. A research proposal and a named supervisor for research master's and PhD applications.
5. A portfolio for creative programmes.

Deadlines for Semester One 2027:

| University | Deadline |
| --- | --- |
| Auckland | international applicants are asked to apply by 1 December 2026; earlier dates for some programmes, such as Master of Audiology on 1 July, Master of Energy and Master of Nursing Science on 1 October and Master of Behaviour Analysis on 15 October 2026; Semester Two 2027 by 8 June 2027 |
| Otago | offshore applicants by 15 November 2026; research master's and PhD any time with a supervisor's agreement |
| Victoria | Trimester One by 8 December 2026 on the general deadlines page (7 December on some programme pages); psychology master's by 1 November |
| Canterbury | recommended by 1 December 2026 |

Besides the February–March intake, many programmes admit in July, and some Auckland programmes have extra windows, such as a late-year intake for the Master of Information Technology. Auckland accepts PhD applications all year but awards scholarships in four rounds.

## Work during and after the degree {#section-8}

On a taught master's, the visa normally allows up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time work in scheduled holidays. Research master's and PhD students have no hour limit while studying full-time. A level 9 student can support a partner's work visa, which sets the master's apart from most level 7–8 programmes.

After graduation the three-year Post-Study Work Visa allows work for any employer. For longer-term plans, check your occupation against the Green List, under which some workers qualify for residence immediately or after two years of work.

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Choosing by the 120-point price alone. Total cost depends on length: 180 and 240 points cost 1.5 and 2 times as much.
- A short master's after a PGDip. A master's shorter than 30 weeks does not lead to the three-year visa.
- Counting on a full scholarship. Citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan can realistically target partial first-year university awards.
- Applying in December. University deadlines are late, but the visa takes up to eight weeks and longer between October and March.
- An unrelated bachelor's without checking. Many master's programmes expect a degree in the same field and do not all consider work experience, so check requirements before applying.

## FAQ {#faq}

### How long is a master's degree in New Zealand?

One to two years: 120 points is about 12 months, 180 about 18 months and 240 about two years. Some 180-point programmes run intensively over 12 months, such as Victoria's Master of Professional Accounting.

### How much does a master's cost for an international student?

About NZD 36,500–58,258 ($20,690–33,030) per 120 points in 2027, excluding health programmes. MBAs cost NZD 65,700–76,240 for the programme, and Auckland's law and health programmes reach NZD 86,561 per 120 points.

### Can I apply with a Russian degree?

Yes. Universities accept overseas degrees and decide the programme length that fits. You will need a transcript, translations and English at IELTS 6.5; research programmes also need a supervisor's agreement.

### Is there a work visa after a master's?

Yes. With at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand, the Post-Study Work Visa runs for three years with any employer. Apply within three months of your student visa expiring.

### Can my spouse work while I study?

Yes. A master's is a level 9 qualification, so your partner can apply for a Partner of a Student Work Visa for the length of your visa, showing at least NZD 4,200 for living costs.

### Can I do a PhD for free?

Doctoral scholarships often cover the domestic fee (about NZD 8,500–11,200 a year) and add a stipend of NZD 32,000–35,468 a year. They are competitive and depend on the faculty and supervisor.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [University of Auckland: master's entry requirements](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/entry-requirements/postgraduate-entry-requirements/research-postgraduate-entry-requirements.html), [postgraduate fees](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/international-student-fees/postgraduate-international-fees.html), [closing dates](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/how-to-apply/postgraduate-application-closing-dates.html), [doctoral fees](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/fees-and-money-matters/tuition-fees/doctoral-fees.html), [master's scholarship](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/university-of-auckland-international-student-excellence-scholarship-844-all.html) and [doctoral scholarships](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-types/scholarships-for-international-students/doctoral-scholarships-for-international-students.html) — checked 28 September 2026
- [Victoria University of Wellington: Master of Data Science](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/explore/postgraduate-programmes/master-of-data-science/overview?international=true), [Master of Professional Accounting](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/explore/postgraduate-programmes/master-of-professional-accounting/overview?international=true), [PhD](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/international/study-options/phd2), [postgraduate scholarship](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/scholarships/current/vuw-postgraduate-international-scholarship), [doctoral scholarship](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/scholarships/current/wellington-doctoral-scholarship) and [deadlines](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/international/applying/dates-and-deadlines) — checked 28 September 2026
- [University of Canterbury: master's fees](https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/getting-started/study-and-living-costs/study-costs/international-tuition-fees/masters), [doctoral fees](https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/getting-started/study-and-living-costs/study-costs/international-tuition-fees/doctoral) and [doctoral scholarships](https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/getting-started/scholarships/doctoral-scholarships/uc-doctoral-scholarships) — checked 28 September 2026
- [University of Otago: business](https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/international-tuition-fees/business-school), [sciences](https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/international-tuition-fees/sciences) and [health sciences fees](https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/international-tuition-fees/health-sciences), [scholarships](https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/future-students/fees-scholarships/international-scholarships) and [key dates](https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/future-students/prepare-for-otago/key-dates-for-new-international-students) — checked 28 September 2026
- [Massey University: international tuition fees](https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees-for-international-students/) — checked 28 September 2026
- [AUT: international student fees](https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/fees-and-scholarships/fees-to-study-at-aut/international-student-fees-at-aut) and [Lincoln University: international fees](https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/fees/international-fees/) — checked 28 September 2026
- [University of Waikato: Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship](https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/vice-chancellors-international-excellence-scholarship/) — checked 28 September 2026
- [NZQA: the NZQCF](https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-and-standards/about-new-zealand-qualifications-credentials-framework/) — checked 28 September 2026
- [Immigration New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/), [staying to work](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/after-you-finish-your-study/staying-to-work-after-finishing-your-study/), [changes from 16 November 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-and-updated-post-study-work-visa-options/), [working on a student visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/) and [bringing family](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/once-you-have-a-visa/bringing-family-to-new-zealand/bringing-family-on-a-student-visa/) — checked 28 September 2026
- [Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: eligible countries](https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/check-eligible-countries/) — checked 28 September 2026
- US dollar conversion at the ECB reference rate of 28 September 2026: EUR/USD 1.1378, EUR/NZD 2.0071, so NZD 1 ≈ $0.5669.

Matching master's programmes to your degree and goals, requirement checks, and preparing and submitting applications are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission and scholarship decisions are made by the university, visa decisions by Immigration New Zealand.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [New Zealand Student Visa: Requirements, Documents, Work Rights and Post-Study Options](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-new-zealand-student-visa)
- [Cost of Studying in New Zealand in 2027: University Fees, Housing and Visa Funds](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-new-zealand)
- [Universities in New Zealand: All Eight, 2027 Fees and How to Choose](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-new-zealand)
- [University of Otago](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-otago)
- [Studying in New Zealand for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-new-zealand)
- [Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-victoria-wellington)

Updated: September 2026