Masters in New Zealand 2027: Top Universities, Fees and Scholarships for Indian Students
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Nov 13, 2026

Masters in New Zealand is offered as a taught master's of 120, 180 or 240 points. Full-time study takes 1 to 2 years. For a taught program you can join in 2027, the University of Auckland leads at #67 in the world. New Zealand has only 8 universities, so this list covers all of them. If you are looking in November 2026, February 2027 deadlines close within weeks. Massey and Canterbury take July 2027 applications until 1 May 2027.

  • Auckland, Victoria and Canterbury run taught master's open for 2027 entry.
  • Fees start at NZD 47,490 (INR 24.80 Lakhs) a year at Massey.
  • Most programs need IELTS 6.5 and no GMAT or GRE.
  • Auckland's MSc in Computer Science is research-only for 2027, with no taught option.
  • A master's earns a 3-year Post Study Work Visa, no job offer needed.

Check Out: Study in New Zealand

Exchange rate: all NZD figures convert at 1 NZD = INR 52.22, the mid-market rate on 13 November 2026.

Latest Updates - November 2026

  • Otago closes offshore applications for Semester 1 2027 on 15 November 2026.
  • The AUT South Asia International Scholarship closes on 22 November 2026 for February 2027.
  • Canterbury and Lincoln close February 2027 international applications on 1 December 2026.
  • Auckland takes Semester One 2027 applications until 8 December 2026.
  • From 27 October 2026, new research master's students get 25 work hours a week.

Top 8 Universities for Masters in New Zealand

Top universities for Masters in New Zealand include Auckland, Otago, Victoria University of Wellington and Massey. All 8 New Zealand universities appear in the QS World University Rankings 2027. In November 2026, each one still takes international applications for at least one 2027 intake.

University Location QS World University Rankings 2027
University of Auckland Auckland #67
University of Otago Dunedin #198
Victoria University of Wellington Wellington #241
Massey University Palmerston North and Auckland #215
University of Canterbury Christchurch #257
University of Waikato Hamilton #293
Auckland University of Technology Auckland #431
Lincoln University Lincoln #419

Note: Rows follow the 2027 Study Abroad ranking order, so QS positions are not strictly ascending. Massey sits at #215 in QS, above Victoria at #241.

Auckland's MSc in Computer Science is listed only as a research degree for 2027. You need an agreed supervisor before you apply. For a taught IT route at Auckland, the Master of Information Technology is the open option.

Student Insights

According to student discussions on Quora, Auckland is described as New Zealand's leading law school. Its law master's run by research and lead to PhD options.

Check Out: Computer Science in New Zealand


Masters in New Zealand Courses by Applicant Profile

Masters in New Zealand courses split into 120-point (1 year), 180-point (12 to 18 months) and 240-point (2 years) routes. Your bachelor's subject and work experience decide which route fits. In November 2026, every route below still has a 2027 start you can target.

Your Background Programs That Fit Why It Fits
3-year or 4-year degree in any subject, no IT background Auckland Master of Information Technology (240 points) The 240-point route accepts any discipline at a GPE of 4.5
BTech, BCA or BSc in IT Auckland Master of Information Technology (180 points); Massey Master of Information Sciences An IT degree cuts the Auckland route to 180 points
Any degree with strong maths or statistics Canterbury Master of Applied Data Science Built for graduates moving into data roles from other fields
BCom, BBA or any degree aiming at accounting Victoria Master of Professional Accounting; Waikato Master of Business and Management No accounting or business major needed; a B- average is enough
Engineering or construction graduate with 1 year of work AUT Master of Construction Management One year of study at 120 points
Manager with 3 or more years of experience Otago Master of Business Administration The only listed program that asks for GMAT or an admission test

Pro Tip for Indian Students: A 180-point master's costs one and a half years of fees. If your degree fits a 120-point route, you save a full semester of tuition and rent.

Student Insights

According to Quora, students take 60 points a semester at Auckland. So a 120-point master's takes one year and a 180-point master's takes three semesters.

Check Out: Masters Courses in New Zealand


Masters in New Zealand Intakes and Application Deadlines

Masters in New Zealand intakes run in February or March and July at most universities. The next international deadlines are 1 December 2026 at Canterbury and Lincoln and 8 December 2026 at Auckland. Waikato and Otago's MBA admit on a rolling basis until seats fill.

University 2027 Intakes Next International Deadline
University of Auckland 1 March and 19 July 2027 8 December 2026; 4 July 2027
University of Otago February 2027 (MBA, one intake a year) 15 November 2026 offshore; 10 December 2026 onshore
Victoria University of Wellington 22 February and November 2027 7 December 2026
Massey University Semester One and Semester Two 2027 1 May 2027 for Semester Two
University of Canterbury February and July 2027 1 December 2026; 1 May 2027
University of Waikato February, July and November 2027 Rolling, no fixed date
Auckland University of Technology 22 February and 12 July 2027 7 December 2026; July date differs across AUT sources
Lincoln University 22 February and 19 July 2027 1 December 2026

Deadline Alert: Massey's main Semester One 2027 date for new international students has passed. It still considers late applications if places remain, so apply this month.

Student Insights

According to student discussions on Quora, no single intake is best for every student. The right timing depends on your program and university.


Masters in New Zealand Fees for Indian Students

Masters in New Zealand fees for Indian students start at NZD 47,490 (INR 24.80 Lakhs) a year at Massey. The highest is Otago's MBA at NZD 76,240 (INR 39.81 Lakhs) in total. Every figure below is the university's 2027 international fee.

University Program Duration Program Fees (Annual/Total) (NZD) Program Fees (Annual/Total) (INR)
University of Auckland Master of Information Technology 1 to 2 years (120 to 240 points) NZD 57,974 (Annual, indicative) INR 30.27 Lakhs (Annual)
University of Otago Master of Business Administration 15 months NZD 76,240 (Total) INR 39.81 Lakhs (Total)
Victoria University of Wellington Master of Professional Accounting 12 months NZD 58,950 (Total) INR 30.78 Lakhs (Total)
Massey University Master of Information Sciences 18 months NZD 47,490 (Annual, estimate) INR 24.80 Lakhs (Annual)
University of Canterbury Master of Applied Data Science 12 to 18 months NZD 59,400 (Total) INR 31.02 Lakhs (Total)
University of Waikato Master of Business and Management 12 months NZD 62,748 (Total, indicative) INR 32.77 Lakhs (Total)
Auckland University of Technology Master of Construction Management 1 year NZD 52,859.67 (Total, indicative) INR 27.60 Lakhs (Total)
Lincoln University Master of Business (Global Management and Marketing) 18 months NZD 59,000 (Total, estimate) INR 30.81 Lakhs (Total)

Note: Status as of November 2026: all 8 universities have posted 2027 fees. Auckland, Waikato and AUT still mark them as indicative, so recheck before you pay.

Auckland and Massey quote fees per year. A 180-point Massey master's runs three semesters, so its total is higher than the annual figure. Auckland's 240-point route spans two years of fees. Auckland also adds a Student Services Fee of NZD 1,158 (INR 60,471) a year.

Student Insights

According to Quora, Indian students cannot get New Zealand government student loans or allowances. So funding has to come from Indian loans, savings or scholarships.


Masters in New Zealand Cost of Living

Masters in New Zealand cost of living runs NZD 20,000 to NZD 27,000 (INR 10.44 to 14.10 Lakhs) a year in Auckland. Palmerston North is cheapest at NZD 15,000 to NZD 18,000 (INR 7.83 to 9.40 Lakhs). It covers rent, food, transport, utilities and personal spending, but not tuition or flights. Your student visa needs proof of funds of NZD 20,000 (INR 10.44 Lakhs) a year for living costs.

City Universities Annual Living Cost (NZD) Annual Living Cost (INR)
Auckland Auckland, AUT, Massey (Auckland campus) NZD 20,000 to NZD 27,000 INR 10.44 Lakhs to INR 14.10 Lakhs
Wellington Victoria University of Wellington NZD 24,000 to NZD 33,000 INR 12.53 Lakhs to INR 17.23 Lakhs
Dunedin Otago NZD 22,000 to NZD 27,000 INR 11.49 Lakhs to INR 14.10 Lakhs
Christchurch and Lincoln Canterbury, Lincoln NZD 22,672 (NZD 436 a week, flatting) INR 11.84 Lakhs
Hamilton Waikato NZD 20,000 INR 10.44 Lakhs
Palmerston North Massey (Manawatu campus) NZD 15,000 to NZD 18,000 INR 7.83 Lakhs to INR 9.40 Lakhs

Note: For a February 2027 start, arrange your NZD 20,000 living funds this month. Indian applicants can use the Funds Transfer Scheme to show these funds.

Student Insights

According to student discussions on Quora, part-time pay may cover your rent or your food, but rarely both. So plan your living funds before you land.

Check Out: Part-time Jobs in New Zealand


Masters in New Zealand Eligibility and Requirements

Masters in New Zealand eligibility needs a bachelor's degree with a B- to B average and IELTS 6.5. Only Otago's MBA asks for a GMAT score. The exact rules at the 8 universities are below.

  • Victoria, Waikato and Massey ask for a B- average in your bachelor's.
  • Canterbury, AUT, Otago and Lincoln ask for a B average.
  • Auckland asks for a GPE of 4.5 on its 9-point scale.
  • Auckland's 240-point IT master's accepts a degree in any discipline.
  • Otago's MBA needs 3 years of professional or management experience.
  • AUT's construction master's asks for 1 year of engineering or managerial work.
  • Massey asks non-IT graduates for 2 years of relevant work experience.
  • Otago's MBA asks for GMAT 550 or a pass in its own admission test.
  • The other 7 programs ask for no GMAT or GRE.
  • All 8 set IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or PTE 58.
  • The usual TOEFL iBT minimum is 90, with writing at 20 to 24.
  • Keep transcripts, degree certificate, CV, English scores and passport ready for every application.

Watch Out: For a July 2027 start, book IELTS by February 2027. That leaves time for a retake before the May deadlines.

Student Insights

According to Quora, IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 is the common master's benchmark. One respondent adds that professional programs may ask for more.


Scholarships for Masters in New Zealand for Indian Students

Scholarships for Masters in New Zealand for Indian students include the New Zealand Excellence Awards and university awards. Most are worth NZD 5,000 to NZD 15,000 (INR 2.61 to 7.83 Lakhs). They are partial tuition awards, not full scholarships. Otago, Victoria and Lincoln assess you automatically at admission.

Scholarship Coverage Status for 2027 Entry
New Zealand Excellence Awards for India Partial tuition; Waikato lists NZD 7,500 to NZD 15,000 (INR 3.92 to 7.83 Lakhs) 2027 round not announced as of November 2026
Otago Global Master's Scholarship NZD 15,000 (INR 7.83 Lakhs) off tuition Automatic on admission; selected taught master's only
Victoria Postgraduate International Scholarship NZD 10,000 (INR 5.22 Lakhs) off first-year tuition Automatic; closes with the 7 December 2026 program deadline
Waikato Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India Up to NZD 15,000 (INR 7.83 Lakhs) Apply by 30 November 2026 for February; 15 May 2027 for July
Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship NZD 10,000 (INR 5.22 Lakhs) for the first year February round closed 24 October 2026; next closes 30 April 2027
AUT South Asia International Scholarship NZD 7,000 (INR 3.66 Lakhs) off first-year tuition Closes 22 November 2026; 23 May 2027
Lincoln Taught Master Merit Scholarship NZD 7,000 to NZD 15,000 (INR 3.66 to 7.83 Lakhs) Automatic on admission
Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship 25% of one year's tuition Semester One 2027 round closed 4 November 2026

Watch Out: Otago's award lists Master of Business subjects, not the MBA by name. Confirm MBA eligibility with Otago before you count on NZD 15,000.

Student Insights

According to student discussions on Quora, a 2025 master's student found living costs high. They advise applying for a scholarship wherever possible.

Check Out: Scholarships in New Zealand


Masters in New Zealand Student Visa and Post Study Work Visa

Masters in New Zealand students need a Fee Paying Student Visa. After graduating, they get a Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years. The student visa fee starts at NZD 850 (INR 44,387). Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of student visas within 5 weeks.

  • Show NZD 20,000 (INR 10.44 Lakhs) a year for living costs with your application.
  • Master's students can work 25 hours a week during study and full-time in holidays.
  • You need at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
  • Apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring, with at least NZD 5,000 (INR 2.61 Lakhs).
  • The Post Study Work Visa fee starts at NZD 1,670 (INR 87,207) and allows any employer.
  • You get the Post Study Work Visa only once.

Note: Immigration New Zealand is busiest from October to March. For a February 2027 start, lodge your visa as soon as your offer arrives.

Check Out: New Zealand Student Visa


Jobs and Salary After Masters in New Zealand

Jobs after Masters in New Zealand include Software Developer, Data Analyst, Accountant and Construction Manager. Common pay starts at NZD 71,000 (INR 37.08 Lakhs) a year. The figures below are the most common salary ranges from New Zealand's official careers service.

Role Common Salary (NZD a Year) Common Salary (INR a Year)
Software Developer NZD 90,000 to NZD 154,000 INR 47.00 Lakhs to INR 80.42 Lakhs
Data Scientist NZD 83,000 to NZD 143,000 INR 43.34 Lakhs to INR 74.67 Lakhs
Data Analyst NZD 73,000 to NZD 118,000 INR 38.12 Lakhs to INR 61.62 Lakhs
Accountant and Auditor NZD 71,000 to NZD 131,000 INR 37.08 Lakhs to INR 68.41 Lakhs
Business Analyst NZD 85,000 to NZD 110,000 INR 44.39 Lakhs to INR 57.44 Lakhs
Construction Manager NZD 95,000 to NZD 155,000 INR 49.61 Lakhs to INR 80.94 Lakhs
Civil Engineer NZD 81,000 to NZD 154,000 INR 42.30 Lakhs to INR 80.42 Lakhs

Pro Tip for Indian Students: Start graduate job applications in your final semester. The 3-year work visa clock starts when it is granted, not when you find a job.

These ranges cover workers at all experience levels. Fresh graduates usually start near the lower end of each range.

Student Insights

According to Quora, job outcomes depend on your course, city and skills. One respondent notes you compete with locals and other international students for work.

Check Out: Jobs in New Zealand


Pick Auckland or Massey for IT, Canterbury for data and Victoria for accounting.

  • Apply for the AUT South Asia Scholarship before 22 November 2026.
  • Submit Canterbury or Lincoln applications by 1 December 2026 for February 2027.
  • Apply to Auckland by 8 December 2026 for its 1 March 2027 start.
  • Book IELTS by February 2027 if you target July 2027 intakes.
  • Budget NZD 20,000 (INR 10.44 Lakhs) in visa living funds on top of tuition.

FAQs

Ques. Can I do Masters in New Zealand without GRE?

Ans. Yes. None of the 8 programs on this page asks for the GRE. Only Otago's MBA asks for GMAT 550, or a pass in its own admission test. Admission depends on your bachelor's grades and English score. Most universities ask for a B- to B average. They also ask for IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or PTE 58. So spend your preparation time on IELTS and your statement of purpose instead.

Ques. How much does Masters in New Zealand cost in Indian rupees?

Ans. Tuition starts at NZD 47,490 (INR 24.80 Lakhs) a year at Massey. Victoria's accounting master's costs NZD 58,950 (INR 30.78 Lakhs) in total. Otago's MBA is the highest at NZD 76,240 (INR 39.81 Lakhs). Add living costs of NZD 20,000 (INR 10.44 Lakhs) a year, the visa minimum. So one year at Victoria needs NZD 78,950 (INR 41.23 Lakhs) before flights. Plan an Indian education loan for any balance, since New Zealand government loans are not open to you.

Ques. Is a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree accepted for Masters in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, for many programs. Auckland's 240-point Master of Information Technology accepts an undergraduate degree in any discipline. Victoria's Master of Professional Accounting accepts a bachelor's in any subject with a B- average. Waikato's Master of Business and Management also accepts any bachelor's at a B- average. A 3-year degree can lead to a longer 180-point or 240-point route. Check each program's entry page before you apply.

Ques. Can a student from a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city college get admission?

Ans. Yes. New Zealand universities assess your grades, not your college's city. Victoria, Waikato and Massey accept a B- average for the programs listed here. A strong IELTS 6.5 or higher helps a lesser-known college stand out. Apply early for scholarships with fixed rounds. For example, AUT's NZD 7,000 (INR 3.66 Lakhs) South Asia award closes on 22 November 2026. Victoria's NZD 10,000 (INR 5.22 Lakhs) award needs no separate application.

Ques. Which is the best university for Masters in New Zealand?

Ans. The University of Auckland ranks highest at #67 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Otago follows at #198 and Massey at #215. For IT, Auckland's Master of Information Technology costs NZD 57,974 (INR 30.27 Lakhs) a year. For accounting, Victoria's 12-month master's suits graduates from any subject. For data roles, Canterbury's Master of Applied Data Science costs NZD 59,400 (INR 31.02 Lakhs) in total. Pick the program that fits your degree, not only the rank.

Ques. Can I stay in New Zealand after Masters?

Ans. Yes. A New Zealand master's qualifies you for a Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years. You must have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. You need no job offer, and you can work for any employer. The fee starts at NZD 1,670 (INR 87,207). You can hold this visa only once. During study, you can work 25 hours a week and full-time in holidays.

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Found 14 universities

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RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#73/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

University of Auckland, Auckland

6.3(Based on 10 User Reviews)North Island, New Zealand45%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5
View 48 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$50,301/Yr)$27.7K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$7,920/Yr)$4.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#154/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

University of Otago, Dunedin

South Island, New Zealand58%Acceptance Rate
M.B.A
Course duration:
15 months
Exams Accepted:
GMAT550TOEFL95PTE58
View 128 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$45,368/Yr)$25K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$17,200/Yr)$9.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#186/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington

North Island, New Zealand70%Acceptance Rate
M.A Professional Accounting
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5PTE58
View 67 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$40,014/Yr)$22K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$12,350/Yr)$6.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#191/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Massey University, Palmerston North

North Island, New Zealand70%Acceptance Rate
M.B.A
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL90PTE58
View 31 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$62,028/Yr)$34.1K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$16,440/Yr)$9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#201/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

University of Canterbury, Christchurch

7.2(Based on 1 User Reviews)South Island, New Zealand50%Acceptance Rate
M.A Applied Data Science
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE58
View 65 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$45,448/Yr)$25K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$1,600/Yr)$880/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#245/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

University of Waikato, Hamilton

10.0(Based on 6 User Reviews)North Island, New Zealand70%Acceptance Rate
M.B.M
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE56
View 100 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$49,811/Yr)$27.4K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$14,504/Yr)$8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#260/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Auckland University of Technology, Auckland

8.7(Based on 4 User Reviews)North Island, New Zealand91%Acceptance Rate
M.B.A
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5PTE58
View 37 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$45,080/Yr)$24.8K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$13,480/Yr)$7.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#322/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Lincoln University, Lincoln

5.5(Based on 1 User Reviews)South Island, New Zealand65%Acceptance Rate
M.S Agricultural Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.0PTE58
View 21 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$42,323/Yr)$23.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1221/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Wellington Institute of Technology, Petone

North Island, New Zealand64%Acceptance Rate
Master of Management
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.0
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(NZ$38,750/Yr)$21.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1731/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Otago Business School, Dunedin

South Island, New Zealand58%Acceptance Rate
M.Com Accounting
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL95PTE58
View 8 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$41,443/Yr)$22.8K/Yr
Living: 
(NZ$5,230/Yr)$2.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1757/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

ICL Graduate Business School, Auckland

North Island, New Zealand65%Acceptance Rate
M.Mgmt
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5
Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$42,500/Yr)$23.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1781/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill

South Island, New Zealand65%Acceptance Rate
Master of Information Technology
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5PTE58
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(NZ$33,250/Yr)$18.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1795/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Unitech institute of Technology, Auckland

North Island, New Zealand85%Acceptance Rate
Master of Applied Business
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5
Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$32,877/Yr)$18.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1837/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall)

Whitireia New Zealand, Porirua

North Island, New Zealand60%Acceptance Rate
M.Sc Information Technology
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL79PTE58
Programs
Tuition:  
(NZ$39,250/Yr)$21.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements