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.
Check Out: Study in New Zealand
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Table of Contents
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() #73/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() University of Auckland, AucklandNorth Island, New Zealand45%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: (NZ$50,301/Yr)$27.7K/Yr Living: (NZ$7,920/Yr)$4.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #154/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() University of Otago, DunedinSouth Island, New Zealand58%Acceptance Rate | M.B.A Course duration: 15 months Exams Accepted: GMAT550TOEFL95PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$45,368/Yr)$25K/Yr Living: (NZ$17,200/Yr)$9.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #186/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Victoria University of Wellington, WellingtonNorth Island, New Zealand70%Acceptance Rate | M.A Professional Accounting Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$40,014/Yr)$22K/Yr Living: (NZ$12,350/Yr)$6.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #191/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Massey University, Palmerston NorthNorth Island, New Zealand70%Acceptance Rate | M.B.A Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo120TOEFL90PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$62,028/Yr)$34.1K/Yr Living: (NZ$16,440/Yr)$9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #201/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() University of Canterbury, ChristchurchSouth Island, New Zealand50%Acceptance Rate | M.A Applied Data Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$45,448/Yr)$25K/Yr Living: (NZ$1,600/Yr)$880/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #245/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() University of Waikato, HamiltonNorth Island, New Zealand70%Acceptance Rate | M.B.M Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE56 | Tuition: (NZ$49,811/Yr)$27.4K/Yr Living: (NZ$14,504/Yr)$8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #260/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Auckland University of Technology, AucklandNorth Island, New Zealand91%Acceptance Rate | M.B.A Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$45,080/Yr)$24.8K/Yr Living: (NZ$13,480/Yr)$7.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #322/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Lincoln University, LincolnSouth Island, New Zealand65%Acceptance Rate | M.S Agricultural Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.0PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$42,323/Yr)$23.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #1221/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Wellington Institute of Technology, PetoneNorth Island, New Zealand64%Acceptance Rate | Master of Management Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.0 | Tuition: (NZ$38,750/Yr)$21.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #1731/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Otago Business School, DunedinSouth Island, New Zealand58%Acceptance Rate | M.Com Accounting Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo120TOEFL95PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$41,443/Yr)$22.8K/Yr Living: (NZ$5,230/Yr)$2.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() #1757/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() ICL Graduate Business School, AucklandNorth Island, New Zealand65%Acceptance Rate | M.Mgmt Course duration: 16 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: (NZ$42,500/Yr)$23.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #1781/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Southern Institute of Technology, InvercargillSouth Island, New Zealand65%Acceptance Rate | Master of Information Technology Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$33,250/Yr)$18.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #1795/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Unitech institute of Technology, AucklandNorth Island, New Zealand85%Acceptance Rate | Master of Applied Business Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: (NZ$32,877/Yr)$18.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() #1837/1899 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2027(Overall) | ![]() Whitireia New Zealand, PoriruaNorth Island, New Zealand60%Acceptance Rate | M.Sc Information Technology Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL79PTE58 | Tuition: (NZ$39,250/Yr)$21.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||