New Zealand is one of the promising destinations for pursuing a master’s degree in many great aspects. The strong support and top-notch quality facilities for postgraduate research activities, the encouragement from global New Zealand universities to attract skillful and ambitious graduate students, and available financial support options are only a few of the valuable reasons why you should study a master’s program in New Zealand.
However, you may feel confused as to where you should start with your application to a master in New Zealand. In that case, you’re in the right place. This article will provide you with the necessary information about the application requirements and the admission process to a master’s program in New Zealand.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
When it comes to student admissions, each university has its own regulations to act and decide. Likewise, admission requirements to a master’s program in New Zealand depend on many factors, including the university and program to which you plan to apply. Below, we explained the general admission requirements New Zealand universities ask for their applicants.
REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Completion of a Bachelor’s Program |
The fundamental requirement to enroll in a master’s program in New Zealand is completing an undergraduate program successfully at your previous university. The bachelor’s degree must be obtained from the same university you intend to apply to or a recognized university abroad. Usually, you need to meet a certain minimum grade criteria from your bachelor’s degree for a successful admission. For example, Massey University requires a minimum B grade average as an admission criterion. |
| English Language Proficiency |
Along with your bachelor’s degree, you need to prove your English language ability if you are not a native English speaker. The rule applies even if your undergraduate program was taught in English, which is why you need specific evidence to prove your English language proficiency. New Zealand universities require a valid and adequate test score from recognized English language test organizations, such as TOEFL and IELTS. The minimum score can vary at each university or program. For instance, Otago University requires a minimum score of 6.5 for IELTS and 90 for TOEFL iBT, yet for the Faculty of Law, the minimum score is 7.5 for IELTS and 102 for TOEFL iBT. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master Studies
English is the language of instruction in the majority of the master’s programs in New Zealand. Therefore, proving your English language capabilities is an extremely important factor for your admission. Universities in New Zealand provide plenty of options for applicants whose first language isn’t English.
New Zealand universities demand and accept valid scores from several globally recognized English language tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge C1/C2, and PTE. The minimum scores you must take are indicated at each New Zealand university in order for you to prepare your application accordingly. The average minimum score for a master’s program in New Zealand is 6.5 for IELTS Academic, 90 for TOEFL iBT, 176 for Cambridge C1 or C2, and 58 for PTE, as at Otago University, Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington.
It is also possible to enroll in an English language preparation program and obtain a valid score to start your degree; Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland are some examples.
Master’s Degree Application Process
Below, we indicate the most important steps to organize your master’s program application in New Zealand.
Step 1: Find the Best Study Program to Pursue
To start your application process, you need to choose the best universities and programs to pursue. While choosing a program to apply to, you should check several universities and compare each of its offerings. It doesn’t have to be the best university, choose an institution that is in alignment with your educational goals. You can find master’s programs in the university program catalogs, such as at the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
When you find one or a few study options that suit your academic goals, you need to check their required documents for application. The documentation process is crucial for your admissions since any missing or invalid document can lead to a failed application.
When preparing your documents, you must provide official copies with certified translations in case some documents are not written in English. Generally, required documents include a copy of your bachelor’s degree diploma and transcript, your English test result, a copy of your passport or ID card, your CV, and so on. Some universities, like Auckland University of Technology, can also request a research proposal to explain your research plans and interests.
Step 3: Check the Application Deadlines and Apply Online
Once you complete the documents, you need to submit your application via the university’s online application portal within the application deadline. Most universities conduct admissions via online platforms for international students, such as Otago University, whose application period is from May 1 to 15 November.
When submitting your application, you most likely don’t have to pay for an application fee because most of the New Zealand universities don’t require it from international students. The University of Auckland is one example.
You must be aware of the application deadlines set by each university. For instance, the University of Waikato, University of Auckland, and Massey University follow different deadlines. It is highly recommended to check the admission timeline of the university you plan to apply.
Step 4: Track Your Application
Once you submit your application online, you need to track your application status by frequently checking your email in case there is an interview request or an additional document submission required. The admissions are generally announced via email or the application portal you used for submission. Note that this process can take 1 or 2 months.
FAQs: Master’s Application Process in New Zealand
Is it Expensive to Study Master’s in New Zealand?
Studying in New Zealand is neither cheap nor expensive; it would be the right statement to say the tuition fees for international students are mid-average by global standards. The tuition fees depend heavily on the type of university or program. For instance, at Victoria University of Wellington, a master’s in education costs around NZD 34,700 ($21,500) per year, whereas a master’s degree in law costs NZD 40,000 ($24,900)/year.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Prepare for Applying to a University in New Zealand?
Universities in New Zealand usually don’t have long lists of required documents, so it can take a month to complete your master’s application. However, this is the case if you already have a valid English language score since preparing for an English language test can take longer. You also need to consider the application deadlines (e.g. the University of Auckland) and visa application process, so it’s ideal to finish your application as quickly as possible.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in New Zealand?
Yes, there are several available scholarship options for international master’s students in New Zealand. Victoria University of Wellington offers Tongarewa International Scholarship to first-year international master’s students with a total grant of NZD 5,000 ($3,100) to 10,000 ($6,200). Another example is the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship, offering NZD 18,204 ($11,300) and a partial coverage of the tuition fees for international master’s research students.
Top-quality universities in New Zealand wait for passionate graduate students by offering generous opportunities and an unforgettable student experience. Now, it is your time to apply to your dream program and obtain your master’s degree in New Zealand.
We hope that this article on how to study Master’s in New Zealand was helpful! To know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in New Zealand Guide!
