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Study Master of Science (MS) in New Zealand

Your complete guide to enhancing your career by pursuing MS in New Zealand

After completing their bachelor’s degree, most international students have their hearts set on a specialised postgraduation degree. This is because pursuing a master’s degree helps them switch to a different and more desirable league in terms of employability. During the course of the master’s degree, they indulge in gaining advanced, focussed training in their chosen area of interest. This helps them gain expertise and become qualified for lucrative jobs after the completion of the course. In case they wish to pursue a career in academia, an MS degree brings them one step closer to their PhD. 

For these students, New Zealand is one of the most preferred locations for a Master of Science degree. With almost a dozen of highly ranked institutions for MS in the world, the country attracts new international students every year.

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Why New Zealand?

Apart from its welcoming natives, breath-taking beauty, and booming job market, here are the factors that make New Zealand a top choice with students:

  • Variety of formats: You can opt for taught master’s or research master’s as per your interest. While taught masters will equip you with specialised training in the chosen field, research master’s will polish your research skills 

  • Boosts employability: The program will give you an opportunity to work closely with researchers who are major contributors in their field. This will do wonders to your CV.

  • Academic excellence: As per the QS World University Rankings 2023, all kiwi institutions are ranked in top 500. So, whichever one you get accepted in, you will be studying at a world-class institution. 

Eligibility Criteria

The exact entry requirements for each institution may vary from course to course. Here’s an overview of the most common requirements for most institutions: 

  • You’ll need to complete a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Science in a field relevant to your intended specialisation. GPA requirements may vary from institution to institution, but the recommended score is GPA- 4.0

  • You will need to obtain the minimum required IELTS score to prove your proficiency in the English language
    Read more: Register for IELTS  

  • GRE is required for admission to master’s courses in New Zealand. GMAT, too, is widely accepted by Kiwi institutions, but that is mainly required for management courses

Basic documents checklist for MS in New Zealand

  • Academic transcripts: Academic scorecards will form a significant part of your application 

  • Resume: Some the New Zealand universities will require you to submit your CV along with your application

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): It will reflect your motivation to pursue a desired course in the institution

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR): Most of the universities in New Zealand will require you to submit 2-3 LORs to pursue your masters

  • English proficiency test scores: For instance, your IELTS scores


Read more: What is a Letter of Recommendation? | Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Everything you need to know

Cost and duration 

The duration of any master’s program in New Zealand is normally between 18 months to 2 years. But some universities also offer a 1-year master program, provided you have a degree equivalent to a post-graduate diploma or bachelor honours.

To pursue any postgraduate diploma or degree in New Zealand, you’ll need to pay NZ$ 21,000-29,000 as a tuition fee. 

Career scope

Once you earn a recognised degree from New Zealand, you can apply for a visa to work in the country for up to three years after you finish your studies. The average salary after a master’s in New Zealand sits at around NZ$ $103,000.

A Master of Science Degree from New Zealand can help you gain subject expertise and land that dream job. Moreover, exposure to diverse cultures during your stay in New Zealand will result in enhancing your personality and social skills. As one of the safest countries in the world, it is ideal for your student years. If you are still confused, feel free to reach out to our international education experts and discuss all your queries regarding MS in New Zealand.

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Updated on July 22, 2022

  • Read More
    List of Top Universities in New Zealand for MS
Student visa requirements for New Zealand

Student visa requirements for New Zealand

While it is a tedious task to apply for your visa all on your own, IDP ensures that we make it easy for you.
Upcoming intakes in New Zealand

Upcoming intakes in New Zealand

Institutions in New Zealand offer two major intakes- February and July. Find out which study intake is right for you, so you have the best chance of having your application accepted.

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