Masters degree - Postgraduate in English in New Zealand for international students

- World-renowned universities — New Zealand has only eight universities, but all are ranked within the top 3% of universities worldwide.
- Comprehensive master's programs — The curriculum for master's programs in New Zealand is specifically designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Affordability — The cost of studying for a master's degree in New Zealand ranges from NZD 20,000 to NZD 70,000, which is more affordable than earning a master's degree in the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia.
- Industry experience — During their master's studies in New Zealand, students have the opportunity to undertake internships and gain practical training.
- Flexible master's programs — Earning a master's degree in New Zealand can be very advantageous, as students can complete their degree in 18 months (instead of the typical 24 months in the EU and US).
- Education system similar to the UK — New Zealand's education system is based on the UK system, which is familiar to many international students worldwide.
- Cultural diversity — Students have the opportunity to build strong relationships with classmates from various cultural backgrounds.
- Globally recognized degree — A master's course in New Zealand offers students a globally recognized degree, helping them advance their careers and achieve higher salaries.

A typical graduate program in New Zealand is usually two years long, with some New Zealand universities sometimes offering one or one and a half year graduate programs. The first year is theoretical and the second year is usually independent study. The first year of a master's program corresponds to an academic degree.

The best universities in New Zealand offer excellent opportunities for master's programs in business, computer science, engineering, natural sciences and social sciences. These educational institutions are accustomed to graduates from the CIS and gladly accept foreign diplomas. Among foreigners, the most popular postgraduate programs are the Master of Global Business, Master of Applied Finance and Master of Marketing. These programs are academically equivalent to a one-semester master's degree, which can be earned in one year of intensive study.

In addition to universities, some public and private professional schools also offer a limited number of postgraduate programs (e.g., Master of Business Administration, Master of Accounting, and Master of Computer Science). It should be noted that it is easier to enroll in graduate programs at private institutions than at public institutions.

The best courses for a Master's degree in New Zealand are:
MS for Mechanical Engineers,
MS for data science,
MS for Civil Engineering.

In New Zealand, postgraduate programs, especially master's programs, are rarely optional - they offer further education in their subject area rather than specialization. This means that a bachelor's degree or specialization in the same subject area is required for entry to the program. For example, a bachelor's degree in management does not give access to a master's degree in accounting or finance in New Zealand. To enter these programs, you need to complete a one-year “transition course”, a master's degree in the relevant subject area. It increases the time required to complete a master's degree to three years. If the undergraduate and postgraduate subjects are very different, it may not be possible to select and offer a transition course - for example, it may not be possible to transfer from engineering to economics.

A master's graduate is able to:

- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in their area of specialization or professional activity,
- Exhibit mastery in complex theoretical subjects,
- Critically evaluate conclusions and discussions in the literature,
- Research, analyze, and argue evidence,
- Work independently and apply knowledge in new situations,
- Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, critique, and problem-solving.

If the master's degree includes a research component under supervision — at least 90 credits at level 9 — the graduate can also:

- Demonstrate a high level of skill in planning, conducting, and completing original research or creative scholarly work,
- Apply the skills acquired during the program in new situations.

The research must be completed in accordance with internationally recognized standards and demonstrate the graduate's ability to think independently.

The key question to ask is: why pursue a master's degree in New Zealand if one year of postgraduate study (the first year of a master's program) is all that's needed to gain a valid qualification that qualifies for work and, eventually, permanent residency in the country? Thanks to the quality of higher education, this qualification will be a truly advanced one, allowing students to make a significant career leap and opening excellent career opportunities in New Zealand and other countries after completing the program.

If you're looking to change careers or need a second higher education qualification rather than another degree or longer master's study, it's recommended to consider the popular "One-Year Diploma" postgraduate program. This program is the final course of a bachelor's degree and is offered by many polytechnic institutes, private colleges, and universities in fields such as business, information technology, hospitality and tourism, accounting, logistics, public administration, and similar areas in New Zealand. Accepting students with any degree, the universities offering this course allow students to switch specialties within a year and obtain an open work visa after graduation.

There is a number of universities in New Zealand offering Master's courses, but choosing a university can be one of the most difficult tasks. Some of the key factors to consider are:

• The master's program should be relevant to career needs,
• The university is located in an area that is well connected to the rest of the city,
• University with a good placement cell and good relationship with local companies,
• Tuition fee is also an important factor to consider while selecting a university,
• It is advisable to choose a university with a well-planned structure for international students which includes placement assistance and other counseling services.

To be admitted to a master's program, students are typically required to submit the following documents:

- Completed application form,
- Copy of passport,
- Copy of higher education diploma,
- Transcript of courses and grades,
- Copies of other educational documents, diplomas, and certificates,
- IELTS or TOEFL score (at least B2-C1 level),
- GMAT, GRE, or LSAT (for certain programs),
- Two letters of recommendation from the most recent place of study,
- Motivation letter,
- Creative portfolio (for creative programs).

The average tuition fee for a master's program in English for international students in New Zealand ranges from NZD 18,000 to NZD 35,000 per year.

International students are allowed to work full-time while studying.

International students need a visa to study in New Zealand. The type of visa required depends largely on the length of the course. For master's programs, a student visa (not a tourist short-term visa) is a must.

This visa can be used to stay in the country for up to four years. To be eligible, you need to be registered at an NZQA approved institution and have the means to pay for the course in full.

To apply for this visa online, you need to send:

• an offer of a place from an NZQA-approved institution,
• proof that the student has enough money for living expenses for the duration of their stay,
• passport format photographs.

Student visa processing can take up to 62 days.

The New Zealand Immigration Service provides full guidance on how to apply for a visa, including what documents you need to provide when applying.