How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?

Tuition fees in New Zealand vary by university and programme. International students can expect to pay between NZD 20,000 to NZD 40,000 per year for a master's degree. Some universities offer more affordable options. For detailed information on costs and available scholarships, visit the affordable programmes page and the scholarships page on Mastersportal.

Can I study online at universities in New Zealand?

Yes, several universities in New Zealand offer online master's programmes. These programmes provide flexibility for students who cannot attend classes in person. To explore online options, check out the online programmes page on Mastersportal.

Are there part-time study options available in New Zealand?

Yes, part-time study options are available at many universities in New Zealand. These options allow students to balance their studies with work or other commitments. For more information, visit the part-time programmes page on Mastersportal.

Are there 1-year master's programmes in New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand offers 1-year master's programmes in various fields. These programmes are ideal for students looking to complete their degree quickly. To find 1-year programmes, visit the 1-year programmes page on Mastersportal.

Can I study at a top-ranked university in New Zealand with a scholarship?

Yes, you can study at top-ranked universities in New Zealand with a scholarship. Universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington offer various scholarships for international students. To explore scholarship opportunities, visit the scholarships page on Mastersportal.

How is the Studyportals University Meta Ranking calculated?

The Studyportals University Meta Ranking aggregates multiple ranking sources to provide a comprehensive comparison of universities globally. This ranking helps students compare the best universities in New Zealand with institutions worldwide. For a detailed explanation, read the article What is the Studyportals University Meta Ranking and how does it work? on Mastersportal.

New Zealand

Top Universities in New Zealand: 9 Ranked Universities in 2026

Studyportals Meta Ranking, combining the world's leading rankings

Choosing the right university in New Zealand is a crucial decision for international students. To assist with this, we have compiled a ranked list of universities using a meta-ranking score, which takes into account various factors such as academic reputation, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes. This list aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed choice.

One important factor to consider is the percentage of online programmes offered by universities. In New Zealand, the 11% of online programmes varies across institutions. This can be particularly relevant for students who prefer flexible learning options or have other commitments.

Tuition fees are another significant consideration. The €11,235 represents the lower end of tuition fees, making it more accessible for students on a budget. On the other hand, the €31,807 indicates the higher end of tuition fees, which might be a consideration for those looking at more premium institutions.

For a typical student, the €22,497 offers a good benchmark for what to expect in terms of tuition fees. This median value helps in understanding the average cost of studying in New Zealand, allowing students to plan their finances more effectively.

By considering these factors alongside the meta-ranking scores, international students can find a university in New Zealand that not only meets their academic needs but also fits their lifestyle and budget.

University of Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand +1•3,924 Reviews

#111

Worldwide

•Top 1% Global Rank

254 Masters On-campus Online

University of Otago

Dunedin, New Zealand •4,0102 Reviews

#269

Worldwide

•Top 2% Global Rank

204 Masters On-campus Online

Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand •4,183 Reviews

#344

Worldwide

•Top 2% Global Rank

552 Masters On-campus

University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand •3,926 Reviews

#356

Worldwide

•Top 2% Global Rank

85 Masters On-campus Online

Auckland University of Technology

North Shore, New Zealand +2•4,180 Reviews

#442

Worldwide

•Top 3% Global Rank

78 Masters On-campus Online

The University of Waikato

Hamilton, New Zealand +1•4,423 Reviews

#452

Worldwide

•Top 3% Global Rank

143 Masters On-campus Online

Massey University

Palmerston North, New Zealand +2•4,336 Reviews

#455

Worldwide

•Top 3% Global Rank

119 Masters On-campus Online

Lincoln University Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

#693

Worldwide

•Top 4% Global Rank

28 Masters On-campus Online

University of Greenwich

Auckland, New Zealand +3•4,2109 Reviews

#697

Worldwide

•Top 4% Global Rank

114 Masters On-campus Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition fees in New Zealand vary by university and programme. International students can expect to pay between NZD 20,000 to NZD 40,000 per year for a master's degree. Some universities offer more affordable options. For detailed information on costs and available scholarships, visit the affordable programmes page and the scholarships page on Mastersportal.
Yes, several universities in New Zealand offer online master's programmes. These programmes provide flexibility for students who cannot attend classes in person. To explore online options, check out the online programmes page on Mastersportal.
Yes, part-time study options are available at many universities in New Zealand. These options allow students to balance their studies with work or other commitments. For more information, visit the part-time programmes page on Mastersportal.
Yes, New Zealand offers 1-year master's programmes in various fields. These programmes are ideal for students looking to complete their degree quickly. To find 1-year programmes, visit the 1-year programmes page on Mastersportal.
Yes, you can study at top-ranked universities in New Zealand with a scholarship. Universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington offer various scholarships for international students. To explore scholarship opportunities, visit the scholarships page on Mastersportal.
The Studyportals University Meta Ranking aggregates multiple ranking sources to provide a comprehensive comparison of universities globally. This ranking helps students compare the best universities in New Zealand with institutions worldwide. For a detailed explanation, read the article What is the Studyportals University Meta Ranking and how does it work? on Mastersportal.