collageNew Zealand may only be known as “Australia’s younger sibling”, with their almost identical flags and adorable accents. But it still is a place you should seriously consider for your international degree.
New Zealand isn’t famous only for its Lord of the Rings-landscapes. It also gave us great people like Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man who reached the peak of Mount Everest; Sir Ernest Rutherford, the first scientist who split the atom; and, last but not least, pop-singer Lorde.
Yes, there are other people between great scientists and pop singers. But before we get there, we should cover all you need to know about New Zealand’s universities and student lifestyle.
Why study in New Zealand?
1. It’s (relatively) affordable
To study at a New Zealand university, international students pay between 4,000 and 10,500 EUR per academic year. While this isn’t exactly cheap, it’s much more affordable than studying at universities in other countries like the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia.
You can also apply for scholarships to support your higher education.
2. Top education based on a successful model
The education system in New Zealand is based on the successful UK model. With such a solid foundation, it’s no wonder that local universities are well-regarded and appreciated internationally — most of them being featured in the top global university rankings every year.
3. Live in a safe and peaceful environment
In 2020, New Zealand was listed as the second most peaceful nation on the Global Peace Index. The country enjoys low crime and corruption rates, a politically stable environment, and an overall peaceful society where citizens can enjoy their day-to-day activities.
4. New Zealanders are friendly and welcoming
New Zealanders stand out through their friendliness and openness displayed towards internationals. This is because they follow the local traditional Māori principle — manaakitanga — which is all about taking care of other people and sharing understanding and respect.
5. Best outdoor activities for thrill seekers
Studying, meeting colleagues, partying, and going out is a lot of fun, but New Zealand offers much more in terms of entertainment, especially for those of you who enjoy the adrenaline rush. These are some of the wildest and most exciting outdoor activities you can try:
- white water rafting
- canoeing
- ice climbing
- bungy jumping
- hiking
- zorbing (globe-riding or sphereing)
- scuba diving
Universities In New Zealand For Masters
| Masters Study in New Zealand – Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Universities | 8 |
| Oldest University | University of Otago (1869) |
| International Students | 53,002 |
| Course Length | 1-2 years |
| Average Fees (international) | NZD $26,000-37,000 (USD $18,670-26,570) |
| Academic Year | February to November |
New Zealand universities
With only eight universities, New Zealand isn’t home to the largest higher education system in the world, but the degrees it awards are recognised internationally.
Universities in New Zealand
All of New Zealand’s universities are publically-funded institutions, offering a wide range of Masters degrees. They are split almost evenly between the two main islands that make up New Zealand:
- AUT University, University of Auckland, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington and Waikato University are located on the North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui).
- The University of Canterbury, University of Otago and Lincoln University are located on the South Island (Te Waipounamu).
All of these universities offer Masters degrees and you can study at any of them as an international student.
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP)
The New Zealand higher education system also includes several Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics. These specialise in vocational courses and other postgraduate degrees in subjects such as nursing, midwifery, art and design and others.
An ITP can therefore be an excellent choice for postgraduate students seeking a professional Masters-level qualification in New Zealand.
The academic year in New Zealand
Just like the rest of the southern hemisphere, New Zealand begins its academic year in February. The academic calendar is split into two semesters, running from February to June and from July to November.
As a Masters student you can potentially begin your degree in either semester. Masters courses are usually available to start in either February or July, although some professional courses are only available to start in semester 1 (February).
New Zealand university rankings
Even though the New Zealand higher education system is relatively small, it punches well above its weight on the world stage, and can be rightly proud of its position in the various international ranking systems. In fact, all eight New Zealand universities feature in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings.
We’ve summarised New Zealand’s performance in the three major league tables below.
| University | THE 2022 | QS 2022 | ARWU 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | =137 | =85 | 201-300 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 201-250 | =437 | – |
| University of Otago | 201-250 | =194 | 301-400 |
| University of Waikito | 401-500 | =373 | 701-800 |
| University of Canterbury | 501-600 | 258 | 401-500 |
| Lincoln University | 501-600 | 372 | 701-800 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 501-600 | =236 | 401-500 |
| Massey University | 601-800 | 284 | 701-800 |
| Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. |
What is it like to study in New Zealand?
The education system in New Zealand is very application-based. Memorising course material is not the standard way of learning at New Zealand universities.
Also, the teaching staff, the other students, and the other extracurricular clubs, when combined, create a memorable and amazing study atmosphere.
Besides this, some universities offer a ton of support services, especially for international students. They can offer pastoral care and workshops on managing stress, mindfulness, meditation techniques, how to overcome procrastination, how to maintain a study-life balance, and more, making your studying years as relaxed and as pleasant as possible.
What to study in New Zealand
New Zealand offers some of the most diverse degrees in the world. Still, if the market is too vast, you should know that some of the most popular study options in New Zealand are:
- Computer Science degrees in New Zealand
- Educational Research degrees in New Zealand
- Psychology degrees in New Zealand
- Commerce degrees in New Zealand
- Agriculture degrees in New Zealand
- Biomedical Engineering degrees in New Zealand
Major cities in New Zealand
New Zealand has some of the top-rated “liveable” cities in the world, so there’s no wonder that, besides the capital (Wellington), there are other popular destinations, like:
- Study in Auckland
- Study in Wellington
- Study in Christchurch
Universities and colleges to attend in New Zealand
For such a tiny place, New Zealand sure has a lot of universities and institutions to choose from. It’s hard to decide but many of them are schools specific to different types of career and job training.Here is a small list of universities to think of:
- University of Auckland
- Auckland University of Technology
- Massey University
How to apply
You should know that a New Zealand school year starts in February and ends in November, with a month-long break in June/July.
When you apply online (or on paper, if you hate trees), you should know that the documents you will need to provide are:
- A personal statement of intent
- Your transcripts from secondary school, including any university courses that you may have taken
- Any relevant test scores (ACT or SAT)
- Proof of funding, or intent to apply for funding for your tuition
- Proof of paying the application fee
- Your financial aid applications
You can always have your questions answered at the admission office at the university, so write down your questions and go wild with their e-mail address.
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a New Zealand university
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice;
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in New Zealand, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures, seeing how some schools will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
The minimum grades and scores international students are required to have vary wildly from university to university, and sometimes from programme to programme.
Still, the English proficiency tests usually accepted are:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- Cambridge: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- PTE Academic
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
universities in new zealand for masters in psychology
Masters in Psychology in New Zealand is a 1 to 2-year professional qualification that enables students to practice under Health Practitioners Competencies Assurance Act (2003). It offered by 7 universities across the country with a curriculum comprising of theoretical, practical, and internship components. Students can opt for health psychology, cross-cultural psychology, forensic psychology, etc at New Zealand universities.
Tuition fees of masters in psychology from range between 31,000 NZD to 44,500 NZD per annum. This is approximately equal to 15 lakhs – 22 lakhs INR. Compared to fees, the salary is much higher for graduates of masters in psychology from New Zealand universities. Even a Trainee Psychologist at District Health Boards earn an average pay of 51,000 NZD or 25 lakhs INR per annum.
Why Study Masters in Psychology in New Zealand?
Due to the shortage of Psychologists and increasing demand for their services, the job prospects after completion of Masters in Psychology are quite good. Here are some other reasons for pursuing this degree from New Zealand:
- 5 universities offering Masters in Psychology in New Zealand rank among the top 500 universities of the world, according to QS Ranking 2020 for psychology.
- Compared to other countries like the US, the visa application process is faster and takes not more than 30 days.
- Demand for clinical psychologists is listed on the Immigration New Zealand’s long term skill shortage list. The government of this country actively encourages professionals skilled in this industry to work here.
- The demand for professionals in this field is projected to grow at an average of 1.3% per annum until 2028.
- With the number of referrals to psychologists in New Zealand increasing and employers in rural areas finding it hard to recruit, the demand for graduates in this field is showing no signs of slowing down.
- Psychologists in New Zealand earn 49% more than counseling professionals.
Top Universities In New Zealand For Psychology
Following are the top universities in New Zealand that offer masters in psychology with their QS Ranking of 2020 for this program:
| QS Ranking 2020 | University | Program Offered & Duration | Total Program Fees (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | University of Auckland | Master of Health Psychology; 2 years | 88,620 |
| 51 – 100 | University of Otago | MA and MS in Psychology: 2 years | 69,510 |
| 51 – 100 | Victoria University of Wellington | MS in Psychology: 1 year | 37,550 |
| MS in Cross-Cultural Psychology: 2 years | 75,100 | ||
| MS in Forensic Psychology: 2 years | 75,100 | ||
| 201 – 250 | Massey University | MS in Psychology: 1.5 years | 54,183 |
| MA in Psychology: 1.5 years | 45,150 | ||
| 201 – 250 | University of Canterbury | MS in Applied Psychology: 2 years | 76,800 |
| – | University of Waikato | Master of Applied Psychology: 2 years | 69,860 |
| – | Aukland University of Technology | Master of Health Science in Psychology: 2 years | 73,790 |
| MA in Psychology: 1 year | 31,160 |
Masters in Psychology in New Zealand: Highlights
| Duration | 1 – 2 years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s in similar fields with minimum of 60% |
| Course Fees | 31,000 NZD to 44,500 NZD per annum |
| Average Salary Offered | 159,000 NZD |
| Job Profile | Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Health Psychology, Community Psychology, Child and Family Psychology |
| Types of Recruiting Organizations | Offices, Hospitals and Health Care Services, Schools and Universities, Prisons, Residential and Community Organizations |
| Similar Fields of Study to Consider | Education, Sociological Studies, Counseling, Speech-Language Therapy |
Admission Process for Masters in Psychology in New Zealand
International students who wish to pursue a master’s in psychology are required to have a bachelor’s degree in the same or related fields. To secure admission in a master’s program in a popular New Zealand university offering this course, one must take English proficiency exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, or PTE.
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Eligibility for Master of Psychology in New Zealand Admission
- Bachelors degree in psychology/similar field OR bachelors in arts/science with a major in psychology
- 65% of above at undergraduate level
- Proof of proficiency in the English language
Note: Similar fields include Education, Education and Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Speech-Language Therapy, or an approved teacher education degree.
English Proficiency Requirement for International Students
Minimum score required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, if you are from a non-English speaking country, for admission in Masters in psychology in New Zealand is tabulated below:
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 (no section below 6.0) |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 |
| PTE | 58 |
| CAE/CPE | 176 (no section below 168) |
Visa Process for International Students
International students are required to apply for a student visa if they wish to study a full-time program in New Zealand. Following are the documents required for application:
- Evidence of identity
- Health Insurance
- Evidence of adequate funds needed during the stay
- Character Certificate
- Offer letter from the university approved by Qualifications Authority of New Zealand
- English Proficiency Test score
- A return air ticket of the native country
- Proof that your stay in New Zealand is genuine
- Travel Insurance
- Proof of leaving when the course ends
The New Zealand student visa application takes about 25 – 30 days to process. Note that your visa application may be canceled or rejected by the authorities if you can’t prove sufficient funds needed for all your expenses, have any previous criminal records, do not have enough proficiency in the required language, or have misleading data in any documents.
Cost of Studying Masters in Psychology in New Zealand
The cost of studying abroad can be divided into 3 categories – pre-arrival, college tuition, and living expenses. Wondering how costly it is to study a Master of Psychology in New Zealand? Check out the details below.
Pre-arrival Expenses
Pre-arrival costs include one-time charges such as visa application fees, registration fees of tests required to study in New Zealand, application fees, etc. These are tabulated below:
| Type of Expense | Cost (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| New Zealand student visa | 330 |
| IELTS fee | 420 |
| TOEFL fee | 410 |
| Airfare | 450-700 |
Tuition Fees of Masters in Psychology in New Zealand
Masters in Psychology in New Zealand costs around 31,000 NZD to 44,500 NZD per annum.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
The total accommodation and travel costs in New Zealand are influenced by numerous factors such as the city, rental charges, and travel. The average is estimated to be about 14,000 NZD to 16,000 NZD per year. Following table breaks down the cost of living in this country for international students:
| Type of Expense | Monthly Cost (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel | 1000-1500 |
| Homestay | 1500-2000 |
| Food | 480-550 |
| Traveling | 100 |
Scholarships for Masters in Psychology in New Zealand
Tuition fees coupled with other expenses can be quite an investment, especially for students from countries where the value of a currency is much lower. Despite the high cost of education, New Zealand offers various scholarship programs to help national and international students to aid their schooling financially. Your living and tuition expenses can be fully or partially covered if you qualify for these funding programs. Academic records play an important role in determining who qualifies.
Below is a list of scholarships for Master of Psychology in New Zealand:
| Scholarship | Awarding Institute | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| International Student Excellence Scholarship | University of Auckland | 9,121 |
| Master of Health Psychology First-Year Student Prize | University of Auckland | 500 |
| AUT International Excellence Scholarship | Auckland University of Technology | 7,500 |
| International Master’s Research Scholarship | University of Otago | 13,438 per annum |
| Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship | University of Otago | 8,960 |
| International Excellence Scholarship | University of Waikato | 10,000 |
Scope after Masters in Psychology in New Zealand
The average salary for a person working in the counseling and mental health department in New Zealand is approximately 159,000 NZD and typically ranges between 82,800 NZD to 244,000 NZD per annum. With 2 to 5 years of experience, the paygrade increases by up to 34%.
Following are the available jobs in New Zealand for psychology graduates:
| Job description | Average Annual Salary (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Counselor | 106,000 |
| Career Counselor | 117,000 |
| Director of Rehabilitation Center | 147,000 |
| Mental Health Counselor | 134,000 |
| Youth Care Specialist | 70,900 |
| Supervising Counselor | 129,000 |
Post-Study Work Visa
If a student wishes to work after completion of the course, they can opt for either one of the following post-study work visas in New Zealand:
- Post-study Work Visa (open): Permits students to work with any employer after graduation for a period of 1 month.
- Post-study Visa (employee assisted): With this visa, one may work for up to 2 years in a job relevant to the degree.
As New Zealand is home to some of the most prestigious universities offering masters in psychology, it is definitely worth making this investment. Almost all sectors hire counseling consultants which makes the demand for professionals in the field quite high. A master’s degree in this field prepares you to work in high paying jobs in a variety of industries in New Zealand and other countries.
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