There are plenty of great reasons to study a Masters in New Zealand. You might be looking to indulge your sense of adventure while studying for a postgraduate degree – in which case you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied in a country that offers snow-capped ski-resorts and sub-tropical oceans.

Or you might be a very dedicated fan of The Lord of the Rings, with a plan to visit the beautiful landscapes made famous by the blockbuster movie adaptations.

A broad range of study and research opportunities

The eight institutions that make up the New Zealand university system are located in cities across the country’s two main islands, the North and the South. This distribution gives students the chance to pursue a wide range of opportunities in study, work, recreation and culture.

The proximity of all eight universities to New Zealand’s diverse natural environment offers students the chance to research anything from endangered marine mammals to earthquake engineering. Although all the universities offer core degrees in the arts, business and science, each also has its own distinctive profile.

A high-quality learning experience

The New Zealand university system is research-based, as it is historically based on the British higher education model. This means there are a number of similarities between the 2 systems, such as the names of qualifications, teaching methods, and the look and feel of the university campuses.

All academic staff are expected to be active researchers as well as teachers. This insistence on research-informed teaching ensures a high-quality learning experience.

Fees and funding

Masters fees in New Zealand aren’t controlled by the government, so the exact costs vary from institution to institution and programme to programme. The cost of a Masters also depends on your nationality – domestic students in New Zealand are eligible to pay tuition fees at a considerably lower rate than international students.

As an international student, you can expect to pay somewhere between NZD $26,000-37,000 (USD $17,830-25,380) per year for a Masters. Arts and Humanities subjects will be at the lower end of this scale, while Science and Engineering subjects will be near the top.

Easy culture and good work-life balance

Learning and living abroad in an English-speaking country will reinforce your English language skills. New Zealand is small and uncrowded so getting around and getting things done is relatively easy. New Zealanders value work-life balance. You will have time for fun and relaxation, as well as conscientious study. Peaceful lifestyle in a country with high levels of government transparency and security. New Zealand is one of the most peaceful and least corrupt countries in the world.

Moderate entry requirements

Unlike the situation in many other countries, New Zealand does not have a massive competition to enter the first year of a university degree. This is because the New Zealand government has invested heavily in university education over the years.

As a result, New Zealand has more capacity than it has students. Good students with moderate grades can gain entry to most Bachelor degree programs without any problems. Therefore, entry requirements are moderate compared with most of the top universities in other countries.