LeapScholar

Do you have any one-year master's program options in New Zealand for a Bachelor's?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Gagandeep Singh · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

Yes, you can complete a master's in New Zealand in just one year. Public universities run 180 credit taught programs designed for graduates ready to enter the workforce quickly. Auckland, Victoria Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, AUT and Massey charge roughly NZD 33,000 to 86,000, plus a 3 year work visa.

Gagandeep Singh
Gagandeep Singh Verified
Leap Scholar's Counsellor
View Profile →

Yes, you can complete a master's in New Zealand in just one year. Public universities run 180 credit taught programs designed for graduates ready to enter the workforce quickly. Auckland, Victoria Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, AUT and Massey charge roughly NZD 33,000 to 86,000, plus a 3 year work visa.

One Year Master's Options by University

UniversityPopular 1 Year ProgramsEstimated Tuition (NZD)
University of AucklandInformation Technology, Engineering, Public Health, Professional Accounting42,000 - 86,000+
Victoria University of WellingtonArtificial Intelligence, Applied Finance, Data Science, Public Health33,000 - 71,000
University of CanterburyApplied Data Science, Engineering Studies, Business Management43,000 - 52,000
University of OtagoFinance, Public Health, Applied Science35,000 - 56,000
Auckland University of TechnologyComputer and Information Sciences, Construction Management, MBA40,000 - 60,000+
Massey UniversityManagement, Analytics, Finance33,000 - 51,000

What You Need to Know Before Applying

  • Graduating from a Level 9 master's qualifies you for up to a 3 year open post study work visa.
  • These are taught, coursework based degrees rather than heavy research theses, structured to finish in 12 months of full time study.
  • Intakes typically run twice a year, starting in February or March and again in July.
  • You will usually need a B average or roughly a 3.0/4.0 GPA equivalent, plus IELTS around 6.5 overall with no band under 6.0.

My Advice

Shortlist two or three universities in your specific field now, since technical programs like Engineering or Data Science often require your Bachelor's to be in a closely related discipline. Apply well ahead of the February or July intake so you have time to meet the English proficiency and GPA requirements comfortably.

Not sure which NZ universities to apply to?

Courses, costs and career outcomes in one personalised plan.

4.7/5 Google 🎓 25K+ admits
Get My Free Shortlist

More Universities & admissions questions

More New Zealand questions

🎓 Which NZ universities fit you? Get Free Shortlist