For a master's program in New Zealand, how many letters of recommendation will I need, and who are the suitable people to ask for them?

There is no single nationwide reference requirement across New Zealand universities, so the right number to prepare depends on checking your specific programme rather than assuming a fixed rule applies everywhere.

What Universities Actually Ask For

Some University of Auckland postgraduate programmes require 2 references, while Victoria University of Wellington asks referees to certify your suitability for the specific programme you are applying to. University of Otago's Master of Laws referee instructions specifically ask referees to comment on academic ability and capacity for independent research and analysis, which matters more for research-oriented master's degrees.

Choosing the Right Two People

• Recent graduate with little work experience: your final-year project or thesis supervisor, plus a professor who taught a subject directly relevant to your intended master's.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience: a university professor or project supervisor, plus your direct manager or employer who knows your day-to-day work.
• Research-focused master's: prioritise an academic referee who can speak to your independent research and analytical ability over a more senior but less familiar figure.

A Common Mistake to Avoid

Do not choose a referee based on seniority alone. A department head who barely knows your work is a weaker reference than a lecturer or manager who can describe specific projects, grades or outcomes in detail. Some programmes also require referees to submit reports directly to the university rather than through you, so confirm the submission process early.

This Information Is Also Available On

University of Auckland's postgraduate application guidance, Victoria University of Wellington's document preparation page, and University of Otago's referee instructions.

My Advice

Approach your referees at least a month before your deadline, and give them a short brief covering the programme you are applying to and two or three specific things you would like them to mention. In my experience, referees who are given this context write noticeably more specific, useful letters than those asked for a generic reference at short notice.