LeapScholar

What are some popular master's programs in Computer Science in New Zealand, and what are the typical admission requirements, tuition fees, and living expenses for an international student like me with an 8.35/10 CGPA in Computer Science and an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)?

24 Sept 2026 · Answered by Mohit Tanna · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

Yes. With an 8.35 CGPA and IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, you'd meet published requirements at universities like Auckland, Victoria Wellington, Canterbury, and AUT. Tuition runs roughly NZD 49,000-72,000 for the program, plus about NZD 20,000-30,000/year for living costs.

Mohit Tanna
Mohit Tanna Verified
Leap Scholar's Counsellor
View Profile →

Yes, your profile of an 8.35/10 CGPA and IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 appears well-positioned for several popular Computer Science master's programmes in New Zealand, though each university converts Indian grades independently, so a published minimum is not a guarantee of admission.

Popular CS Master's Programmes

UniversityProgrammeInternational TuitionIELTS Requirement
University of AucklandMSc, Computer Science pathway~NZD 55,484/year6.5, no band below 6.0
Victoria University of WellingtonMaster of Computer Science~NZD 64,300 total6.5, no band below 6.0
University of CanterburyProfessional Master of Computer ScienceNZD 67,950 (2026); NZD 71,400 (2027)Postgraduate English requirement
AUTMaster of Computer and Information Sciences~NZD 49,460 (120 points)6.5, no band below 6.0

Living Expenses and Total Budget

Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year for living costs on a student visa, though a practical budget covering accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses often runs NZD 18,000-30,000/year depending on the city, with Auckland and Wellington typically costing more than Christchurch or Hamilton. Combining tuition and living costs, a realistic one-year total budget is roughly NZD 70,000-105,000.

My Advice

Since your CGPA and IELTS scores meet the published thresholds at Auckland, Victoria Wellington, Canterbury, and AUT, focus your shortlist on programme structure instead, choosing a more research-oriented programme if you're considering a PhD later, or a coursework/professional-track programme if you want to enter the job market directly after graduation.

Looking for a specific course in NZ?

We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.

4.7/5 Google 🎓 25K+ admits
Find My Course

More Universities & admissions questions

More New Zealand questions

🎓 Looking for a niche course in NZ? Find My Course