Which universities suit a graduate in Economics applying to New Zealand?

Which university actually fits you best depends on whether you want pure economics and research, a policy career, or the most accessible admission path. Prestige alone should not decide this, since a couple of these universities changed their programme structure recently in ways worth knowing before you apply.

Comparing the Top Economics Universities

One Program Name to Avoid Searching For

Do not search for Otago's old Master of Economics as if it were still open. That programme was replaced from 2025 by a Master of Business route, so applying with the old programme name in mind can cost you time during shortlisting.

If Auckland or Otago Do Not Work Out

• Massey University: offers a Master of Arts in Economics explicitly suited to students with an undergraduate Economics degree.
• University of Waikato or Canterbury: solid second-tier options if admission, cost, or programme fit rules out Auckland, Otago, or Victoria.

This Information Is Also Available On

The University of Auckland's own postgraduate Economics page, and the University of Otago's own discontinued-programme notice for its Master of Economics.

My Advice

In my experience, students choose purely by world ranking and miss that a specific department's current curriculum, thesis structure, or even a discontinued programme name can matter more for admissions and career outcomes. Confirm each shortlisted university's exact current programme structure before you apply, not just its overall institutional ranking. Victoria University of Wellington is a genuinely strong backup if your goal shifts toward policy work rather than a pure research career.