Massey University

Massey University offers 160 undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across an expansive range of subject areas. Programmes are highly flexible, with students able to select from over 2,800 courses to ensure their programme meets their ambitions and interests.

Studying on campus, students benefit from the expertise of highly experienced teaching staff, with many having their own backgrounds in industry. Students also have access to world-class facilities, with Massey University being a national pioneer in facilities across a number of disciplines. Distance learning students benefit from the same teaching expertise, delivered through an intuitive and purpose-built virtual learning platform.

Massey University ranks in the top 30 universities globally for veterinary science (first in Australasia and Asia), and for development studies (QS 2025). It ranks first in New Zealand for the following subjects:

• Veterinary science
• Development studies
• Agriculture and forestry
• Communication and media studies
• Art and design

The university also has a strong research community and makes use of both national, university and college research centres to bring together the best and most innovative thinking. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to research, and has an unrivalled record of research excellence in New Zealand.

At Massey University, students can choose from 160 qualifications, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorates, diplomas and certificates. Courses are available across five key subject areas, each of which boasts their own school.

Massey University's five colleges are:

• College of Creative Arts – Toi Rauwhārangi
• College of Health – Te Kura Hauora Tangata
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences – Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata
• College of Science – Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao
• Massey School of Business – Te Kura Whai Pakihi

The university also features several of its own research and specialist centres, promoting impactful and valuable research across a number of key disciplines.

Students can opt to study at one of the university's three campuses. These are located in three key cities in New Zealand's beautiful and dynamic North Island: Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington. Each has its own areas of specialism and a comprehensive array of specialist facilities.

The university also offers more than 1,500 courses available for flexible distance study via its purpose-built online learning system. These are accessible to international students living outside of New Zealand. Massey University is an accredited member of the International Association for Distance Learning.

Entry requirements at Massey University vary between courses, and for some subjects students may be required to submit additional materials such as a portfolio of work. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Foundation courses are available for students requiring an entry pathway.

For undergraduate study, international students must typically hold one of the following:

• International Baccalaureate diploma: minimum of 24 points, or
• Cambridge International Examination: three A-Levels including at least one at grade C or above, taken in a country other than New Zealand or the United Kingdom, or
• Other, equivalent qualification.

Prospective undergraduate students can review accepted qualifications from their country of origin.

For postgraduate study programmes, students must usually hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised university, with above-average achievement. Some courses may permit relevant professional or scholarly experience in place of an undergraduate degree.

For doctoral study, students must hold:

• Honours or master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject with a B+ average
• Completed research project, dissertation or thesis, worth at least 25 per cent of the honours or master's degree, with a B+ grade
• Two academic references
• Relevant work experience (for professional doctorates).

English language

International students may be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. English language requirements for degree-level study are as follows:

• Undergraduate programmes: overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5
• Postgraduate programmes (sub-doctoral): overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0
• Doctoral programmes (except the Institute of Education): overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0
• Doctoral programmes (Institute of Education): overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing, and 6.0 in Listening and Speaking.

Other equivalent language tests are accepted.

With a view to keeping higher education accessible and attracting top academic minds, Massey University offers a comprehensive range of scholarship opportunities for international students.

Scholarships are available at all levels of study, including for undergraduate programmes, master's programmes and research programmes. Examples include:

• International Creative Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship: NZD $10,000
• Toroa International Undergraduate Fee Scholarship: NZD $5,000
• Toroa International Postgraduate Fee Scholarship: NZD $5,000
• MBA awards: up to NZD $6,000
• Massey University Doctoral Scholarship: NZD $90,000 plus fees
• Massey University Master's Research Scholarship: NZD $15,000
• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: open to eligible students from developing countries.

Scholarships may be awarded based on financial need, academic or sporting excellence, for the study of a particular subject, or for other reasons. Applicants are advised to check they meet the eligibility requirements for a scholarship, and should submit their funding application in advance of any deadlines.

International students may also be eligible for external scholarships, and all PhD students in New Zealand benefit from paying domestic tuition fee rates.

All three campuses at Massey University offer an extensive range of specialist facilities, resources and equipment designed to enhance students' knowledge of their subject, and inspire innovation within their field. Campuses also provide ample social spaces and opportunities for students to explore other interests and activities outside of their degree.

General campus facilities include:

• Centres for learner success (study skills support)
• Computer labs, and Wi-Fi throughout
• Dining halls
• Healthcare facilities
• Libraries, including study spaces and computer facilities
• Social spaces including cafes, student lounges and bookshops
• Sport and recreation centres.

In Palmerston North, aviation students have access to New Zealand's only university-owned airfield, with single and twin engine planes, and a high-tech flight simulator for larger aircraft. The Palmerston North campus has its own veterinary teaching hospital and the country's only university-owned equestrian centre, both open to the public.

The Auckland campus hosts New Zealand's first university-based Bloomberg financial trading room. This state-of-the-art facility includes financial terminals, a live stock price ticker and large news screens.

The Wellington campus is home to world-class art and design facilities, some of Australasia's best sound and film production facilities, a cutting-edge nursing simulation suite, and industry-standard health science laboratories and research facilities.

Accommodation

Student accommodation is available on all three campuses, with options to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including self-contained units, shared apartments and catered and self-catered options. Dedicated halls are also available for mature and postgraduate students. Massey University's halls of residence promote a friendly atmosphere and community lifestyle.

Students may also elect to live in a nearby homestay or choose to live in local private accommodation.

New programmes

Commencing in 2025, Massey University is offering three new specialist qualifications:

• Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science: designed with sustainability at its core to provide students with a thorough understanding of some of the most pressing environmental challenges of the modern world. It offers two specialisations: land and water science and geoscience.
• Horticulture management: a new specialisation within the Bachelor of Agribusiness. With an industry focus, it provides in-depth, specialised knowledge of horticulture within a business context, producing graduates who can meet an industry demand that has historically been unmet.
• Applied communication: a new specialisation within the Bachelor of Communication. Available to study as a major or a minor, it provides a deep and practical understanding of the most modern communication applications.

Accolades

Massey University has received the following awards and accolades in recent months:

• Gold rating in the inaugural Times Higher Education Online Learning rankings (2024).
• Ranked in the top 250 universities globally (QS World University Rankings (QS), 2025).
• Second place in the Asia and Pacific Region category in the Red Dot Design Ranking (2024).
• School of Accountancy named the MYOB New Zealand Education Partner of the Year (2024).
• Two majors within the Bachelor of Health Science (mental health and addiction and health promotion), became the first programmes in New Zealand to receive accreditation from the International Union of Health Promotion and Education.