Courses

Popular Courses in New Zealand

New Zealand offers industry-aligned, research-led programs with strong practical learning and employer connections. Below are some of the most popular study areas for international students—what you’ll study, where you can study, and potential career paths.

Business, Management & Finance

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Otago, Waikato, AUT, Massey
• What you’ll learn: Accounting, finance, marketing, HR, entrepreneurship, supply chain, international business, analytics
• Careers: Accountant, financial analyst, marketing manager, business analyst, operations/supply chain manager, consultant

Information Technology & Computer Science

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, AUT, Waikato, Otago
• What you’ll learn: Programming, software engineering, databases, cloud, networking, HCI, systems design
• Careers: Software developer, systems engineer, network/cloud engineer, QA/test engineer, solutions architect

Data Science, AI & Cybersecurity

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, Waikato, AUT
• What you’ll learn: Machine learning, big data, statistics, data engineering, visualization, cyber operations, digital forensics
• Careers: Data scientist, ML engineer, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, threat intelligence specialist

Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics)

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, AUT, Massey
• What you’ll learn: Design, materials, structures, power systems, robotics, control systems, project management
• Careers: Civil/structural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, mechatronics/automation engineer, project engineer

Health Sciences & Nursing

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Otago, AUT, Massey, Canterbury
• What you’ll learn: Nursing practice, public health, physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, health informatics
• Careers: Registered nurse, public health advisor, lab technologist, health data analyst, physiotherapy assistant
  Note: Entry to medicine/dentistry has limited international places; check each faculty’s policy.

Agriculture, Agribusiness & Food Technology

• Top providers: Lincoln University, Massey University, Waikato; (specialist institutes also offer applied programs)
• What you’ll learn: Agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agribusiness, food science, supply chains, sustainability
• Careers: Agribusiness manager, farm consultant, food technologist, quality assurance, supply chain analyst

Environmental & Marine Sciences

• Top providers: Otago, Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Waikato, Canterbury
• What you’ll learn: Ecology, climate science, marine biology, geoscience, GIS, conservation, renewable energy systems
• Careers: Environmental scientist, marine researcher, conservation officer, GIS analyst, sustainability consultant

Creative Arts, Design, Film & Animation

• Top providers: Massey (College of Creative Arts), AUT (Art & Design), University of Auckland (Elam), Victoria University of Wellington (Design Innovation); specialist schools also available
• What you’ll learn: Graphic/UX/UI design, industrial design, film production, VFX, animation, game design, photography
• Careers: Designer (UX/UI/graphic/industrial), animator, VFX artist, filmmaker, game artist, creative technologist

Architecture, Urban Planning & Construction

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington; Construction at Massey; strong applied options at institutes of technology
• What you’ll learn: Architectural design, urban planning, building science, BIM, construction management, quantity surveying
• Careers: Architect (with accredited pathway), urban planner, building scientist, construction manager, quantity surveyor

Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management

• Top providers: AUT (Hospitality & Tourism), Otago (Tourism), Lincoln; applied programs at institutes of technology
• What you’ll learn: Service operations, tourism strategy, events, food & beverage, hotel management, destination management
• Careers: Hotel and F&B management, event coordinator, tourism operations, destination marketer

Education & Teaching

• Top providers: University of Auckland, Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey, AUT
• What you’ll learn: Educational psychology, curriculum design, inclusive education, ECE/primary/secondary specializations
• Careers: Early childhood/primary/secondary teacher (with registration pathway), education advisor, instructional designer
  Note: Check Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand requirements for registration.

Sport & Exercise Science

• Top providers: AUT, Otago, Waikato
• What you’ll learn: Exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, performance analysis, nutrition
• Careers: Strength & conditioning coach, sport scientist, exercise physiologist, performance analyst, community health advisor

Program Structure & Duration

• Undergraduate: Typically 3 years (BE(Hons) 4 years; some professional programs vary)
• Graduate Diploma/Certificate: 1 year (Level 7/8) for upskilling or career change
• Postgraduate: PGDip 1 year; Master’s 1–2 years (coursework/research); PhD 3–4 years
• Intakes: Mainly February and July; some programs offer additional intakes

Entry Requirements (Snapshot)

• Academic: Program-specific; competitive GPA and subject prerequisites may apply
• English: Common benchmarks are IELTS 6.0 (UG) / 6.5 (PG) or equivalent. See our guide on Language Requirements for New Zealand Higher Study for details.
• Portfolio/Auditions: Required for some creative and architecture programs

Work-Integrated Learning

• Many programs include internships, practicums, industry projects, or clinical placements, helping you build experience and networks before graduation.

Study in New Zealand BD – Course Selection Support

• Personalized course matching based on your background and goals
• Shortlisting universities with the right rankings, cost, and location
• Entry requirement checks (academic and English) and alternative pathway advice
• Application guidance (SOP/CV/portfolio) and scholarship support
• Timeline planning from application to visa and arrival

Want a curated shortlist in 48 hours? Share your academic history, test scores, and preferred field, and we’ll map the best-fit courses in New Zealand for you.