New Zealand is rapidly becoming a leading choice for students looking to study abroad for their higher education. Renowned for its high-quality, internationally recognized education system, the country also provides valuable opportunities for both personal and professional development. New Zealand’s universities offer a range of degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and…

A Comprehensive Guide to Study MBA in New Zealand
New Zealand is rapidly becoming a leading choice for students looking to study abroad for their higher education. Renowned for its high-quality, internationally recognized education system, the country also provides valuable opportunities for both personal and professional development.
New Zealand’s universities offer a range of degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs across various fields of study. In this blog, we will explore the essential elements of pursuing an MBA in New Zealand.
The Master of Business Administration is regarded as a prestigious qualification that opens doors to numerous career opportunities in the corporate sector. With some of the world’s top MBA institutions, New Zealand has established a strong reputation for excellence and quality in education on a global scale.
5 Perks of Pursuing an MBA in New Zealand
If you’re seeking an MBA program that combines quality education with affordability, consider New Zealand for your studies. Here are some compelling reasons to keep it in mind:
Prestigious Accreditation – New Zealand’s business schools and universities are distinguished by their Triple Crown accreditation, aligning them with the world’s top institutions. This prestigious recognition ensures that your degree will be respected globally, whether you aim to work in New York, Singapore, or anywhere else.
Affordable Tuition – In contrast to the exorbitant fees found in the US, UK, or Australia, MBA programs in New Zealand are surprisingly budget-friendly. You can receive an exceptional education while still having funds left over to explore the stunning landscapes of the country during your breaks.
Abundant Scholarship Opportunities – Numerous universities in New Zealand provide significant merit-based scholarships for international students. These scholarships can greatly alleviate your financial burden, making your aspiration of earning an MBA much more attainable.
Flexible Study Options – You can select from intensive one-year programs or traditional two-year courses, allowing you to tailor your education to fit your lifestyle. This flexibility enables you to manage your studies alongside other responsibilities or take the time to fully engage in the experience.
Promising Career Opportunities – With a dynamic business landscape that includes many multinational corporations and a lively startup scene, New Zealand offers excellent career prospects.
Additionally, the country’s strong economic connections with Asia-Pacific markets present unique networking and job opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.
Top Universities offering MBA in New Zealand
When you choose to study in New Zealand, you’ll find a wide range of top universities offering exceptional MBA programs. According to the QS World Rankings of 2025, here is the list of top universities in New Zealand to study an MBA Program:
University |
QS World Rankings 2025 |
---|---|
University of Auckland | 65 |
University of Otago | 214 |
University of Waikato | 235 |
Massey University | 80 |
The University of Sheffield | 239 |
Victoria University of Wellington | 244 |
University of Canterbury | 261 |
Lincoln University | 317 |
Auckland University of Technology | 412 |
Eligibility Requirement to Study MBA in New Zealand
The requirements for studying in New Zealand are notably more rigorous than those for countries like the UK and Australia. Below are the typical eligibility criteria for international students.
Strong Academic Background: Applicants need to possess a three-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, which should be equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum score of 60% or higher.
Relevant Professional Experience: Most universities in New Zealand expect candidates to have at least 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience to qualify for the Executive MBA program.
English Language Skills: For MBA programs, students are required to present a valid TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, or an equivalent qualification.
3. United Kingdom
Part-time Work Limit: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and 40 hours during holiday breaks
Minimum Hourly Wages: For those aged 21 and older, the minimum wage is £11.44; for students aged 18 to 20, it is £8.60; and for those under 18, it is £6.40.
The UK provides a dynamic student life, offering various opportunities to earn while studying. International students enrolled in degree programs or higher can benefit from competitive hourly wages, making it a popular choice for studying abroad.
Common part-time job positions include Customer Service Representative, Sales Assistant, Warehouse Worker, Retail Worker, Tutor, Babysitter, and Translator.
Cost of Studying MBA in New Zealand
Tuition fee : Pursuing an MBA in New Zealand typically costs between NZ$30,000 and NZ$55,000, varying based on the university’s ranking and the specific specialization selected.
Cost of Living: Students should budget around NZ$20,000 for living expenses while studying in New Zealand. Cities such as Auckland and Christchurch tend to be on the pricier side, while places like Napier, Hamilton, and Plymouth offer more budget-friendly options for higher education.
Scholarships for MBA in New Zealand
New Zealand is well-known for its substantial financial assistance offered to deserving international students seeking higher education, such as an MBA. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial strain of tuition and living costs, allowing students to concentrate on reaching their academic and career aspirations.
Below is a list of some of the most sought-after scholarships for pursuing an MBA in New Zealand:
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships: This esteemed scholarship, provided by the New Zealand government, is aimed at students from Commonwealth nations. It encompasses tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, making it an ideal choice for academically strong individuals with leadership potential.
New Zealand Excellence Awards: Tailored specifically for Indian students, this scholarship is managed by Education New Zealand (ENZ) in partnership with New Zealand universities. It recognizes exceptional academic performance and helps lessen the financial burden of tuition for those pursuing an MBA.
Victoria Tongarewa Scholarship: Offered by Victoria University of Wellington, this merit-based scholarship celebrates academic achievement. It provides partial financial support for tuition fees, enabling students to pursue their MBA at one of New Zealand’s leading universities.
Wellington International Excellence Scholarship: Also provided by Victoria University of Wellington, this scholarship is designed for outstanding international students. It offers financial assistance to lower tuition costs and is awarded based on academic merit and the potential to contribute to the university community.
MBA Awards at Massey University: Massey University offers financial support through its MBA-specific awards. These scholarships are intended to attract talented individuals by acknowledging their academic accomplishments and professional backgrounds, facilitating their advancement in business education.
Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Waikato: This scholarship is granted to high-achieving international students who exhibit academic excellence. It provides financial aid to help cover tuition fees for MBA programs at the University of Waikato.
Key Points to Remember while applying for Scholarships
Scholarships are fiercely competitive and typically demand a strong academic background, notable professional accomplishments, and, in certain instances, demonstrated leadership abilities.
Application deadlines and processes differ from one scholarship to another, so it’s essential to review the eligibility requirements and submit your applications early.
Additionally, pairing scholarships with part-time job opportunities can help alleviate your financial burdens while pursuing your studies in New Zealand.
Internships and Part-Time Work Options
Certain universities provide internship opportunities ranging from 8 to 13 weeks for students who have completed their MBA degree.
International students can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours during the week and up to 40 hours during holiday periods.
Post-Study Work Visa
The New Zealand government provides international students with the chance to stay and work in the country after they successfully complete their MBA program. The post-study work visa can be valid for as long as three years.
This allows international students to work and gain valuable global experience during their time in New Zealand. If you’re considering pursuing an MBA in New Zealand, reach out to Martiza Overseas Education New Zealand Experts.
Martiza Overseas Education is a prominent overseas education consultancy in Asia, dedicated to helping students gain admission to universities worldwide. We support aspiring students throughout South Asia.
From selecting the right university to handling visa applications, our knowledgeable counselors will manage every step of the process. Schedule your free consultation with us today!