Massey University

Sought-after by employers
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:

• young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
• earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
• five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.

Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)

• Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
• Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ

Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:

• Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
• Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)

Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)

• Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
• Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)

Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)

• Duration: 3 years
• Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand

- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.

- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.

- Not allowed for part time students.

Postgraduate academic entrance requirements

Masters, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates An appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution is required

• IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT- 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic- 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)