Agriculture and forestry degrees teach students about crops, farming, etc. A master in Agriculture in New Zealand is a 1 to 2 years course that will enhance the student's skills and knowledge about crops, livestock, soil quality and preservation, crop rotation, etc. The degree mainly focuses on environmentalism, agricultural marketing, etc. Students can enjoy diverse roles such as soil scientists, farm managers, and agricultural consultants in New Zealand's largest tradable economy.

Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand: Course Highlights

Let's begin with some of the highlights of the Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand. It includes duration, eligibility (summarized), and much more.

Program Highlights

Universities

Duration of the Course

Eligibility

Entrance Exams

Tuition Fees

Jobs

Specializes in land-based studies with a focus on agricultural science, viticulture, and pest management. Renowned for research-driven approach and industry connections.

Lincoln University

2 years

IELTS, PTE, or equivelant exam, a minimum of 60% marks in undergraduate (agriculture, horticulture, forestry, science, or equivelant), work experience (if required), and GRE or GMAT (if required)

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90

~NZD 30,000

Agricultural Consultant, Farm Manager, Soil Scientist, etc

Offers a range of agricultural courses including Master of AgriCommerce, Master of Agricultural Science, and Master of Science (Agriculture). Known for research in land, plant, and animal science.

Massey University

1.5 - 2 years

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80

~NZD 32,000

Provides a Master of Science in Biological Sciences with opportunities for agricultural research. Emphasizes sustainability and environmental management.

University of Waikato

2 years

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90

~NZD 29,000

Known for other disciplines but offers postgraduate programs that can be tailored to agricultural studies, especially in environmental science and bioscience.

University of Auckland

1 - 2 years

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90

~NZD 33,000

Offers postgraduate study opportunities in areas related to agriculture, particularly through science and environmental studies departments. Strong research culture.

University of Otago

1 - 2 years

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 95

~NZD 31,000

Offers postgraduate programs in applied science, which can include agricultural components. Known for a modern approach and emphasis on practical skills.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

1 - 2 years

IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80

~NZD 28,000



Why Study Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

Other than New Zealand's excellent education system and diverse student visa options, there are various benefits of studying Masters's in Agriculture in the nation. Below we have mentioned these benefits.

  • Agriculture is the largest tradable economy in New Zealand, meaning the salaries will also be high in the sector.
  • Agriculture and forestry degrees teach students the most significant things, such as livestock, growing crops, etc., which are essential for a better life and human survival. So a master's degree in the same will only enhance students' skills and knowledge.
  • Graduates can choose from diverse career positions such as agricultural consultants, farm managers, or soil scientists. These services are always in demand in the nation.
  • Students can obtain a post-study work visa after graduation, allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand temporarily. 

TOP Universities to Study Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

A benefit of studying agriculture in New Zealand is that it is the largest tradable economy in the nation. For example, it exported 46.4 billion NZD worth of agriculture products. So,doing a master in Agriculture from one of its best universities can be an excellent decision for overseas students.

University Name

Location

Program Highlights

QS Ranking 2024

Lincoln University

Lincoln, Canterbury

Specializes in land-based studies with a focus on agricultural science, viticulture, and pest management. Renowned for research-driven approach and industry connections.

#=362

Massey University

Palmerston North (also in Albany and Wellington)

Offers a range of agricultural courses including Master of AgriCommerce, Master of Agricultural Science, and Master of Science (Agriculture). Known for research in land, plant, and animal science.

#=239

University of Waikato

Hamilton

Provides a Master of Science in Biological Sciences with opportunities for agricultural research. Emphasizes sustainability and environmental management.

250th

University of Auckland

Auckland

Known for other disciplines but offers postgraduate programs that can be tailored to agricultural studies, especially in environmental science and bioscience.

68th

University of Otago

Dunedin

Offers postgraduate study opportunities in areas related to agriculture, particularly through science and environmental studies departments. Strong research culture.

206

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Auckland

Offers postgraduate programs in applied science, which can include agricultural components. Known for a modern approach and emphasis on practical skills.

407

Cost of Studying Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

Students pursuing a Masters in Agriculture course in New Zealand will incur various charges, including tuition fees and the cost of living. These amounts can sum up to 3700000 INR. Fortunately, multiple scholarships, student loans, grants, and student funding options are available for these costs.

University Name

Program Highlights

Duration

Estimated Annual Tuition Cost (NZD)

Duration

Lincoln University

Specializes in land-based studies with a focus on agricultural science, viticulture, and pest management. Renowned for research-driven approach and industry connections.

2 years

~NZD 30,000

2 years

Massey University

Offers a range of agricultural courses including Master of AgriCommerce, Master of Agricultural Science, and Master of Science (Agriculture). Known for research in land, plant, and animal science.

1.5 - 2 years

~NZD 32,000

1.5 - 2 years

University of Waikato

Provides a Master of Science in Biological Sciences with opportunities for agricultural research. Emphasizes sustainability and environmental management.

2 years

~NZD 29,000

2 years

University of Auckland

Known for other disciplines but offers postgraduate programs that can be tailored to agricultural studies, especially in environmental science and bioscience.

1 - 2 years

~NZD 33,000

1 - 2 years

University of Otago

Offers postgraduate study opportunities in areas related to agriculture, particularly through science and environmental studies departments. Strong research culture.

1 - 2 years

~NZD 31,000

1 - 2 years

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Offers postgraduate programs in applied science, which can include agricultural components. Known for a modern approach and emphasis on practical skills.

1 - 2 years

~NZD 28,000

1 - 2 years

Cost of Living in New Zealand

Your cost of living in New Zealand is a significant part of your cost of studying Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand.

These brackets include food, clothing, accommodation, etc.

We recommend a yearly budget of around 10000 NZD for these expenses.

Expense Category

Details

Estimated Monthly Cost (NZD)

Accommodation

Shared Renta

One-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre

One-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre

800 - 1,200

1,400 - 2,200

1,100 - 1,700

Utilities

Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage

140 - 200

Food and Groceries

Basic items including vegetables, meat, dairy, etc.

300 - 600

Transportation

Public Transport Pass

Petrol (per litre)

120 - 200

2.20 - 2.70

Internet

Unlimited Data

60 - 100

Entertainment

Dining out, movies, activities

100 - 300

Health Insurance

Standard Medical Insurance

50 - 100

Miscellaneous

Clothing, personal care items, etc.

100 - 200

Total Estimated Cost

For a moderate lifestyle

1,970 - 4,500

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

To qualify for a Masters's in Agriculture course in New Zealand, you must meet all the eligibility criteria. These are prerequisites such as entrance exams, required qualifications, etc. However, the minimum score requirements depend on your selected institute.

  • To qualify for a master in Agriculture in New Zealand, you must have an undergraduate qualification in horticulture, agriculture, forestry, science, or equivalent, usually with at least 60% marks.
  • You must prove your English language competency as an overseas student with the IELTS, PTE, or equivalent exam scores.
  • Some institutes require GRE or GMAT. They may also need work experience.

Exams Required to Study Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

As an overseas student in New Zealand, you must prove your English competency. Exams such as IELTS, PTE, etc., are accepted nationwide.

GRE or GMAT is not required, but some universities may make these entrance tests mandatory.

University Name

Exam Name Required

Minimum Band Requirement

Lincoln University

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90

Massey University

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80

University of Waikato

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90

University of Auckland

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90

University of Otago

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 95

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

IELTS/TOEFL

IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80

Scholarships to Study Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

New Zealand has a warm and welcoming culture for international students.

It offers various scholarships to help them afford their fees and other costs.

Some are university specific, while the government or renowned foundations offer others. 

S.NO

Scholarship Name 

Description

Eligibility 

Amount in INR & NZD

1

The University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship

This award is presented by the University of Otago

NA

Varies

2

Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship 

The finance department at the University of Otago funds this scholarship 

NA

508915.67 (10224.80)

3

JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

This award is offered by the JN Tata Endowment

Depends on the course and university or college you choose 

Varies

Job Opportunities after Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand

As we mentioned above, agriculture is the largest tradable economy in New Zealand, so there will always be significant demand for agricultural professionals. Graduates can enjoy lucrative salaries. Below, we made a table with three high-paying jobs in the area, giving you an idea.

Job Role

Average Salary (NZD)

Farm Manager

Varies widely based on farm size and type. Typically, from 65,000 to 130,000+

Agricultural Consultant

Approximately 70,000 to 100,000+

Research Scientist

Around 75,000 to 115,000+

Agribusiness Manager

Approximately 80,000 to 140,000+

Environmental Manager

Around 70,000 to 120,000+

Horticulturist

Approximately 50,000 to 90,000

Agricultural Sales Manager

Around 65,000 to 120,000+

Quality Assurance Officer

Approximately 60,000 to 100,000

How to Apply for a Masters in Agriculture in New Zealand?

Here's a step-by-step and easy-to-follow indicative guide to help you apply for a Masters in Agriculture course in New Zealand. If you still have any confusion, contact us for answers.

Step 1: Shortlist a Kiwi university or college offering the Masters in Agriculture courses per your requirements and career goals.

Step 2: Visit your desired course page at the university's official website.

Step 3: Fill out an application form and attach these attested documents. Check the university's official website for details. You will have to pay an online application fee (non-refundable).

  • Your academic transcripts.
  • Your IELTS, PTE, or equivalent scores.
  • Your passport-sized photos.
  • Your school and college transcripts.
  • At least 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
  • Your updated resume or CV.
  • Your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  • Proof of funds.
  • A copy of your legal passport.

Step 4: Prepare to fly to New Zealand if you are approved. Otherwise, you can always try again next year, in the next intake, or plead your case with the institute's selection board. 

 FAQ

Want to enroll in one of the top Kiwi universities for Masters in Agriculture? AECC is here for you. Our experts will guide you in your study in New Zealand journey. Contact us today.