Massey University, also known as Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, is a public university in New Zealand with campuses in Auckland, Manawatū in Palmerston North, and Wellington. It began as an agricultural college in 1927 and became a university in 1964. Today, Massey offers more than 160 qualifications and over 2,800 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate and research study. Its academic areas include business, computer science, engineering, health, education, agriculture, food science, veterinary science, communication, creative arts and social sciences.
Massey has a strong international profile, with students from more than 100 countries. The university is particularly well known for Veterinary Science, Agriculture and Forestry, Development Studies, Communication and Media Studies, Art and Design, and Architecture and Built Environment. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Veterinary Science was ranked 14th globally, Agriculture and Forestry 49th, and Development Studies in the 51–100 band.
Students can choose from campus-based and distance study, with facilities, student accommodation, clubs, sports centres and student support available across its New Zealand campuses. Massey is a good option for students who want a broad choice of subjects with strong study options in professional, scientific, creative and applied fields.
| Intakes |
July,February |
| All Campuses |
Auckland |
| Website |
https://www.massey.ac.nz/ |
| Monthly Living Cost |
NZD $1,667 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
NZD $20,000 |
| Application Fees |
n/a |
| Currency |
|
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Eligible student visa holders may work up to <strong>25 hours per week</strong> during study and may work full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions</p> |
Ranking
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026: 501–600 globally. Massey is also ranked 201–250 for Education Studies and 251–300 for Business and Economics.
- QS World University Rankings 2026: =230 globally.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Veterinary Science – 14th globally; Agriculture & Forestry – 49th; Development Studies – 51–100.
- UK University League Table: Not applicable – Massey University is in New Zealand, not the UK.
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable – The Guardian University Guide is a UK university ranking and does not provide a standard UK league-table position for Massey University.
English Language Requirements
Massey accepts several English language tests. The standard university requirement is generally:
| Test |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
| IELTS Academic |
6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 |
6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test |
105 overall, minimum 95 in each band |
120 overall, minimum 105 in each band |
| PTE Academic |
Accepted; score depends on the qualification |
Accepted; score depends on the qualification |
| TOEFL iBT |
Accepted; score depends on the qualification |
Accepted; score depends on the qualification |
| Other accepted tests |
NZCEL, LanguageCert, Cambridge English, MET and other listed tests |
NZCEL, LanguageCert, Cambridge English, MET and other listed tests |
Massey states that English test results are normally valid for two years. Some programmes have higher requirements, so applicants should check the exact qualification before applying.
Scholarship Policy
Massey offers scholarships and awards based on factors such as academic achievement, programme, nationality, study level and other eligibility conditions. Some scholarships are specifically available to international students.
One example is the International Creative Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship, which can provide up to NZD $5,000 for eligible new international undergraduate students studying selected creative programmes at the Wellington campus. Applicants need to meet the stated programme and portfolio requirements.
Scholarship applications are normally submitted through Massey's scholarship system or student portal. Some awards are automatically considered through the admission process, while others require a separate application. Students should check the opening and closing dates for each scholarship before applying.
Fees & Funding
International tuition fees vary by qualification and the number of credits taken. Massey publishes course-specific estimates rather than one fixed fee for all international students. For example, the 2026 international tuition estimate for the Bachelor of Arts in English is NZD $34,220 for 120 credits. The Bachelor of Veterinary Science has a much higher estimated international tuition fee of NZD $84,220 for 120 credits.
Students should budget for:
- Annual tuition fees
- Student Services Fee
- International student health insurance
- Accommodation and food
- Transport
- Books, software and study materials
- Visa and travel costs
Massey's 2026 Student Services Fee for on-campus study is NZD $9.70 per credit, while Studentsafe insurance is listed at NZD $899 for an academic year.
Funding may come from Massey scholarships, personal or family funds, approved education loans, sponsorships and other eligible sources. Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that students can cover their living expenses and tuition costs.
Application Guidelines
International students can apply through Massey's online admission system.
Main application steps
- Select a Massey qualification and check its academic and English requirements.
- Check the intake and application deadline.
- Prepare academic documents and English test evidence.
- Create an online application and complete the required information.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit the application.
- Wait for the admission decision.
- If accepted, follow Massey's instructions for enrolment and tuition payment.
- Use the offer and tuition documents when preparing the New Zealand student visa application.
Common Documents
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English language test result, where required
- CV or personal statement for programmes that request them
- Portfolio for selected creative programmes
- Evidence of work experience for programmes that require it
- Other programme-specific documents
Exact documents vary by qualification and applicant background.
Apply Online
Yes. Massey University provides online applications for international students. Applicants can apply for their selected qualification online and upload supporting documents as part of the admission process.
Immigration Support Service
Massey provides information and support for international students preparing to study in New Zealand. Students can contact the university's international team for help with admission, enrolment and matters connected with studying in New Zealand. Massey also provides information about insurance, accommodation and student support.
For the student visa itself, applications are handled by Immigration New Zealand. A Fee Paying Student Visa requires an offer of place, proof of tuition funding, evidence of living funds, acceptable insurance and other supporting documents. Immigration New Zealand states that eligible student visa holders may work up to 25 hours per week during study, with holiday work rights depending on the visa conditions.
Students should check their individual visa conditions before starting any paid work. Visa requirements and fees can change, so the latest Immigration New Zealand information should be checked before submission.
Massey University began as Massey Agricultural College in Palmerston North in 1927. The college was named after William Ferguson Massey, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Its early teaching focused on agriculture and subjects linked to farming and rural development. In 1963, Massey University College of Manawatu was formed after the merger of Massey Agricultural College and Palmerston North University College. On 1 January 1964, the institution became a fully autonomous university with the right to award its own degrees.
Over the following decades, Massey expanded beyond agriculture into business, science, health, education, creative arts, communication, aviation, veterinary science and other fields. It developed campuses in Palmerston North, Auckland and Wellington and built a large distance-learning programme. Today, Massey has a strong international student community and is recognised for areas such as Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Food Science, Business and Creative Arts. Its long history of teaching and research has helped it become one of New Zealand's major universities.
Massey University offers a wide choice of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across three New Zealand campuses and through distance study. Students can choose subjects in business, science, health, education, agriculture, veterinary science, aviation, creative arts, computing and social sciences. The university has specialist facilities, libraries, laboratories, studios, clinics and student services linked to different areas of study. International students can access support with study, accommodation and settling into university life. Massey's academic structure gives students access to specialist schools and colleges, with several areas receiving international recognition.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Massey University has several major colleges and schools covering a wide range of subjects:
- Massey Business School: Accountancy, economics, finance, management, marketing and professional development.
- College of Creative Arts: Art, design, music, screen arts and related creative subjects.
- College of Health: Health sciences, nursing, social work, sport, exercise and nutrition.
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Education, humanities, media, communication, psychology, Māori knowledge, people, environment and planning.
- College of Sciences: Agriculture, environment, built environment, food technology, natural sciences, mathematics, computing and veterinary science.
- School of Aviation: Aviation study and professional flight-related education.
The College of Sciences has five main schools, including the School of Veterinary Science and the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences.
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
Massey provides a range of scholarships and awards. Eligibility differs by programme, study level, academic record, nationality and other conditions.
International Creative Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship
- Value: Up to NZD $5,000
- For: New international students entering selected College of Creative Arts undergraduate programmes
- Selection: Creative portfolio and written statement
- 2027 application period: 1 September to 1 December 2026
International Creative Excellence Masters Scholarship
- Value: Up to NZD $10,000
- For: New international students entering selected creative arts master's programmes
- Selection: Creative portfolio and written statement
- Master of Design applicants may receive the NZD $10,000 award through automatic consideration under the stated scholarship offer.
Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
- Value: NZD $2,000
- Up to 80 awards per year
- For eligible postgraduate coursework students
- Selection is based mainly on academic achievement.
Massey has many other scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Students should check the individual scholarship rules before applying.
Student Accommodation
Massey provides university-managed accommodation at its Auckland, Manawatū and Wellington campuses. Students can choose from halls, apartments and studio units. Applications are completed online through the Massey Accommodation Portal. The university advises students to apply early since places can fill quickly.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Students who prefer private housing can rent rooms or shared houses near their campus. Off-campus choices are common around Albany/Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington. Shared houses can reduce the cost per student when rent and household expenses are divided between several residents.
Massey also offers homestay accommodation for students who want to live with a local host family. For 2026, the listed weekly homestay board is NZD $400 in Albany and NZD $350 in Manawatū. The fee includes a furnished bedroom, shared facilities, three meals each day and internet.