Master of Information Technology in New Zealand: Which Route Fits Your Degree
TL;DR: Which Master of Information Technology in New Zealand fits your degree? It depends mostly on your first degree. If you studied IT or computing, a 120 or 180-point master's can take 12 to 18 months. If your degree is in another field, look for a longer 240-point route, such as the University of Auckland's, or a programme that welcomes a range of backgrounds, such as Canterbury's Master of Applied Data Science. Most ask for IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and a level 9 master's studied full time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can lead to a post-study work visa of up to 3 years.
A master of information technology in New Zealand is not one product. Programme names, lengths and entry rules differ from one university to the next, and choosing the wrong entry route can add a semester or more to your plan.
This guide compares five programmes on the points that decide fit: entry route, length, English and 2027 fees where the university publishes them. If you are applying from Sri Lanka, the local points are near the end.
Not sure which route your degree qualifies for? Check your eligibility with Prosper.
How do IT master's degrees in New Zealand differ?
New Zealand master's degrees are measured in points. A 120-point master's is usually one year of full-time study, 180 points about 18 months, and 240 points about two years. The longer routes exist mainly for graduates whose first degree is in a different field, or who need to build foundations first.
- IT or computing graduates can usually enter the shorter routes, as long as they meet the grade requirement.
- Graduates of other fields should look for programmes that accept "any discipline" or a "range of backgrounds", and expect the longer route.
- Experienced professionals without an IT degree may be considered at some universities on the strength of relevant work experience.
Five programmes compared
| University and programme | Points and full-time length | Entry for non-IT graduates | English | International fee (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland, Master of Information Technology | 120, 180 or 240 points; 2 to 4 semesters | 240-point route accepts any discipline; 120 and 180 need an IT-related degree; GPA 4.5 | IELTS 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 57,974 a year for 2027 (provisional) |
| AUT, Master of Computer and Information Sciences | 180 points; 1.5 years | Asks for a computing degree or equivalent; B average | IELTS 6.5, all bands 6.0 | 48,200 per 120 points (year not stated) |
| Massey University, Master of Information Sciences | 180 points; 1.5 years | Non-IT graduates need 2+ years of relevant experience and a portfolio | IELTS 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 47,490 per 120 credits for 2027 (estimate) |
| University of Waikato, Master of Information Technology | 120, 180 or 240 points; up to 12, 18 or 24 months | Grade points must include at least 45 points in computer science or a related field | IELTS 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 72,471 for 180 points (year not stated) |
| University of Canterbury, Master of Applied Data Science | At least 180 points; 1 to 1.5 years | Welcomes a range of backgrounds, not only maths, statistics or computing; B average | Check the university's English page | 59,400 for the whole programme for 2027 |
Fees are charged differently: per year, per 120 points or for the whole programme. Before comparing, convert each to the total cost of your full route. Then add living costs; our guide to New Zealand student visa finances sets out the funds you must show.
Want help matching your degree to the right route?
How do you choose between them?
- Start with your transcript. Count your computing courses. At Waikato, for example, at least 45 points of your graded courses must be in computer science or a related field.
- Match the route to your degree. A business or engineering graduate aiming for Auckland should plan for the 240-point route, not the shorter ones.
- Check the intake. Auckland lists March and July 2027 starts, AUT February and July, Waikato March, July and November, and Canterbury February or July.
- Compare total cost. A shorter route with a higher yearly fee can still cost less overall.
See our guide to New Zealand university entry requirements for how grades are assessed.
What can you do during and after the degree?
Immigration New Zealand allows eligible students granted a visa from 3 November 2025 to work up to 25 hours a week during study. After a level 9 master's studied full time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa of up to 3 years, applied for within 3 months of your student visa expiring. Read our guide to the New Zealand post study work visa for the full conditions.
If you have a partner, INZ's partnership guide says a partner can apply for a work visa when the student is studying a level 9 or 10 qualification.
Applying from Sri Lanka
- Universities convert your grades to their own scale, so send your full transcript with the grading key printed on it.
- If your degree is from a Sri Lankan private institute awarded by an overseas university, check which university awarded it, because entry is assessed on the awarding body.
- Arrange certified English translations of any Sinhala or Tamil documents in good time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a Master of Information Technology in New Zealand without an IT degree?
Yes, at some universities. Auckland's 240-point route accepts graduates of any discipline, and Canterbury's Master of Applied Data Science welcomes a range of backgrounds.
How long is a Master of Information Technology in New Zealand?
Between 12 months and 2 years full time, depending on the points of your route.
Does a one-year master's qualify for the post-study work visa?
A level 9 master's studied full time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can qualify. Check the full conditions with INZ before you apply.
PS: Before shortlisting, put your transcript beside each programme's entry rule and note which route you qualify for. If you would like help, Check your eligibility with Prosper and we will go through your options with you.
Lasantha Jayawardena
References
- Master of Information Technology, 2027 catalogue, University of Auckland. https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/program?p5_code=MInfoTech&p0_catalogue_year=2027 (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Master of Computer and Information Sciences, AUT. https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/engineering-computer-and-mathematical-sciences/courses/master-of-computer-and-information-sciences (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Master of Information Sciences, Massey University. https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/all-qualifications-and-degrees/master-of-information-sciences-PMINS/ (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Master of Information Technology, University of Waikato. https://www.waikato.ac.nz/int/study/qualifications/master-of-information-technology/ (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Master of Applied Data Science, University of Canterbury. https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/qualifications/master-of-applied-data-science (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Upcoming changes to student visa work rights, Immigration New Zealand. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights/ (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Post Study Work Visa, Immigration New Zealand. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/ (accessed 22 October 2026)
- Partnership-based temporary visa guide (INZ 1199), Immigration New Zealand. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/Partnership-Based-Temporary-Visa-Guide-INZ-1199PDF-453KB.pdf (accessed 22 October 2026)
