One-Year Master's in New Zealand: Credits, Entry Rules and Post-Study Work

TL;DR: A one-year master's in New Zealand is possible. NZQA sets the minimum for a master's at 120 credits, and master's degrees are commonly built as 120, 180 or 240 credits, where 120 credits is roughly one year of full-time study. Which one you can enter depends on your first degree. The post-study work rule is the same for all of them: a master's studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can lead to a three-year Post Study Work Visa.

A shorter master's saves a year of fees and living costs, so it is a fair question to ask before you apply. Students applying from Sri Lanka and many other countries often find the answer is more nuanced than the course title suggests. Two master's degrees with similar names can differ by a full year of study, and by what they ask of you at entry.

The key is the credit value. Once you can read it, you can compare courses properly and pick the one you actually qualify for.

Considering a master's in New Zealand and unsure which length your degree lets you enter? Check your eligibility with Prosper.

How master's credits work in New Zealand

New Zealand describes every qualification in credits on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, run by NZQA. A master's degree sits at level 9.

NZQA sets a minimum of 120 credits at level 8 and above for a master's, with at least 40 credits at level 9. Universities build master's degrees in a few common sizes: 120, 180 and 240 credits. As a guide, 120 credits is about one year of full-time study, so a 240-credit master's is about two years.

A 180-credit master's is often taught over roughly 12 months by using the summer study period as well. Always check the actual duration on the university's course page, not only the credit number.

Want a view on which master's size your degree and grades actually fit?

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Which master's length fits your degree

This is the part most students miss. NZQA links each master's size to the entry qualification it expects.

So a genuine one-year master's is usually open to you if you already hold an honours degree or a postgraduate diploma, or sometimes a bachelor's plus strong relevant experience. With a three-year bachelor's and no further study, a 180-credit or 240-credit master's is the more common route.

The post-study work rule is the same for all three

Immigration New Zealand gives master's graduates a Post Study Work Visa of up to three years, if they studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. The course must be full-time, at level 8 to 10, and studied in New Zealand.

That means a one-year master's and a two-year master's both lead to the same three-year visa, provided you meet the 30-week rule. The shorter course is not a weaker visa route. It is a shorter, lower-cost route to the same outcome, if you qualify for it.

Two cautions:

• You usually get one Post Study Work Visa. If you have already had one, a second qualification may not earn another. Our guide to the graduate diploma route explains why this matters when choosing what to study.
• Online or part-overseas study does not count toward the 30 weeks. Plan to study in New Zealand for the whole course.

How to choose between them

Start with what you already hold, not with what is shortest.

1. Check your entry qualification. Honours or a postgraduate diploma opens 120-credit options.
2. Check your grade average. 180-credit master's usually set a minimum grade.
3. Compare the total cost. A second year of tuition and living costs is a large difference. Our guide to New Zealand student visa funds shows what you must show per year.
4. Check the start dates. Many master's start in February or July. See our guide to the New Zealand February intake.

Applying from Sri Lanka

• A Sri Lankan three-year general degree is usually treated as a bachelor's, which points to 180-credit or 240-credit master's. A four-year special or honours degree may open 120-credit options, depending on the university.
• Universities ask for your transcript with grades, so request official transcripts from your Sri Lankan university early.

FAQ

Can I do a one-year master's in New Zealand? Yes, if you meet the entry requirement. One-year, 120-credit master's usually need an honours degree, a postgraduate diploma, or a bachelor's plus relevant experience.

Does a one-year master's give the same post-study work visa? Yes. Master's graduates who studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can get a Post Study Work Visa of up to three years.

What is the difference between a 180-credit and a 240-credit master's? The 180-credit master's is shorter and usually asks for a minimum grade in your bachelor's. The 240-credit master's is about two years and usually needs a bachelor's degree.

Is a Sri Lankan three-year degree enough for a one-year master's in New Zealand? Usually not on its own. It more often leads to a 180-credit or 240-credit master's, though relevant work experience can sometimes help.

Does online study count toward the 30 weeks? No. The 30 weeks must be full-time study in New Zealand.

PS: The shortest master's is only the right choice if you qualify for it and it fits your career plan. If you want your degree matched to the right master's size before you apply, check your eligibility with Prosper.

Check your eligibility ›