Your guide to studying project management in New Zealand

By Ben
Mar 1, 2024
Your guide to studying project management in New Zealand

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New Zealand ranks among the top 20 study destinations for international students, with over 25,000 students travelling to the country to pursue higher education.

New Zealand’s quality and affordable education, access to hands-on practice and training, research facilities, and employment opportunities have made the country an ideal place to study abroad.

International students often seek to pursue unique, scopeful courses abroad to gain the maximum exposure and opportunities to begin their careers. Project management is one of the top unique programs students choose to study in countries like New Zealand, the UK, the USA, and many others.

This article will give you a deep analysis of the study program with all the information you need, including the course’s scope, eligibility requirements, top universities, courses, fees, job opportunities, and salaries.

Embark on an academic journey in New Zealand! Discover endless possibilities and apply today

Studying project management in NZ: Key highlights

Course-typeFull-time; part-time; online
Course duration
  • Undergraduate degree: 3-4 years
  • Postgraduate degree: 1-2 years
  • Project management certification NZ: 1-year
Course entry requirement
  • Undergraduate degree: An international student from any subject background.
  • Postgraduate degree: An international student with a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related specialisation.
  • Project management certification NZ: An international student from any subject background.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 50-64, Duolingo: 110
Work experiencePostgraduate degree: Relevant work experience for at least two years.
Fees rangeNZ $16,000-$50,810
VisaNew Zealand Student Visa

Data updated as of March 2024

Also read: 5 things to know about the New Zealand education system

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Project management: An overview

  • Project management is a wide discipline playing a vital role in different industries, and is not restricted to a specific field of work. It is a culmination of different skills that shape you to become a successful working professional in any domain.
  • The course program trains you on brainstorming ideas, planning finance, managing operations, detecting risks, analysing and managing, creating a strategy, and organising, executing, and monitoring an event or activity.
  • A degree in project management helps international students learn and train themselves to begin their careers in various sectors of the global market like event planning and management, healthcare, Information Technology, food and beverage, banking and finance, advertising and marketing, and many others.
  • Project management graduates are widely demanded professionals with competitive salaries in the global market.

Subjects in project management

  • Procurement
  • Project planning
  • Business analysis
  • Risk management
  • Cost management
  • Quality management
  • Finance and accounting
  • Resource management
  • Functional organisation
  • Operations management
  • Supply chain management
  • International business management

Why should I pursue project management in New Zealand?

  • New Zealand offers globally recognised study programs for project management for international students and is praised for its access to quality education at affordable costs.
  • The country’s educational institutions strive to provide excellent resources, facilities, and training to ensure students receive the finest academic experience.
  • New Zealand is home to various sectors and is a fast-developing job market for international students. The project management course programs ensure graduates obtain employment opportunities in their field of interest.

Also read: A guide to studying in New Zealand for international students

International student eligibility to study project management in New Zealand

Universities abroad have certain eligibility criteria for international students to determine if their profile is eligible to pursue the program they’re applying to. Before applying for project management in New Zealand, make sure your profile satisfies the requirements before submitting your application.

Eligibility criteria to study project management in New Zealand

Eligibility factorStandard requirement
Educational qualification
  • Undergraduate degree: An international student from any subject background.
  • Postgraduate degree: An international student with a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related specialisation.
  • Project management certification NZ: An international student from any subject background.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90 PTE: 50-64 Duolingo: 110
Work experiencePostgraduate degree: Relevant work experience for at least two years.
Student visaNew Zealand Student Visa

Data updated as of March 2024

Note: The eligibility criteria differ with every degree, program, university, and location in New Zealand. Check the university website and course page to understand the requirements and prepare your application.

Cost of studying project management in New Zealand

Project management is an affordable field of study, with various specialisations, resources and facilities to help international students gain educational and industrial exposure and prepare for a great career.

The average annual fee for international students to pursue project management in New Zealand ranges from NZ $16,000 to $50,810.

Students should remember that the tuition fees vary with every location, program, and university. Check the university and course pages before planning your finances.

Also read: How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?

Top universities for project management courses in New Zealand

Top project management courses in New Zealand

UG project management courses in New Zealand

  • Bachelor of Project Management
  • Bachelor of Applied Management - Project Management 
  • Bachelor of International Hospitality Management

PG project management courses in New Zealand

  • MSc Project Management
  • Master of IT Project management
  • Master of Engineering Project Management
  • Master of Construction project management 

Diploma and project management certification NZ

  • Graduate Diploma in Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management 
  • New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management)
  • Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments – Project Management
  • New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), Project Management Strand

Also read: Dos and Don’ts - International students in New Zealand

Top universities and courses for project management in New Zealand: A walkthrough

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Massey University

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 239

Courses available

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management
  • Master of Construction Project Management

Cost of studying - NZ $8,862-$44,360

Available intakes - July 2024

Acceptance rate - 65%

University of Auckland

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 68

Courses available

  • Master of Engineering Project Management
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering Project Management
  • Master of Engineering Management

Cost of studying - NZ $25,405-$50,810

Available intakes - February 2024, March 2025

Acceptance rate - 45%

University of Otago

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 206

Courses available

  • PMAN401 Project Management

Cost of studying - NZ $6,450

Available intakes - Yet to be announced

Acceptance rate - 58%

Also read: What's student life like in New Zealand?

University of Waikato

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 250

Courses available

  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management

Cost of studying - NZ $16,364

Available intakes - February 2025 (online)

Acceptance rate - 60-70%

Victoria University of Wellington

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 241

Courses available

Cost of studying - NZ $37,821

Available intakes - February 2025

Acceptance rate - 64%

Career opportunities for project management graduates in New Zealand

The project management sector is a unique domain that plays a vital role in several industries across the global market. From event planning to management and marketing, the study program offers a wide range of employment options for international students.

The average annual salary of a Project Manager in New Zealand is NZ $114,666. Fresh graduates earn around NZ $94,500, while employees in higher positions earn over NZ $146,531 per year.

Top career options for project management graduates in New Zealand

  • Event Planner
  • Project Manager
  • Event Executive
  • Facility Manager
  • Property Manager
  • Project Coordinator
  • Associate Project Manager
  • Customer Project Manager
  • Marketing Project Manager
  • Project Management Assistant
  • Project Planner and Scheduler

Explore and discover fantastic opportunities in New Zealand! Apply for the upcoming intake today!

Frequently asked questions

How much does a project manager get paid in NZ?

Project management is a widely demanded sector offering high-paying job opportunities for international students. The average annual salary of a Project Manager in New Zealand is NZ $114,666.

Is project management in demand in NZ?

There is a steady increase in the demand for project management graduates in New Zealand. It is a widely-developing employment sector. These graduates are required in various fields like event management, Information Technology, healthcare, hospitality, food and beverage, and many others.

Which country is best for Project Managers?

New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Ireland are some of the best countries for Project Managers to begin their careers.

What is the cost of studying project management in New Zealand?

The cost of studying project management for international students in New Zealand is between NZ $16,000 and $50,810 per year.

Which is the best project management course in NZ?

Here are some of the top project management courses in New Zealand.

  • Bachelor of Project Management
  • Bachelor of Applied Management - Project Management 
  • Bachelor of International Hospitality Management
  • MSc Project Management
  • Master of IT Project management
  • Master of Engineering Project Management
  • Master of Construction project management
  • Graduate Diploma in Project Management
  • Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments – Project Management
  • New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), Project Management Strand

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