15 July 2026
If you already have a university degree, completing a master’s programme in Marketing, Digital Business or Management can be one pathway to relocating to New Zealand.
These programmes vary in cost, duration and specialisation. Some focus specifically on marketing, others prepare students for careers in digital business and analytics, while others are designed for future managers and business leaders.
Which Study Option Should You Choose?
If you already work in marketing, advertising, digital, e-commerce or communications, consider a specialised Master of Marketing programme.
If you want to work at the intersection of marketing, technology, automation and analytics, a Digital Business programme may be a better fit.
If your goal is to move into managing a department, team or company, you can also consider Management programmes or an MBA.
Admission with a degree in an unrelated subject may also be possible, but this depends on the entry requirements of the individual programme.
University, Polytechnic or Private Education Provider?
A university offers academically focused education, a strong institutional reputation and, as a rule, the highest tuition fees.
Institutes of technology and polytechnics tend to offer more practical programmes at a more moderate cost.
Programmes at private tertiary education providers may be shorter and more affordable, but they should be assessed particularly carefully against your career goals. A general MBA and a specialised master’s degree in marketing are designed for different purposes.
Programme Examples
The tuition fees below are approximate. Check the latest fees and available scholarships or discounts before applying.
University Programmes
Master of Marketing — University of Auckland
Auckland, 12–18 months, approximately NZD 62,600.
A specialised marketing programme offered by a highly recognised university.
Master of Marketing — AUT
Auckland, 12–18 months, approximately NZD 60,000.
Suitable for marketing and digital professionals.
Master of Management in Marketing — Massey University
Auckland, 12 months, approximately NZD 60,000.
Combines marketing with management. Your previous degree does not necessarily have to be related to business.
Master of Digital Business — University of Waikato
Hamilton, 12 months, approximately NZD 60,000. A scholarship or discount of NZD 5,000–10,000 may be available.
Designed for digital professionals interested in analytics, technology and e-commerce.
Master of Management in Marketing — University of Waikato
Tauranga, 12 months, approximately NZD 60,000. A scholarship or discount of NZD 5,000–10,000 may be available.
A specialised programme combining management and marketing.
Master of Marketing — University of Canterbury
Christchurch, 18 months, approximately NZD 59,400. A scholarship of up to NZD 8,000 may be available.
The programme is also suitable for applicants without a previous qualification in marketing. A Digital Marketing specialisation is available.
Master of Business in Global Management and Marketing — Lincoln University
Lincoln, near Christchurch, 12–18 months, approximately NZD 58,500. A scholarship or discount of NZD 5,000–10,000 may be available.
Combines marketing and international management.
Master of Commerce focusing on Marketing — Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, 12–18 months, approximately NZD 58,200. A scholarship of NZD 10,000 may be available.
A more academically focused option with a specialisation in marketing.
Practical and More Affordable Programmes
Master of Applied Business — Unitec
Auckland, 18 months, approximately NZD 45,000. A discount of NZD 2,500 may be available.
A practical programme with the option to specialise in Digital Marketing.
Master of Digital Business — EIT
Auckland or Napier, 18 months, approximately NZD 42,000.
Focuses on digital technologies, analytics and digital business processes.
Master of Management — Whitireia and WelTec
Wellington, 18 months, approximately NZD 31,500–39,000.
Students can choose Marketing or Digital Business. The total tuition fee may be lower if the first 60 credits are completed online before arriving in New Zealand.
Private Tertiary Education Providers
Master of Business Innovation and Leadership — Whitecliffe
Auckland, 12 months, approximately NZD 32,500 after the available discount.
This is not a specialised marketing degree. It focuses more broadly on innovation, entrepreneurship and management.
Master of Business Administration — Auckland Institute of Studies
Auckland, 18 months, approximately NZD 29,500 after the available discount.
An MBA designed for professionals who want to move into managing a team or business.
Master of Management in Marketing — ICL Graduate Business School
Auckland, 12 months, approximately NZD 29,000 after the available discount.
One of the most affordable private-provider options offering a dedicated Marketing specialisation.
What Can a Master’s Degree Offer After Graduation?
All the programmes included in this selection are Level 9 qualifications.
After completing a full-time master’s programme in New Zealand lasting at least 30 weeks, you may be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa valid for up to three years.
This visa allows you to work in New Zealand, but it does not guarantee employment or residence.
The partner of a Level 9 student may be eligible for a work visa for the duration of the student’s studies. A relocation plan involving a partner or family should be assessed separately.
How to Choose a Programme
Start by deciding which subject area best matches your goals.
Marketing covers branding, promotion, audiences and communications.
Digital Marketing covers advertising, content, SEO, CRM and analytics.
Digital Business focuses on technology, e-commerce, automation and digital business processes.
Management or an MBA prepares students to manage a team or business.
Next, compare the duration, tuition fees, location, academic entry requirements and English-language requirements of each programme.
In marketing, a degree does not replace professional experience or a strong portfolio. During your studies, it is worth developing projects and measurable results that you can present to potential employers.
What to Check Before Applying
Before submitting your application, check:
- whether your previous qualification meets the entry requirements;
- which English-language tests the education provider accepts;
- the latest tuition fees;
- the conditions attached to scholarships or discounts;
- available intake dates;
- whether part of the programme can be completed online;
- how the programme duration fits into your visa and relocation plan.
Duolingo is not accepted by every education provider. Check the requirements of the individual programme immediately before applying.
How Kiwi Education Can Help
We can help you:
- find programmes that match your qualifications, experience and budget;
- compare Marketing, Digital Business and Management programmes;
- check the admission requirements;
- confirm the latest tuition fees and available scholarships or discounts;
- prepare both a primary and a backup study option;
- support you throughout the admission and student visa application process.
If you work in marketing, advertising, digital or a related field and would like to understand which study option in New Zealand is right for you, submit an enquiry for a consultation or send us your questions — we will be happy to help.
