Masters in Public Health in New Zealand

New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, is a breathtakingly beautiful island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is a popular destination for international students seeking a high-quality education, unique cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes. Here are other reasons for studying in New Zealand:

1. Tuition fees are relatively less compared to the US and local universities are rated amongst the best.

2. As a student you will find the unique and easy-going, hence you will be able to enjoy all fun and outdoor activities like Hiking, canoeing, scuba diving etc.

3. The cost of living is much more affordable and lower compared to many other countries and fits everyone’s budget.

4. The admission process and formalities are relatively easier compared to many other countries as New Zealand provides easier access to international students.

Read more: Pathway programs in New Zealand

New Zealand is a popular destination for international students looking to pursue higher education in public health. With a focus on research and practical application, New Zealand's universities offer top-notch programs in public health. Here are some of the top universities in New Zealand for public health courses:

1. Massey University
This University provides opportunities-based study with collaborative research and practice to demonstrate critical awareness of the public health literature. You will even be given Inter sectoral environment opportunities to finish your study.

2. University of Auckland
In this course, you will have the opportunity to choose between taught course and research work. The exceptional campus of the University of Auckland offers state of an art facility with diverse cultures where you will have a lot of opportunities to meet diverse people with internationally reputed faculty.

3. Victoria University of Wellington
The university and its faculty specialises in complex healthcare system studies and current societal issues faced in terms of health. You can choose between the following different Specialisations like Health Leadership, Health Policy and service delivery, and workplace health and safety.

4. University of Otago
This university concentrates its study on multi-disciplinary approach where-in students are trained to work in range of non-clinical fields in the health sector, principally to deliver their expertise in public health programs. Their course is based on either thesis or dissertation methodology.

Kiwi universities have ample specialisations for international students. Here are various specialisations you can pursue in Masters in Public Health courses:

1. Environmental Health
   This is one of the main topics that you can take where you can teach about health safety issues related to drinking water, clean air, radioactive waste, risk with bio-chemical products, etc. Individuals specialising in this field do fieldwork analysing and monitoring risk areas and involve in lobbying with government agencies for assistance.

2. Biostatistics
   Statistics in Public health is the most important aspect, and making sense of those statistics and using it for the greater good of society is even more important, this is where a Biostatistics expert comes in. Here you will use statistics as a tool to answer pressing issues of public health questions, which will be useful to find cures for harmful diseases like cancer, tuberculosis or covid, etc.

3. Disaster Management
   Natural disasters and health risks arising out of them provide greater risk to the whole society. For example, when there is a flood there are larger health risks after the water level decreases. In this you will work when there is a natural disaster and after when you are providing solutions during the recovery period. In this sector, you will work with both governmental and non-governmental organisations.

4. Epidemiology
   In this field, you will be responsible for determining risk factors and preventing health emergencies in case of the spread of infectious diseases just like what we saw in covid period. This field provides excellent opportunities to those individuals who have the potential to save lives. You will also be responsible to use health policies, community education and research, to investigate the causes and patterns of these potential diseases, which may impact a larger part of society.

5. Health Policy and Management
   In this field, you will be responsible to draft health policies and programs that will be implemented to improve public health in the community. You will work with various government agencies and NGOs to ensure that health care is provided to the larger society.

Now we will see the application process for getting admission into various universities in New Zealand. Overall, the process remains the same irrespective of the university you choose. Follow the below process for smoother enrolment.

• Shortlist the university to which you would like to apply for

• Go to those university websites and check their entry requirements and documents

• Consult an admission Counsellor for any further requirements and eligibility

• Fill out the application form and pay the required initial fees

• Prepare all the documents and submit them with the application (some universities may call you for a personal interview round)

• Check your mails regularly unless you get a conditional offer

• Once you get selected accept the offer and pay the required fees

• After this you will get an acceptance letter, go to the nearest Embassy, and apply for your student visa

Discover the key documents needed to pursue a Masters in Public Health in New Zealand, ensuring a smooth application process and opening doors to a rewarding academic journey in the field of public health:

• Academic certificates (12+3 qualification basis)

• Proof of English language proficiency

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Resume

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Valid passport

• Financial documents

*As per Pay Scale data

International students who wish to pursue Public Health courses can avail of the following scholarships. Some of the popular scholarships for international students are as follows:

Ques 1: Is New Zealand a good destination for Masters in Public Health?
Ans. Yes, New Zealand is a good place to pursue a Public Health master’s. The country takes the health of its Public with utmost priority and the same reflects in the studies too, the international exposure and quality faculty are icing on the cake.

Ques 2: What are the degrees one can pursue in Masters in Public Health in New Zealand?
Ans. There are two primary degrees you can pursue, MSc and MHP. Beyond this, you can go for specialisations like Nursing, Leadership, Management, and Health Safety.

Ques 3: Can I get Scholarships?
A. International Students can apply for scholarships provided by the government or public Organisations. There are different scholarships, which we have listed above.

Ques 4: Is it hard to get admission to Public health courses in New Zealand?
Ans: No, in fact, New Zealand is one of the best student-friendly destinations. The admission and visa procedures are simple. You just need a bachelor’s degree in the same field with an IELTS band of 6.5.

Ques 5: How much does it cost to do Masters in Public Health in New Zealand?
As listed above, the course fee will range anywhere between 40,000 to 50,000 NZD annually depending upon the course and university chosen.

Ques 6: What are the career prospects after finishing the course?
There are many popular and well-paying jobs in the Public Health sector like Epidemiologist, Public Health Analyst, Health Administrator, Health Officer, public health educator etc.