AI is one of the most popular courses of the decade

Studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) can open a world of opportunities. Currently at its growth stage, AI is not limited to computer and tech industries, but plays an important role in industries that concern us in our daily lives, such as automobile, healthcare, finance and even banking.

Why study AI in New Zealand

Pursuing AI in New Zealand is a great decision. Kiwi institutions are known for their experienced faculty, resources, and methods of teaching across the world. Some important reasons why you should consider New Zealand as a host country include:

  • Promising future: Thanks to AI’s contribution in various fields, New Zealand's GDP is expected to reach $54 million by 2035. Also, in the next 40 years, AI-driven job replacement will hold a 10% share of the normal job creation and destruction*

  • Globally renowned: New Zealand stands 9th in the list of 2017’s list of 35 OECD countries for Government AI Readiness. Besides, New Zealand’s government is ranked as the 9th best prepared among OECD countries for the looming artificial intelligence (AI) revolution as the index measures 9 benchmarks from government innovation and in-country digital skills to existing data capabilities*

  • Top choice for students: Until 2017, there were 2,166 postgraduate students and 1,405 students at Master’s or PhD level in New Zealand in computer science and IT fields*

  • Panel of international experts: According to estimates of International research24, there are close to 22,000 PhD qualified AI experts across the globe out of which 85 are in New Zealand*

* Source: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/5754-artificial-intelligence-shaping-a-future-new-zealand-pdf

Eligibility criteria

Artificial Intelligence courses in New Zealand are taught vastly, therefore, the entry requirements vary across the institutions, however, basic requirements remain the same:

Bachelor’s level

  • A minimum overall band of 6 with no band less than 5.5 in English-language proficiency tests like IELTS

  • Relevant qualification from an overseas secondary school or tertiary institution, deemed by the university for admission as Physics, Mathematics, Computing and Technology are mandatory subjects

Postgraduate level

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences or similar field

  • Graduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences or similar field

  • Dean (or representative) approved relevant professional qualification or experience equal to a bachelor’s degree

  • Results of English-language proficiency tests such as IELTS (Academic) with an overall band of 6.5 bands with each module having a band equal to, or higher than 6

Cost of studying AI in New Zealand

Study program level

Average cost per annum*

Duration of courses

Undergraduate

NZD 22,000-NZD 32,000

3 years

Post-graduate

NZD 26,000-NZD 37,000

1-2 years

*Indicative

Career scope

Having earned a degree in Artificial Intelligence can open many doors for you. You can easily land a job as a Software Engineer, Software Developer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Developer, Business Intelligence Developer, R&D Engineer or Data Scientist. Further, with New Zealand’s tech sector being the fastest-growing in the country, you may have a fair chance at the various AI-based businesses like Weta Digital, Dexibit, Soul Machines, FaceMe, Imagr, Performance Lab, Ohmio Automation, Textferret, Xtracta and many more