With a focus on innovation, ethics, and sustainability, NZ business courses will change your world. New Zealand is a heavy hitter in many ways. With a small population, it still manages to have three universities in the top 150 in the world for business, management, finance, and economics (THE ranking, 2024).

Academic excellence, a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, and your degree paving your way to PR, there’s no other country like it. Studying business gives you the skills needed to improve the quality of life for individuals and society. You can learn how to create better processes, models, policies, and create a better world. NZ in particular has a focus on:

  • Sustainable and environmentally friendly practices

  • Pro-social, progressive, and ethical employment and politics

  • A number-eight-wire attitude; NZ isn’t afraid to do things differently to create a better solution

  • Embracing technology, initiative, and individual thought

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Business qualifications upskill students for a huge number of different roles and opportunities. Most degrees allow you to tailor your approach to study, what interests you, and gives you the opportunity to specialise. Careers stemming from a business degree include:

  • Accountant

  • Agri-consultant

  • Banker (investment or commercial)

  • Business consultant / analyst

  • Business development manager

  • CEO / General manager

  • Digital e-commerce or business manager

  • Economist

  • Entrepreneur

  • Financial analyst / advisor

  • Government policy advisor / analyst

  • Hospitality/ tourism manager

  • HR manager

  • International trade advisor

  • Marketing executive

  • Operations advisor/ manager

  • Project manager

  • Public relations manager

  • Sharebroker

  • Supply chain/ logistics manager

  • Systems analyst

  • Wealth manager

Because the scope of roles is immense, the salaries range from minimum wage, around NZ$60,000, to $150,000, depending on the role you decide to pursue.

Business programs available in NZ

Bachelor of Commerce at University of Auckland

There are 12 different majors to choose from with this flexible and innovative undergrad degree:

  • Accounting

  • Business analytics

  • Commercial law

  • Economics

  • Finance

  • Information systems

  • Innovation and entrepreneurship

  • International business

  • Management

  • Marketing

  • Supply chain management and operations

  • Taxation

This three-year University of Auckland BCom gives students the hands-on experience with real-life business challenges across organisations and sectors. Along with a broad range of basic skills, you can specialise in areas of interest that create a versatile degree that can take you wherever you want to go.

You’ll need an IELTS of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5. The course costs NZ$42,180 per year.

MBA at University of Canterbury

This is a progressive MBA that’s aligned with the needs of contemporary business. The Canterbury University MBA is also accredited by AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS. They offer strong connections to other MBA students and the wider industry, helping you find employment and networking opportunities as you learn. The degree focuses on creating agile leadership, data-informed strategies, using creative and innovative methods.

The 16-month course costs around NZ$39,000. You’ll need to have an appropriate undergraduate degree or experience, and an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Bachelor of Business at University of Waikato

This three-year BBus degree at Waikato University has 12 different majors:

  • Accounting

  • Agribusiness

  • Digital business

  • Economics

  • Finance

  • HR

  • Leadership

  • Marketing

  • Public relations

  • Strategic management

  • Supply chain management

  • Tourism and hospitality management

NZ’s number one business school gives flexibility, practical experience, and lecturers who are experienced in their areas of interest. The end goal is to create efficient, profitable, agile and adaptable business practices that help businesses thrive.

It costs NZ$35,000 per annum, and you’ll need an IELTS of 6.0 with no bands below 5.5.

Pathway to PR For Business Graduates

A big benefit of getting your qualification in NZ is that there’s no need to apply for an international qualification assessment. Your learnings will all have been based within NZ frameworks and legislation, and it makes finding a job easier.

First, get your post study work visa. This lets you stay in NZ for up to three years, getting the experience you need in the role before being able to apply for other visas.

Skilled Migrant Resident Visa

A NZ Master’s degree gives you five points, and an undergraduate degree gives you four points towards your skilled migrant visa. This visa allows you to submit an expression of interest once you have a job secured with an accredited employer.

To be classified as a skilled migrant, you need either:

  • ANZSCO level 1-3 qualification and being paid at or above $29.66 per hour ($61,692 annually)

  • ANZSCO level 4-5 and paid at or above $41.64 an hour ($86,611 annually)

The exception is if you train as an accountant. Accountant, ANZSCO 221111. This is on the regional skills shortage list and enables you to apply for an accredited employer work visa.

Once you live and work in NZ for two years, you can apply for your permanent residency.

Want to Get Your MBA or BCom in NZ?

If you want to have a career like no other, living and working in NZ, then a business qualification is a great place to start. Speak to us at IDP if you need help choosing your perfect university or course. We can even help with visas, finding accommodation, and a huge range of other tasks involved with your application.