program detail
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NZD 53855

Annual Tuition Fee

!
*Subject to change and other fees
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 Free

Application Fee

Duration icon

18 months

Duration

Duration icon

6.5

IELTS

Duration icon

90

TOEFL

Duration icon

58%

Min GPA

Program Overview

Studying for a Master of Social Sciences at Waikato challenges you to take your understanding of theoretical subject matter to an advanced level.


Why study a MSocSc?

A Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) builds on the Bachelors or Honours qualification you've already gained. When studying for your MSocSc, you'll focus on your preferred Social Science subject area and you'll immerse yourself in a high-level programme of study. You'll learn the latest research techniques and be updated on recent developments in knowledge relating to your chosen field.

You'll be preparing for a dissertation or thesis, so will be conducting a substantial amount of your own independent research. If you think you may want to complete a doctorate level qualification later on, completing a MSocSc prepares you for that next level of academic study.


Economics

Studying Economics will help you develop the analytical skills needed to be an effective problem solver of real-life issues. You'll learn how to apply your skills to issues ranging from employment and housing, to public health, transport and pollution.


Why study Economics?

Studying Economics will help you see the world in a different light; and understand how to apply this new perspective to help resolve issues in our society. You'll learn how to help people, governments and businesses make better decisions about using natural and financial resources to meet different goals.

Economists contribute to government decision-making on many different issues, such as shaping new laws and taxes, or advising on international trade agreements. They can also be involved in recommending incentives and penalties geared towards changing people's behaviour, such as encouraging people to leave their car at home.

You'll learn how to explain the reasons for different market structures, analyse the implications of government policy, anticipate how people might react to price changes, and demonstrate the gains from trade.

Read more

Additional Information

Program Level Master's Degree

College/University Processing Time 7 Days

Program Format Full-Time

Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) work permit

Program Intake

Open

Mar 2025, Jul 2025, Nov 2025

Closed

Jul 2024

General Admission Requirement

    Academic Requirement

    • Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted into this program, applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree.

    6.5 IELTS Score
    90 TOEFL Score Minimum Overall Score
    56 PTE Score Minimum Overall Score
    58% CGPA Minimum Overall Score

    Similar Programs

    Tuition Fee

    The values given below are estimated figures, excluding extra charges like material fee, student activity fees, athletic fees, health care, etc., for courses. To know more, please visit the Programs page.

    Average Tuition Fee Per Year

    53855

    Tuition Fee
    (NZD)

     Free

    Application Fee
    (NZD)

    20000 Per year

    Average Cost of Living
    (NZD)

    info icon

    The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

    Check program website for more information about funding options.

    Scholarships

    The University of Waikato and our partners offer a range of scholarships and awards to assist students with fees and living expenses, and to support academic and research excellence.


    Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India

    This Scholarship is intended to support talented international students from India who are enrolling for the first time into undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at the University of Waikato. The Scholarships have a value of up to NZD$15,000, and will be awarded to successful applicants who demonstrate excellent academic achievement.


    Key Details:

    • Value: Up to NZD$15,000 towards tuition fees
    • Study Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Taught), Postgraduate (Research)
    • Subject Area: Any
    • Closing Date: Applications for 2024 can be submitted at any time


    Eligibility and Selection Criteria

    1. To be eligible, applicantsmust:
    • be a citizen or permanent resident of India;
    • be applying to enrol full-time in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme1, as a new international student to the University of Waikato.
    • have received a conditional or unconditional offer of place from the University of Waikato (including a pathway offer for a degree packaged with the Certificate of Attainment in English Language; the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies; Certificate of University Preparation; International Diploma (Business); International Diploma (Computer Science) or Diploma of Postgraduate Preparation (Pre-Masters) at the University of Waikato.
    • have a minimum GPA equivalency of B+ in the qualification used to gain entrance to the University of Waikato.
    1. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if any of the following apply:
    • Currently enrolled in the University of Waikato College or any University of Waikato degree programmes.
    • Have paid tuition fees or applied for a visa at the time of application.
    • coming to the University of Waikato via a sponsoring body2.coming to the University of Waikato on a Guaranteed Credit Arrangement3, or through a study abroad or student exchange agreement.
    • Are offshore applicants applying on or after:
      • 31 December for A Trimester offers of place
      • 30 April for B Trimester offers of place
      • 31 August for C Trimester offers of place
      • 31 October for H or X Trimester offers of place
    1. Selection is based on:
    • Academic merit.
    • Potential to become global ambassadors for the University of Waikato.
    1. On-going eligibility is conditional onrecipients:
    • Enrolling within 12 months of the dates outlined in the Offer of Place and commencing a full-time programme/s of study of at least 120 points at the University of Waikato in the year(s) of tenure.
      • The original scholarship offer is valid only within 12 months of the dates outlined in the Offer of Place unless deferral is approved.
      • If for any reason a recipient defers study at the University of Waikato within one calendar year from their original start date, their scholarship may also be deferred if the recipient advises [email protected] when confirmation of the new start date has been received. If a student defers to a new date outside of one year, then their scholarship will no longer be valid, and they will need to apply again when scholarship applications are open for that new year.
    • Residing in New Zealand for the entire tenure of the scholarship and remaining studying full-time on campus in New Zealand.
    • Maintaining international student status within the University’s student system during the entire tenure of the scholarship. Any change in status will result in the scholarship being fully or partly removed from the student’s account.


    Awarding, Value and Tenure

    • The scholarship value will be between $2,500 and $15,000 and will be paid towards the first 12 months of study at the University of Waikato, split evenly across two trimesters4. The total value offered will be a contribution towards tuition fees only, and all remaining tuition fees and other costs must be met through other means
    • The number of scholarships offered, disbursement of award, and value of each scholarship offered is at the discretion of the Selection Panel and Scholarships Committee and is based on criteria such as, but not limited to, GPA equivalency, funding available, intended programme of study, and duration of intended programme of study.
    • The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition fees for the agreed programme of study either at the time of enrolment or once their enrolment is completed.
    • Students who are offered a scholarship and have a pathway offer for study at the University of Waikato (see 1.2. above) will have their scholarship applied to their degree programme following the successful completion of their pathway programme.
    • All applicants will be advised of the result of their application through their MyWaikato portal.
    • Successful applicants will receive a scholarship offer which is valid for 14 days. Offers must be accepted by the date indicated or the offer will lapse and no longer be valid.
    • After accepting the Scholarship Offer, recipients will receive an official Scholarship Offer Letter to assist in any student visa application.
    • Recipients may pay the full tuition fee amount minus the value of the scholarship in the offer. They must provide their Scholarship Offer Letter to Immigration New Zealand in order to do so.
    • In accepting the Scholarship, the recipient will be deemed to have read, understood and accepted the conditions of the Scholarship, and the Scholarships Policy.
    • The maximum possible tenure is 12 months.

     
    Application

    • Applications can be submitted at any time and decisions will normally be made within 8 to 12 weeks of the time of application. However, applications may not be considered if received within 4 weeks of the start of each of the university’s three main trimesters (A, B, and C Trimesters).
    • As part of their online submission, applicants must:
      • upload their conditional or unconditional offer of place from the University of Waikato.
      • ensure they provide specific details when explaining why they want to study at the University of Waikato and how they will be a global ambassador for the University of Waikato.
         

    Notes:

    • 1 All undergraduate and postgraduate programmes except the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) are eligible.
    • 2 Examples of a sponsoring body are: governments, institutions and employers who fund student scholarships for study.
    • 3 Guaranteed credit arrangements are where an institution has a formal agreement with the UoW whereby a student can study part of their degree at the partner institution and credit that study towards study at the University of Waikato.
    • 4 Recipients who commence study in the middle or end of a year will receive half of their award once enrolled. The other half will be processed once they enrol into the upcoming year.

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