Master of Science (Plant Breeding) (Research)

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 50% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 19.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Massey University in New Zealand is supporting the academic aspirations of international students through various scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, support students in need, and foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

International Excellence Scholarships: Massey University offers International Excellence Scholarships aimed at high-achieving international students. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic performance and provide financial assistance to recipients pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university.

Vice-Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities and leadership qualities. Recipients receive financial support to aid their educational expenses during their time at Massey University.

College-Specific Scholarships: Several colleges within Massey University offer specific scholarships tailored to students in various fields of study. These scholarships often target excellence in a particular discipline or support students facing financial constraints.

Accommodation Scholarships: To assist international students with accommodation expenses, the university provides specific scholarships or grants dedicated to supporting students residing in on-campus accommodations.

External Funding Opportunities: Massey University encourages international students to explore external funding sources, including government scholarships, non-profit organizations, and private sponsors. The university provides guidance and support to students in seeking out these external funding opportunities.

Graduates of Massey University's Master of Science (Plant Breeding) (Research) program possess specialized knowledge and advanced skills in plant breeding methodologies, genetics, and crop improvement strategies. This expertise opens up diverse career pathways in the agricultural sector, research institutions, seed industries, or further academic pursuits.

Plant Breeder/Geneticist: Careers involve working as plant breeders or geneticists, developing new plant varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, high yield, or improved nutritional content in seed companies, agricultural research institutions, or plant breeding companies.

Crop Improvement Specialist: Graduates can work in crop improvement, employing breeding techniques to enhance the quality, productivity, and resilience of agricultural crops in governmental agencies, research organizations, or agribusinesses.

Research Scientist/Academia: Careers in research institutions or academia involve conducting advanced research in plant breeding, publishing scientific papers, and teaching in universities or research centers, contributing to advancements in agricultural science.

Seed Production Manager: Graduates can manage seed production operations, overseeing the breeding, cultivation, and distribution of improved seed varieties in seed companies or agricultural enterprises.

Genomic/Quantitative Geneticist: Careers involve utilizing genetic technologies, conducting genomic or quantitative genetic research, and applying advanced genetic techniques for crop improvement in research organizations or biotech companies.

Crop Consultant/Advisor: Graduates can work as consultants, providing expertise on plant breeding strategies, agronomic practices, and crop improvement techniques to farmers, agribusinesses, or agricultural consulting firms.

Biotechnology Researcher: Careers involve researching and applying biotechnological methods such as genetic modification or genome editing for crop enhancement in biotech companies, research institutions, or governmental agencies.

Plant Pathologist/Disease Resistance Specialist: Graduates can specialize in plant pathology, studying plant diseases, developing disease-resistant crops, or implementing strategies for disease management in agricultural settings.

Agricultural Biotechnologist: Careers involve applying biotechnological tools to improve crop traits, develop transgenic plants, or enhance agricultural productivity in agricultural research institutions or biotech companies.

Seed Quality Assurance/Control Specialist: Graduates can ensure seed quality and compliance with regulatory standards, developing quality control measures in seed production or distribution companies.

Field Research Technician/Assistant: Careers involve assisting in field research projects, conducting experiments, collecting data, and providing support in research endeavors in agricultural research organizations or laboratories.

Sustainable Agriculture Specialist: Graduates can focus on sustainable agricultural practices, promoting environmentally friendly and resource-efficient crop improvement strategies in governmental agencies or sustainable agriculture organizations.