Master of Development Studies

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 60% 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 20.
• 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.

Victoria University of Wellington offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed to support international students pursuing their academic endeavors. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students in covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in New Zealand.

International Scholarships: The university provides a range of merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students entering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. These scholarships often consider academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Several faculties within the university offer their own scholarships tailored to specific fields of study. These awards recognize excellence in particular disciplines and may support international students pursuing degrees within those faculties.

Research Grants and Fellowships: For postgraduate students engaging in research, Victoria University offers research grants and fellowships to support their projects. These grants can cover research expenses, conference participation, or living stipends during the research period.

Study Abroad and Exchange Scholarships: International students participating in study abroad or exchange programs facilitated by Victoria University can access scholarships to assist with travel expenses, accommodation, and other study-related costs during their exchange period.

Government and External Scholarships: Additionally, international students may be eligible for scholarships offered by the New Zealand government, international organizations, and external funding bodies. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Graduates from Victoria University of Wellington's Master of Development Studies program possess a diverse skill set, enabling them to pursue various career opportunities in the field of international development, policy analysis, and humanitarian aid.

International Development Officer/Consultant: Graduates can work as development officers or consultants, collaborating with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to design, implement, and evaluate development projects aimed at poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, or sustainable livelihoods.

Policy Analyst/Advocate: With their analytical skills, graduates can work as policy analysts or advocates, contributing to the formulation and evaluation of policies related to global development. They can work with governmental bodies, think tanks, or advocacy groups to influence policy decisions.

Program Manager for NGOs/Non-profits: Graduates can take on managerial roles in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or non-profits, overseeing programs related to humanitarian aid, community development, or advocacy. They manage projects, coordinate resources, and ensure effective program delivery.

Researcher/Analyst: For those inclined towards research, graduates can work as researchers or analysts in research institutions, contributing to studies on development issues, conducting fieldwork, and analyzing data to inform policies and programs.

Social Entrepreneur: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can venture into social entrepreneurship, establishing initiatives or organizations focused on addressing social or environmental issues, creating sustainable solutions for communities.

Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates can pursue roles in humanitarian aid organizations, providing emergency relief, managing logistics, and coordinating responses to natural disasters, conflicts, or humanitarian crises around the world.

Community Development Specialist: Graduates can specialize in community development, working directly with communities to identify needs, develop programs, and implement strategies for sustainable development and empowerment.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: In the private sector, graduates can work as CSR managers, leading initiatives that align business practices with social and environmental responsibilities, contributing to sustainable development goals.

Educator/Trainer: Graduates can become educators or trainers, sharing their knowledge and expertise in development studies by teaching, conducting workshops, or training programs for NGOs, universities, or international organizations.

Academic/Researcher in Development Studies: For those pursuing academia, graduates can pursue doctoral studies or work as lecturers, contributing to academia by teaching, conducting research, and publishing scholarly works in the field of development studies.