New Zealand's Eight Universities: Strong Programs in Agriculture, Tourism, and Film Production, and Admission Requirements

Agriculture Programs Across New Zealand’s Eight Universities

New Zealand’s eight public universities each offer distinct strengths in agriculture, tourism management, and film production. For prospective students, understanding these strong programs and how undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements differ can help shape application strategy.

In agriculture, universities typically combine practical farm skills with research and technology. Course content often covers crop and animal production, agribusiness, and sustainable land use. Admission to undergraduate agriculture programs usually requires completion of secondary school with satisfactory grades in science subjects, especially biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Postgraduate entry generally demands a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, or a related discipline, along with evidence of academic competence. Some programs may also consider relevant work experience.

Tourism Management Learning and Entry Paths

Tourism management programs in New Zealand focus on sustainable tourism, hospitality operations, and destination marketing. Students learn how to manage visitor experiences, plan tourism projects, and evaluate economic and environmental impacts. Undergraduate entry typically requires meeting the university’s general academic admission standard, which often includes a minimum level of achievement in English and mathematics. Postgraduate applicants usually need an undergraduate degree, often in business, tourism, or a related social science, and may be asked to submit a personal statement or attend an interview.

Film Production and Creative Industry Strong Programs

Film production programs in New Zealand are recognised for their practical and creative training, often linked to the country’s strong screen industry. Courses cover scriptwriting, directing, camera work, editing, and post-production. Undergraduate admission generally requires completion of secondary school with a portfolio or audition for some programs, plus meeting academic requirements in English and other subjects. Postgraduate entry typically requires an undergraduate degree, often in film, media, or a related creative arts field, and often a portfolio of previous work.

Admission Requirements at a Glance

The table below summarises typical undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements for these three fields at New Zealand’s eight universities. Note that specific prerequisites vary by institution and program, and some universities may have additional criteria such as interviews, portfolios, or English language proficiency tests.

Field	Undergraduate Entry	Postgraduate Entry
Agriculture	Secondary school completion with science prerequisites (e.g., biology, chemistry, mathematics)	Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, or related field; academic record; possible work experience
Tourism Management	Satisfactory secondary school grades; sometimes mathematics and English requirements	Bachelor’s degree in tourism, business, or related social science; personal statement
Film Production	Secondary school completion; portfolio or audition; academic requirements in English and other subjects	Bachelor’s degree in film, media, or creative arts; portfolio of previous work

How to Choose the Right Program for You

When comparing programs across the eight universities, consider which field aligns with your career goals and which entry requirements you already meet. If your goal is an undergraduate degree, focus on the secondary school subjects and portfolios needed. If you are aiming for a postgraduate degree, you will need to review the specific bachelor’s degree and experience they expect. Some universities also offer pathways for international students, including foundation programs, so you can start your studies even if you are just below the standard entry level.

If you are unsure which route is best for your background, you can seek advice from an education counselling service. Such services can help you match your profile to the right program and navigate the application process for studying in New Zealand.