Top Reasons to Pursue Master’s in Finance in New Zealand in 2025
Table of contents
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what goes on beyond the walls of coveted banks or what the life of a risk analyst looks like? Does that excite you?
If yes, this blog is for you! A Master’s in Finance might be the perfect degree for you. MFin or Master’s in Finance can open doors to high-paying jobs in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, fintech, and more. MFin prepares you with the right set of skills needed to succeed in this corporate race and land high-paying offers!
Why Study a Master’s in Finance in New Zealand?
New Zealand is rapidly becoming a finance and investment hub, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in banking, financial analysis, risk management, and investment banking. The country’s labour shortage in finance, high-paying jobs, and strong economy make it a promising destination for international students.
A Master’s in Finance is a postgraduate degree to a Bachelor’s in Finance, accounting or related domains focusing on financial analysis, FinTech, Risk Analysis and Financial Data Analysis. If you’re considering a career in finance in New Zealand, here’s why it’s a great decision in 2025.
- Recognized Universities: New Zealand holds some of the high-ranking universities like the University of Auckland. These universities are accredited by the CFA Institute & CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand). These universities have industry partnerships with banks, investment firms & corporate finance companies which facilitate Internship & placement support for finance graduates.
- High Demand and Labour Shortage in Finance: New Zealand is facing a shortage of finance professionals, particularly in financial analysis, risk management, and corporate finance. Financial analysts, investment bankers, and actuaries are among the most sought-after roles. The banking and fintech industries are expanding, increasing the demand for finance experts. Finance professionals are eligible for New Zealand’s skilled migration pathways, making it easier to obtain a work visa or permanent residency (PR).
- Job Opportunities & Top Employers in New Zealand: New Zealand is a rapidly growing financial hub with a strong demand for finance professionals. With a Master’s in Finance in New Zealand, graduates can secure high-paying roles in:
- Investment Banking
- Financial Analysis & Risk Management
- Corporate Finance & Treasury
- Wealth & Asset Management
- Fintech & Financial Technology
- Competitive Salary: Finance careers in New Zealand are known for their high earning potential. According to Glassdoor 2025, an average Finance employee earns $75,000 per year, with a total pay of $81,000 per year.
Pro Tip: Earning CFA, CPA, or FRM certification can boost salary potential significantly.
Confused if CFA might be a better alternative? Check this out
- Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) and PR Pathway: Did you know that finance roles are on the Green List, making them Tier 1 employment? As a result, graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) for up to three years. The labour shortage in New Zealand makes finance professionals eligible for faster residency under the Green List pathway.
Apart from these, studying finance in New Zealand is affordable. Strong industry partnerships facilitate job placements. New Zealand’s New Zealand ranks among the top countries for quality of life, high salaries, and economic stability. These make it an attractive destination for finance professionals. With increasing global interest, New Zealand’s finance industry is expected to grow by 15-20% in the next five years, creating more job opportunities.
If you’re looking for a rewarding international career in finance, New Zealand in 2025 is a top destination to pursue your master’s.
Best Universities for a Master’s in Finance in New Zealand in 2025
Ready to start your career in finance in New Zealand in 2025? Below are the top universities you can explore Master's in Finance in New Zealand in 2025!
|
University |
Course |
Location |
Duration |
|
University of Auckland |
Master of Applied Finance |
Auckland, New Zealand |
15 months |
|
University of Waikato |
Master of Applied Finance |
Hamilton, New Zealand |
12 months |
|
Massey University |
Master of Finance |
Wellington, New Zealand |
12- 18 months |
|
Massey University |
Financial Analytics and Research – Master of Finance |
Wellington, New Zealand |
12- 18 months |
|
Victoria University of Wellington |
Master of Commerce – MCom(Finance) |
Wellington, New Zealand |
12-24 months |
|
Auckland University of Technology |
Master of Applied Finance |
Auckland, New Zealand |
12- 18 months |
|
University of Canterbury |
Master of Applied Finance and Economics |
Christchurch, New Zealand |
12- 18 months |
|
University of Canterbury |
Master of Financial Engineering (MFEng) |
Christchurch, New Zealand |
12months |
|
University of Otago |
Master of Finance (MFinc) |
Dunedin, New Zealand |
12 months |
|
University of Otago |
Master of Accounting and Finance (MAccFin) |
Dunedin, New Zealand |
12-month |
Interested in Australia? Check out top Universities for Master’s in Finance in Australia
Top Employers Hiring Finance Graduates in New Zealand
New Zealand's major banks provide numerous roles in investment banking, risk management, financial analysis, and treasury. Such as:
|
Sectors |
Top Employers |
|
Banks & Financial Institutions |
ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank |
|
Investment Firms |
Milford Asset Management, Fisher Funds, Jarden, Forsyth Barr |
|
Corporate & Tech Companies |
Fonterra, Air New Zealand, Spark, Xero |
|
Government & Regulatory Bodies |
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), Financial Markets Authority (FMA), Treasury |
|
Insurance & Risk Management Firms |
IAG New Zealand, AIA New Zealand, Tower Insurance |
This is just the tip of the iceberg! New Zealand offers diverse finance career opportunities, whether in banking, investment, fintech, or corporate finance. This offers you the ideal springboard to headstart your career in 2025!
Final Thoughts: Is a Master’s in Finance in New Zealand Worth It?
With a labour shortage, a strong finance sector, and high salaries, New Zealand is a top choice for finance graduates in 2025. One of the biggest advantages of studying finance in New Zealand is the post-study work visa (PSWV), which allows students to work in the country after graduation. Whether you aim to work in investment banking, financial analysis, or risk management, New Zealand offers excellent career prospects.
Thinking about pursuing a Master’s in Finance in New Zealand? Book a call with our founder and let’s get you into your dream university today!
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