Master of Information Technology in New Zealand
Advanced IT skills for software, systems and network careers.
What you study
A Master of Information Technology covers software development, networks and infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud systems and IT project management. Programmes are built for two groups: computing graduates going deeper, and graduates from other fields converting into IT. Which of those you are usually decides whether you start with bridging papers or go straight into advanced ones. Most finish with a capstone project or a research thesis.
The Master of Information Technology is a Level 9 IT qualification we help international students apply for at accredited New Zealand institutions.
Does the Master of Information Technology lead to residence in New Zealand?
Working here after you graduate
This is a degree at Level 9, so graduates can apply for a post-study work visa of up to three years and work in any job, anywhere in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand only restricts what you may work in for non-degree qualifications at Level 7 and below, which does not apply here.
Points towards residence
The Skilled Migrant Category is a threshold of six points, not a score to maximise: once you reach six, more points earn nothing. A New Zealand master's degree is worth 6 points, the whole threshold on its own, but only where it involved at least 30 weeks of full-time study here and you already hold a bachelor's degree. Without both of those it is worth 5, and one year of skilled work in New Zealand makes up the sixth.
A qualification earned in New Zealand is worth more than the same level earned overseas, which is one of the few concrete advantages of studying here rather than at home.
The Green List
Graduates in this field commonly work in these roles, which are on Immigration New Zealand's Green List:
- Software Engineer Tier 1, Straight to Residence
- Analyst Programmer Tier 1, Straight to Residence
- Developer Programmer Tier 1, Straight to Residence
- Database Administrator Tier 1, Straight to Residence
Immigration New Zealand lists roles, not degrees. These ICT roles are on Tier 1, so what matters is the job title and duties you are actually employed under, not the name of your qualification. Database Administrator also carries a minimum pay rate.
Our study to residence pathways page sets out how the post-study work visa, the Green List and the Skilled Migrant Category fit together.
Who can advise you on this. Student NZ is an education advisory service. Joy helps you choose the course and the institution, and helps you prepare a student visa application. Advice about your own residence prospects has to come from a licensed immigration adviser, so we connect you to ProVisas' IAA-licensed advisers (Licence 201301110) for that part.
Green List roles are from Immigration New Zealand's list effective 23 March 2026; points are from its Skilled Migrant Category rules. Checked 17 September 2026. Immigration rules change, so confirm against the Green List and the Skilled Migrant Category before making a decision.
Where graduates work
This is the most direct of the IT qualifications for the Green List, because the roles it leads to are named on it. Graduates go into software engineering, systems administration, network engineering and database work for New Zealand employers. Immigration New Zealand assesses the occupation you are employed in, so the duties written into your employment agreement are what get checked, not the title of your degree.
Questions about the Master of Information Technology
Which Green List roles does this degree lead to?
Software Engineer, Analyst Programmer, Developer Programmer and Database Administrator, all on Tier 1. Immigration New Zealand assesses the occupation you are employed in, so the duties in your employment agreement are what decide whether you hold one of them. Database Administrator also carries a minimum pay rate.
Can I study a Master of Information Technology without an IT degree?
Often yes. Several New Zealand providers run conversion versions of this qualification for graduates from other fields, usually with bridging papers in programming and systems in the first semester. Entry rules differ by provider, so check the specific programme before you apply.
What is the difference between this and a Master of Data Analytics?
Information Technology is broader and systems-focused: building, running and securing software and infrastructure. Data Analytics is narrower and evidence-focused: statistics, modelling and interpretation. Both lead to the same four Green List ICT occupations, but through different work.
Other qualifications to compare
The level a qualification sits at decides what you can apply for once you finish, so it is worth comparing a few before you enrol.
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