Abroadly

Study Social Sciences in New Zealand 🇳🇿

New Zealand offers 35 Social Sciences programs across 23 universities. Tuition ranges from $7k–$30k/yr, making it a competitive option for international students.

35 Programs
23 Universities
$7k–$30k/yr Tuition
6% STEM
11% Scholarships

Why New Zealand for Social Sciences?

Living Cost

$15,000/yr

Full guide to studying in New Zealand →

By Degree Level

Bachelor (23) Master (8) PhD (4)

Top Universities for Social Sciences in New Zealand

University of Otago

Dunedin · National rank #2 · QS #197

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology · PhD
University of Canterbury

Christchurch · National rank #3 · QS #261

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology · Bachelor
Massey University

Palmerston North · National rank #3 · QS #230

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) · Bachelor Master of Applied Social Work · Master Doctor of Clinical Psychology · PhD
Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington · National rank #4 · QS #240

Master of International Relations · Master
Unitec Institute of Technology

Auckland · National rank #8

Bachelor of Social Practice · Bachelor Master of Social Practice · Master
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

Napier · National rank #8

Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Otago Polytechnic

Dunedin · National rank #10

Bachelor of Social Services · Bachelor
Ara Institute of Canterbury

Christchurch · National rank #10 · QS #258

Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)

Auckland · National rank #12

Bachelor of Applied Social Work · Bachelor
NorthTec

Whangarei · National rank #23

Bachelor of Applied Social Work · Bachelor
Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Tauranga · National rank #26

Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Te Wānanga o Raukawa

Ōtaki · National rank #34

Poutuarongo Toko Mana · Bachelor
Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Bachelor of Theology · Bachelor Bachelor of Ministries · Bachelor Master of Theology · Master Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) · PhD Graduate Diploma in Theology · Bachelor Postgraduate Diploma in Theology · Master
Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Master of Arts (Theology) · Master PhD in Theology · PhD
Master of International Studies · Master Graduate Diploma of International Studies · Bachelor Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies · Bachelor Postgraduate Diploma of International Studies · Master
Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor
Bachelor of Social Work · Bachelor

All Programs

Bachelor of Social Work

Bethlehem Tertiary Institute

Bachelor

Bachelor of Theology

Laidlaw College

Bachelor

Bachelor of Ministries

Laidlaw College

Bachelor

Master of Theology

Laidlaw College

Master

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Laidlaw College

PhD

Graduate Diploma in Theology

Laidlaw College

Bachelor

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

Laidlaw College

Master

Bachelor of Social Work

Bethlehem Tertiary Institute (BTI)

Bachelor

Master of Arts (Theology)

Avondale Academic Institute

Master

PhD in Theology

Avondale Academic Institute

PhD

Bachelor of Social Services

Otago Polytechnic

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Work

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Practice

Unitec Institute of Technology

Bachelor

Master of Social Practice

Unitec Institute of Technology

Master

Master of International Studies

International Pacific College (IPC)

Master Aid

Graduate Diploma of International Studies

International Pacific College (IPC)

Bachelor Aid

Bachelor of Social Work

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)

Bachelor

Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies

International Pacific College (IPC)

Bachelor Aid

Postgraduate Diploma of International Studies

International Pacific College (IPC)

Master Aid

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University of Canterbury

Bachelor

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

University of Otago

PhD STEM

Bachelor of Social Work

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Work

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)

Bachelor

Master of International Relations

Victoria University of Wellington

Master

Bachelor of Social Services

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)

Bachelor

Bachelor of Applied Social Work

NorthTec

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Work

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Bachelor

Bachelor of Applied Social Work

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)

Bachelor

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Massey University

Bachelor

Master of Applied Social Work

Massey University

Master

Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Massey University

PhD STEM

Poutuarongo Toko Mana

Te Wānanga o Raukawa

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Work

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Work

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)

Bachelor

Bachelor of Social Services

Universal College of Learning (UCOL)

Bachelor

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study Social Sciences in New Zealand?
Tuition for Social Sciences programs in New Zealand ranges from $7k–$30k/yr. 11% of programs offer scholarships or financial aid. Annual living costs (accommodation, food, transport) are approximately $15k.
What are the English language requirements for Social Sciences in New Zealand?
English-taught Social Sciences programs in New Zealand typically require:. Requirements vary by university and program level — always check the specific program page.
How many Social Sciences programs are in New Zealand?
Abroadly lists 35 Social Sciences programs at 23 universities across New Zealand. Programs are available at Bachelor, Master, and PhD level.
Are Social Sciences programs in New Zealand STEM-designated?
6% of Social Sciences programs in New Zealand carry STEM designation. STEM classification can be important for visa purposes in countries like the US and UK after graduation.
Is New Zealand a good country for Social Sciences students?
New Zealand is a strong choice for Social Sciences with 23 universities offering these programs. The primary language is English.
What degree levels are available for Social Sciences in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, Social Sciences programs are offered at: Bachelor (23 programs), Master (8 programs), PhD (4 programs). This gives students flexibility whether they're seeking an undergraduate degree, postgraduate specialization, or doctoral research.