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    University of Waikato

    Master of Design

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Hamilton, NZMDesIn-person18 months
    NZ$75,915.00
    Tuition
    over 18mo
    180
    Credits

    Master of Design at University of Waikato is a 180-credit, 18-month, in-person MDes program based in Hamilton, NZ. Tuition is NZ$75,915.

    About the program

    Advanced degree focusing on design theory, technology, and original research, building on Bachelor of Design skills. Includes taught courses, design research, and a large-scale design research project with dissertation or thesis.

    Focus: both
    Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026: 401–500 band

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Trimester B 2026
    Jul 1, 2026
    Trimester A 2027
    Feb 22, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    optional
    Min 90 with a writing score of 21
    IELTS
    optional
    Min 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (duration up to 3 years for master’s graduates, depending on what you studied and how long you studied)

    NZ$20,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Design at University of Waikato cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Design at University of Waikato is NZ$75,915 across 180 required credits.
    Is Master of Design at University of Waikato online or in-person?
    Master of Design at University of Waikato is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Design at University of Waikato take to complete?
    Master of Design at University of Waikato is structured around 18 months and 180 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Design at University of Waikato?
    Per the program's published guidance: B average
    What work-permit options follow Master of Design at University of Waikato?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Design at University of Waikato: New Zealand Post Study Work Visa (duration up to 3 years for master’s graduates, depending on what you studied and how long you studied)