Master of Public Policy

For Master of Public Policy, the application deadline for the Nov 2026 intake is Sep 1, 2026, and tuition fees are 23,945 USD per year.

Overview

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a 180-point professional degree from the Wellington School of Business and Government. It equips students with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to provide high-quality policy advice, and to design, analyse and implement public policy in the real world.

Programme highlights

• Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the only New Zealand university connected to the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)
• Lecturers are actively involved in the public sector and connected to decision-makers in local, regional and national government
• Delivered in block-format lectures at the Pipitea Campus, in the heart of Wellington's government district
• Staircases from the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy
• Graduates work as policy advisors in central, local and regional government, Crown entities, not-for-profits and private consultancies

Victoria University of Wellington, established in 1897 and situated in New Zealand’s capital, is a research-led university serving a diverse student body of around 23,000. The university is known for strengths in arts, law, humanities, social sciences and research across public policy and environmental disciplines, offering a blend of rigorous scholarship and practical engagement with national institutions.

The Wellington campus places students at the heart of a lively cultural and political city, where internships, public-sector connections and creative industries are readily accessible. Academic programmes are complemented by research centres and community-facing projects, and teaching emphasises critical thinking, communication and transferable skills that prepare graduates for varied careers both locally and internationally.

For international students, the university provides support services including orientation, academic help and pathways into student life in Wellington. The city’s compact size, cultural amenities and outdoor opportunities make it friendly for newcomers. Overall, Victoria University of Wellington suits students seeking high-quality research and teaching in a capital-city setting that combines academic rigor with opportunities for professional and civic engagement.