Master of Conservation Biology – MConBio
Why Study / Key Benefits
Studying the Master of Conservation Biology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers students the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Key benefits include:
Advanced knowledge of conservation biology, ecology, biodiversity and sustainability.
Practical experience through field classes and visits to important conservation sites.
Opportunities to study New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and ecosystems.
Exposure to internationally recognised conservation practices.
Development of skills in experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis and research communication.
Opportunities to learn about invasive species, pest management and biosecurity.
Access to both terrestrial and marine environments for conservation-related learning.
Learning alongside researchers and scientists involved in conservation and environmental management.
Development of work-ready skills for conservation organisations, government agencies and environmental consultancies.
Opportunities to build knowledge relevant to international conservation challenges.
Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics
The MConBio is a 180-point professional Master's qualification consisting of three compulsory core courses and 90 points of approved electives.
Part 1 – Core Courses (90 points)
1. BIOL 405 – Pest Management, Biosecurity and Law (30 points)
This course examines biological and legal approaches to pest management and biosecurity.
Topics include:
Invasive species management.
Pest control strategies.
National and international biosecurity practices.
International agreements and legislation.
Biodiversity protection.
Environmental management.
M?ori perspectives on biodiversity and biosecurity.
2. BIOL 420 – Conservation Ecology (30 points)
This course examines the ecological principles and strategies used to protect biodiversity and threatened species.
Topics include:
Biodiversity loss and species extinction.
Conservation ecology.
Island biogeography.
Nature reserves.
Conservation genetics.
Ecological restoration.
Invasive species and ecosystem threats.
Species protection and management.
Landscape and urban ecology.
Conservation priorities and environmental monitoring.
3. BIOL 424 – New Zealand Conservation Practice (30 points)
This is a practical, field-based course focusing on New Zealand's native plants, animals and conservation practices.
Topics and activities include:
New Zealand flora and fauna.
Conservation management practices.
Native species protection.
Biodiversity challenges.
Field observation and ecological assessment.
Conservation case studies.
Visits to important conservation sites.
Practical learning alongside conservation scientists and managers.
Field-course arrangements:
The course normally includes a four-week field-based learning period.
Students visit sites in the Wellington Region and other locations in New Zealand.
The fieldwork normally takes place from late January to late February.
Assessment and associated academic work may continue after the field visits.
Part 2 – Approved Electives (90 points)
Students select 90 points from the university-approved course schedule.
Approved subject areas include:
Biological Sciences (BIOL).
Environmental Studies (ENVI).
Environmental Research and Environmental Science (ERES).
Other approved courses, subject to Head of School approval.
Disciplines / Specialisations
The MConBio does not advertise separate formal majors or named specialisations. Students can develop their academic focus through their approved elective selections.
Relevant study disciplines include:
Conservation Biology.
Conservation Ecology.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management.
Wildlife and Species Conservation.
Environmental Science.
Invasive Species Management.
Pest Management and Biosecurity.
Marine Biodiversity.
Fisheries Science.
Ecological Restoration.
Environmental Research.
Evolutionary Biology.
Conservation Genetics.
Sustainability and Environmental Management.
Programme Highlights
The main highlights of the Master of Conservation Biology include:
180-point postgraduate qualification.
NZQF Level 9.
Three trimesters of full-time study.
Approximately 6–8 courses.
Three compulsory core courses.
90 points of approved elective courses.
Practical conservation fieldwork in New Zealand.
Specialist learning about native flora and fauna.
Study of conservation ecology and biodiversity.
Biosecurity and invasive species management.
Exposure to terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Development of experimental design and data-analysis skills.
No compulsory thesis component.
Opportunities to study with conservation researchers and specialists.
Career Outcomes
The Master of Conservation Biology prepares graduates for potential careers in biodiversity conservation, ecological management, environmental research and sustainability.
Potential career pathways include:
Conservation Biologist.
Conservation Scientist.
Biodiversity Specialist.
Ecologist.
Environmental Consultant.
Wildlife Conservation Officer.
Biosecurity Specialist.
Pest Management Adviser.
Environmental Researcher.
Conservation Project Coordinator.
Ecological Restoration Specialist.
Environmental Policy Adviser.
Marine Conservation Specialist.
Natural Resources Management Officer.
Potential employment sectors:
Government conservation departments.
Environmental protection agencies.
Wildlife and biodiversity organisations.
Conservation NGOs and charitable organisations.
Environmental consultancy companies.
Research institutions and universities.
Biosecurity and pest management organisations.
Marine and terrestrial conservation organisations.
International environmental development organisations.
Latest Updates / Special Requirements
Latest programme information for 2027:
January 2027 commencement: 18 January 2027.
Published January application deadline: 1 October 2026.
Late applications may be considered, subject to approval and availability.
July commencement is also available, following normal university enrolment dates.
Full-time programme duration: 3 trimesters.
Total qualification: 180 points.
The university's programme information identifies the January field course as a distinctive component of the qualification.
Special requirements:
Students must have a relevant Bachelor's degree or an accepted equivalent qualification.
Applicants must be accepted by the Programme Manager.
Applicants must satisfy the university's English-language requirements or an approved exemption.
Students must complete all three compulsory core courses.
Students must complete 90 points of approved electives.
Students starting in January must make arrangements to participate in the specialist field course.
Field-course dates are dependent on environmental and tidal conditions.
Students must satisfy all academic progression and enrolment requirements.
Important field-course information:
The New Zealand Conservation Practice course involves practical field learning and travel to conservation locations. Students should plan for travel arrangements and possible additional personal expenses.
International Student Visa Requirements
International students from India intending to study the MConBio in New Zealand generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand.
Visa category
Visa type: Fee Paying Student Visa.
Immigration authority: Immigration New Zealand.
Study permission: Full-time study in the approved qualification.
Maximum visa duration: Up to four years, depending on the individual application.
Visa validity: Normally linked to the period of study paid for, subject to the visa decision.
Required documents
Applicants generally need to provide:
Valid passport.
Offer of Place from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Evidence of tuition-fee payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition fees.
Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
Academic qualifications and transcripts.
English-language test results, if required.
Evidence of genuine intentions to study.
Medical examination or chest X-ray, if required.
Police certificate, if requested.
Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
Evidence of onward travel arrangements or sufficient funds to purchase an onward ticket.
Financial requirements
Immigration New Zealand requires tertiary-level international students to demonstrate access to:
NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses when studying for one year or longer.
NZD $1,667 per month for courses lasting less than one year.
Tuition fees are separate from the living-cost requirement.
For this programme, students should prepare evidence covering the applicable living-cost requirement as well as their tuition fees.
Acceptable financial evidence may include:
Personal or sponsor bank statements.
Education loan sanction letters.
Fixed-term deposit certificates.
Scholarship award letters.
Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.
India-specific sponsorship conditions
For applicants applying from India, Immigration New Zealand applies specific sponsorship and financial undertaking rules for South Asian countries.
Generally, applicants applying from South Asia can use immediate family members as sponsors or financial guarantors under the applicable immigration rules.
Immediate family generally includes:
Spouse or partner.
Parents.
Siblings.
Grandparents.
Parents-in-law.
Work rights
Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to:
Work up to 25 hours per week during study periods.
Work full-time during scheduled holidays, where their visa conditions permit.
Undertake compulsory practical work experience that forms part of their qualification, subject to applicable visa conditions.
Important: Work rights depend on the individual eVisa. Students must check their specific visa conditions rather than assume that all international students have identical work permissions.
Visa application cost and processing
Application cost: From NZD $850.
Processing estimate: 80% of applications within seven weeks.
Recommended application timing: At least three months before intended travel.
Other visa conditions
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Students must attend their approved programme as required.
Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance.
Students must comply with all conditions stated on their visa.
Students must demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.
