Massey University College(KAPLAN)
Massey University College (MUC), also presented online as Kaplan Massey, is the official pathway college for Massey University. It is designed primarily for international students who need an academic, English-language or qualification pathway before progressing into a Massey University degree.
MUC programmes are designed to build students' academic skills, English proficiency and subject knowledge, enabling them to make a smoother transition into their chosen Massey University degree. Students have access to Massey University facilities, services and social activities from the beginning of their College studies, while benefiting from smaller classes and more personalised academic support.
Massey University Ranking
It is important to distinguish between Massey University College and Massey University. MUC itself is a pathway college and does not have a separate QS World University Ranking.
The ranking generally associated with the Kaplan Massey pathway is that of Massey University.
For the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Massey University was ranked:
- #230 equal in the world
- 3rd in New Zealand
- In the top 250 universities worldwide
- This was Massey's highest-ever QS position at the time of the 2026 ranking.
Types of Courses / Study Levels
Massey University College currently offers pathway, preparatory and English-language study options rather than the full range of Massey University's undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The main study options are:
Foundation level
- Foundation Certificate (International)
- Foundation Certificate (International – Accelerated)
These are designed for students who need an academic pathway before entering an undergraduate degree at Massey University.
Diploma level
- Diploma (Business)
The Diploma (Business) provides a pathway into relevant Massey University business study.
Graduate level
- Graduate Diploma in Management
- Graduate Diploma in Marketing
These provide pathways for students seeking further study at postgraduate level.
Pre-Master's pathway
- Pre-Master's Pathway – Certificate of Proficiency (Undergraduate)
This is designed as a pathway for students who need additional preparation before progressing towards appropriate Massey University postgraduate study.
English-language programmes
- English for Academic Purposes 1
- English for Academic Purposes 2
- English for Academic Purposes 1 + 2
- General English
Number of Programmes Offered
The current MUC programme/application listings contain approximately 10 named study options, when individual English options and the two Graduate Diplomas are counted separately:
- Foundation Certificate (International)
- Foundation Certificate (International – Accelerated)
- Diploma (Business)
- Graduate Diploma in Management
- Graduate Diploma in Marketing
- Pre-Master's Pathway – Certificate of Proficiency (Undergraduate)
- English for Academic Purposes 1
- English for Academic Purposes 2
- English for Academic Purposes 1 + 2
- General English
Highlights
Official Massey University pathway
Students use MUC as a structured pathway into a globally recognised New Zealand university.
Strong academic preparation
The College focuses on academic and English-language preparation so students can transition successfully into university-level study.
Access to Massey facilities from day one
MUC students can use Massey's facilities, services and social activities while studying at the College.
Small classes and personalised support
The College highlights small class sizes and one-to-one student support as important features of its pathway model.
Flexible entry points
Most major pathway programmes have three main intakes per year, providing flexibility for international applicants.
English-language pathways
Students who do not yet meet the required English level can take English for Academic Purposes programmes before progressing into College study. The College also offers General English.
Dedicated international support
Support includes pre-departure guidance, visa-related support, insurance assistance, cultural connection and student wellbeing services.
Auckland location
The College is located at Massey's Albany campus in Auckland, providing students with access to a major New Zealand city and the wider Massey student community.
Large university ecosystem
Massey University has more than 200 student clubs and societies, while MUC students can access university facilities, recreation, support and student activities.
Latest Updates — 2026
2026 Massey ranking improved significantly
Massey University reached its highest-ever QS World University Ranking position, at #230 equal globally and 3rd in New Zealand in the 2026 rankings.
2027 fees and intakes are now published
MUC has published its 2027 tuition fees and key dates, which is particularly important for students planning future intakes. Applications received from 21 September 2026 are subject to the published 2027 fee schedule.
For example, the published 2027 fees include:
- Foundation Certificate (International): NZ$32,800
- Foundation Certificate (International – Accelerated): NZ$16,400
- Diploma (Business): NZ$36,000
- Graduate Diplomas: NZ$37,800
- Pre-Master's Pathway: NZ$18,900
- English for Academic Purposes: NZ$6,800
- General English: NZ$499 per week
Scholarship
1. MUC Tuition Fee Scholarship – 20%
Scholarship value: 20% of tuition fees
Who can receive it: International students
Study provider: Massey University College
Programmes covered: MUC programmes, excluding English-language programmes
Eligibility/requirements currently published:
- Must be an international student.
- Must enrol in an eligible Massey University College programme.
- English-language programmes are excluded.
- The exact eligibility assessment and scholarship value should be confirmed with MUC Admissions.
Kaplan Family Bursary – 10%
Benefit: 10% reduction in tuition fees
Who can receive it: Students with a sibling also enrolling at Massey University College
Applicable student: The second sibling to accept the offer and commence studies
The Kaplan Family Bursary is designed for families with two siblings studying at Massey University College. The second sibling to accept the offer and commence studies receives 10% off their tuition fee.
Eligibility
The basic published requirement is:
- A sibling must also enrol with Massey University College.
- The student receiving the bursary must be the second sibling to accept the offer and commence studies.
Undergraduate International Study Grant
Value: NZ$15,000 towards tuition fees
For: New international undergraduate students
Study year: 2027
Massey currently offers this grant to international students enrolling full-time in selected undergraduate degrees in 2027.
Eligible programmes currently include:
- Bachelor of Accountancy
- Bachelor of Agribusiness
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Aviation Management
- Bachelor of Commercial Music
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Design / BDes (Honours)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts / BFA (Honours)
- Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours
- Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning
- Bachelor of Screen Arts / BSA (Honours)
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise
Postgraduate International Study Grant
Value: NZ$10,000 towards tuition fees
For: New international master's students
Study year: 2027
The current grant is available for selected postgraduate programmes, including:
- Executive Master of Business Administration
- Master of Agribusiness
- Master of Applied Linguistics
- Master of Arts
- Master of Aviation
- Master of Commercial Music
- Master of Communication
- Master of Design
- Master of Education
- Master of Emergency Management
- Master of Environmental Management
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master of Food Safety and Quality
- Master of Food Technology
- Master of Health Service Management
- Master of International Development
- Master of Resource and Environmental Planning
- Master of Science
- Master of Screen Arts
- Master of Speech and Language Therapy
- Master of Sustainable Development Goals
- Master of Veterinary Studies.
Creative Arts international scholarships
Students progressing into Massey's creative programmes may have additional opportunities.
International Creative Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship
Value: Up to NZ$5,000
Number: Up to 8 awards
Location: Wellington
2027 application period: 15 July–15 October 2026
This scholarship is for new international students entering the first year of specified College of Creative Arts undergraduate programmes, including:
- Bachelor of Commercial Music
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Screen Arts
- Honours versions of these programmes.
Application requirements
Applicants need:
- A digital portfolio demonstrating creative work.
- A short written statement of approximately 300 words explaining their creative purpose.
International Creative Excellence Masters Degree Scholarship
Value: Up to NZ$10,000
Number: Up to 6 awards
2027 application period: 15 July–15 October 2026
Eligible programmes include:
- Master of Commercial Music
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master of Screen Arts.
Applicants must be new international students entering the first year of the relevant master's programme in Semester 1, February 2027.
The application requires:
- Digital creative portfolio.
- Approximately 300-word statement of creative purpose.
What international students applying through Kaplan Massey should know
If the student is starting at Massey University College
The most relevant current MUC benefits are:
20% MUC Tuition Fee Scholarship
For international students entering eligible MUC programmes, excluding English-language programmes.
10% Kaplan Family Bursary
For the second sibling to accept an offer and commence at MUC when another sibling is also enrolling.
If the student progresses to Massey University
The student may potentially access:
Progression Award
- NZ$5,000 – top achiever
- NZ$2,000 – second-highest achiever
- 5 × NZ$1,000 – high achievers
Plus, depending on the degree:
- NZ$15,000 Undergraduate International Study Grant
- NZ$10,000 Postgraduate International Study Grant
- NZ$10,000 Toroa International Undergraduate Fee Scholarship
- Creative Excellence scholarships
- Other Massey University scholarships for which the student meets the individual eligibility criteria.
