Photography Schools and Programs in New Zealand

Photography Studies in New Zealand

In New Zealand, photography is usually studied at university as part of a design or fine arts degree rather than as a stand-alone degree. Students combine camera and lighting technique, digital editing and darkroom processes with visual theory and a personal creative practice. Programmes are taught in English.

SpainExchange lists 1 school in New Zealand that teaches photography: Massey University (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa). Massey has campuses in Auckland, Manawatū (Palmerston North) and Wellington; photography is taught on the Wellington campus by its College of Creative Arts (Toi Rauwhārangi), which covers fine arts, design, music and media production. Massey traces its School of Design back to 1886.

How the degree is organised

At Massey, photography is a major in the Bachelor of Design (BDes), a three-year full-time degree of 360 credits at level 7 of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The photography major is worth 135 credits, alongside 135 credits of core courses and up to 90 credits of electives. A full-time year is 120 credits.

• Year 1: studio courses in four design or art disciplines, plus theory and electives; photography courses include What is Photography? and Introduction to the Darkroom
• Year 2: studio work in the major, for example Attributes of Light, Fact and Fantasy (digital imaging), The Living Archive, and Photography, Representation and the Gaze
• Year 3: The Photobook and Narrative, Post Photography and a 30-credit course in Extended Photographic Practice

Students work with digital suites and printers as well as alternative and historical wet-based processes. Some courses deal with making photographs in Aotearoa New Zealand today, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the representation of people and land. After the BDes, students can add a fourth honours year, with live briefs and external clients, or continue to a Master of Design.

Admission and language

The Bachelor of Design has no specific entry requirements beyond university admission, and applicants are encouraged to book a Creative Review after applying. International applicants need an English test result, for example IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5.

Academic requirements depend on the country of the school-leaving qualification. For several Latin American countries, a secondary school diploma alone is not enough:

• Brazil and Colombia: one year of tertiary study at a recognised institution
• Chile: one year of bachelor's degree-level study at a recognised institution
• Mexico: one year of bachelor's degree-level study with grades of 8 or above

Students who do not meet the requirements can take a foundation qualification first. Massey recommends applying at least three months before the start date.

Costs and student visa

Massey's estimated tuition for a full-time year (120 credits) of the BDes photography major in 2027 is NZ$43,380 for international students and NZ$8,925 for domestic students, including GST. On-campus students also pay a Student Services Fee of NZ$1,236, and there may be costs for materials and software.

International students paying their own fees apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, which costs from NZ$850 and can be granted for up to 4 years, according to Immigration New Zealand. Applicants need an offer of place from an approved education provider, enough money for tuition and living expenses, and full medical and travel insurance. The visa allows part-time work of up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time work in holidays, depending on its conditions.

Careers

According to Massey, graduates of the photography major have traditionally worked in advertising, fashion, corporate promotion, illustration, food, architectural and humanitarian photography, with work published in newspapers, magazines and online. Careers increasingly combine still and moving image, for instance in video design. Others use photographic documentation in medicine, science, forensic science, archaeology and anthropology.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study a photography degree in New Zealand?

Yes. At Massey University, photography is a major in the three-year Bachelor of Design, taught on the Wellington campus.

How much does it cost to study photography in New Zealand?

At Massey, the estimated 2027 tuition fee for a full-time year is NZ$43,380 for international students, plus a Student Services Fee of NZ$1,236 for on-campus students.

Do I need a portfolio to study photography at Massey?

The Bachelor of Design has no specific entry requirements beyond university admission. After applying, students are encouraged to book a Creative Review.

Can I work while studying in New Zealand?

Holders of a Fee Paying Student Visa can generally work up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in holidays, depending on their visa conditions.