A Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) can be used as the basis for higher studies in Information Technology (IT) in New Zealand. Not all three degrees however prepare students equally for a technical master’s programme in IT.
A graduate with a BCA degree will have the most relevant academic background to study IT since the degree programme focuses on computing and programming. A BBA or BCom graduate still might be eligible to enter certain postgraduate IT programmes depending on the course content, relevant subjects, applicable work experience and the entry requirements of the education provider.
While a bachelor’s degree makes a valid academic credential to pursue a master’s degree, students should know that their academic background might not be relevant to the area of study they wish to pursue.
New Zealand has a broad range of academic programmes at the master’s level offered by both private training establishments (PTEs), institutes of technology and polytechnics and universities. For the purposes of this article we will focus on the non-university education providers who offer IT master’s programmes.
Can you study a Master of IT in New Zealand after BCA, BBA or BCom?
New Zealand’s New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) classifies master’s degrees under Level 9. The entry requirements for each programme at this level are determined by the education providers. The providers decide if the applicant has the knowledge and skills to undertake a degree at the master’s level. Having just a bachelor’s degree does not guarantee entry to every master’s programme.
Here is how the three degrees generally compare.
| Previous degree | Connection to IT | General admission outlook |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | Direct connection to computing and applications | Often the most relevant background, subject to grades and course requirements |
| BBA | Business, management and possibly information systems | May suit programmes that accept related business or IT backgrounds |
| BCom | Commerce, accounting, finance and business | Depends on the programme’s accepted subjects and any additional experience |
All of the above are generalisations and not definitive statements on admission offers. All colleges determine their requirements, some of which might only consider graduates with a BCA or a closely related degree.
Can you get into a Master of IT after BCA?
Most probably, yes. A BCA degree provides the most relevant background out of the three degrees for a Master of Information Technology since it usually involves studying computer applications, programming, databases, software or similar subjects. Nevertheless, BCA graduates should always check the entry requirements for the programme of their interest since the academic background makes up only a part of the application.
What should I check as a BCA graduate before applying to a Master of IT?
- Look at the list of courses and see if the desired master’s programme specifically mentions any of the subjects as relevant.
- Some providers list the minimum grade average required for the application to be considered.
- : The provider might ask to provide work references or describe the professional experience gained after the BCA.
- Each provider lists the required IELTS score and accepted tests of English language proficiency. Some colleges offer exemptions for certain applicants.
BCA graduates who believe they meet all requirements for a Master of IT may apply directly to a college. If the education provider did not list the option for students with a BCA or similar undergraduate degree, graduates should ask if there is an accredited pathway to postgraduate study.
Can you study a Master of IT after BBA?
While you can pursue a Masters in IT after BBA, it does not guarantee you admission into a technical master of IT course like someone studying BCA would.
The key difference is that a BBA focuses on management, marketing, finance and operations of a business along with management information systems, business analytics and sometimes other IT related fields. However, these are supplementary and not the main course, unlike a computing degree.
What are the other factors that play a role?
- Previous IT subjects: If you have studied information systems, databases, business analytics or any IT related subjects previously, it can give you an upper hand during your applications.
- Work experience: Having experience in IT projects, business systems, software implementations or any IT related field could also be a deciding factor if the college you are applying to values work experience.
- Programme requirements: It is possible that you might not be eligible for the course unless you pursue another recognised field of study as a pre-requisite for the master’s course.
For example: If you have studied business systems previously and have some work experience in it, it might be relevant for certain courses but not all. Your chance of getting accepted into a rigorous course focusing on IT and not business analysis or management would still be slim.
Applicants should keep in mind that they can not just apply for a course because they want to change their career.
Can you study a Master of IT after BCom?
A similar situation applies for a BCom graduate. You may not eligible for direct admission into a masters in IT course unless your course included relevant IT subjects or the college accepts applicants from specialised fields of study. A BCom is a degree in commerce and typically includes subjects like economics, accountancy, taxation, finance, business studies and others.
While this can be relevant for certain fields of IT like financial technology, there might be other pre-requisites for a technical master’s in IT.
What should a BCom graduate do?
- See if you have studied any computer related subjects or information systems as part of your curriculum
- Certain courses have different entry requirements than others. While some might have more relaxed guidelines, others might be more strict. Always refer to official guidelines of the institution you are considering.
- If you are not eligible for further studies, enquire if there are other recognised courses that you could take as a pre-requisite to your desired master’s programme.
A student who has graduated with a BCom and is interested in fields of IT relating to financial technology, business intelligence or information systems should do more research to see which of these fits them better.
How many credits and years does a Master of IT take in New Zealand?
The length of a Master of IT is dependent upon the credit structure of the programme, the entry requirements and the educational provider. Students should not expect an identical timeframe for each master’s degree.
According to the NZQA, master’s degrees usually consist of 120, 180 or 240 or more credits, depending on the qualification. A master’s degree must be composed of at least 120 credits at Levels 8 and above, of which at least 40 credits must be at Level 9.
| Programme structure | What students should understand |
|---|---|
| 120 credits | A shorter master’s structure that may require honours, postgraduate study or relevant experience for entry |
| 180 credits | A common structure that may allow direct entry with an appropriate bachelor’s degree and the required grades |
| 240 credits | A longer structure that may provide a broader study pathway for applicants with a suitable undergraduate background |
These are examples of qualification structures, not guaranteed programme lengths from each college.
What if you do not meet the direct entry requirements?
If you do not qualify for direct entry to a Master of IT then you must ask your college for an alternative academic pathway.
The best option will depend upon your academic background. You might be missing computing subjects, have the wrong grade average, lack the relevant experience or acceptable qualification at the required level.
What should you do next?
- Ask for an academic assessment: Send the college your bachelor’s degree certificate, complete transcripts and subject details. Include relevant work experience where applicable.
- Check alternative qualifications: Ask if the provider offers a relevant graduate diploma, postgraduate qualification or an approved alternative entrance to the master’s programme.
- Compare the full study plan: The entry requirements, credits, fees, duration and subjects must be examined before selecting an alternative.
Avoid enrolling on an unrelated course simply to come to New Zealand. The student’s previous study, programme selection and future plans must represent a coherent academic progression.
Does your choice of Master of IT affect your New Zealand student visa?
Your choice of course and reason for study is important in your visa application but being accepted by a college does not ensure a visa will be granted.
Your application for a student visa will be assessed according to Immigration New Zealand’s immigration rules. You will need to meet the visa requirements, for example, by showing that you have suitable study intentions, sufficient funds, health and character if applicable.
What should you prepare for a New Zealand study visa?
- A valid offer of place: Get the required offer from an eligible education provider and ensure the course details match your application.
- Evidence of funds: For tertiary study of one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently requires that evidence of New Zealand Dollar (NZD)20,000 per year for living costs, or NZD1,667 per month for shorter study be given, in addition to evidence of funds for outward travel or a ticket. Tuition fees must also be covered separately.
- A clear explanation of study: Explain why you have selected the programme, how it relates to your previous education or experience, and how it will affect your future plans.
- The complete documents to support your application: Give the required academic records, English language evidence, financial documents and any other documents asked for in your application.
A BBA or BCom graduate applying for a technical IT programme must particularly explain the change of study field. The explanation must be consistent with the applicant’s background and intentions. Do not apply for technical IT skills or experience that the student lacks.
Can you get a Post-Study Work Visa after a Master of IT?
A graduate who completes a degree at the master’s level in New Zealand can be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa depending on the requirements established by Immigration New Zealand.
According to the official website of Immigration New Zealand, if you graduate from an approved Level 9 Masters degree and complete a full-time study in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, you can be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa that will last for a maximum of three years, provided that all other requirements are met. Source: Immigration New Zealand.
Students should not base their decision of choosing a specific college or course only on their right to continue working after graduation. Prior to paying the required tuition fee, students should make sure that all requirements including qualification level, study requirements and visa requirements are met.
Should your talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser before applying?
Having an initial conversation to a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) can assist you to understand the immigration requirements that will apply to your study plans. An adviser can help you to understand visa rules, interpret relevant information related to your case and identify possible issues.
However, a LIA cannot guarantee you whether a college will accept you. Academic eligibilty for entry must be determined by the education provider, and the immigration decision must be made by Immigration New Zealand.
At West Highlander Immigration, Parwinder Kaur is a Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand (IAA licence 201002008) and an Australian migration agent (MARA licence 1280308). Students can receive appropriate advice on their visa plans for New Zealand student visas, and can separately check academic eligibility with the relevant college.
The appropriate approach would be to assess both aspects of the plan prior to committing to a course of study: will you be able to gain admission and will you be able to meet applicable visa requirements?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I study a Master of IT in New Zealand after BCA?
Yes, if your BCA, academic results and any other qualifications meet the requirements for the course of your choice. Ask the providers about their accepted subjects and any work experience requirements.
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Can a BBA graduate apply for a Master of IT in New Zealand?
Possibly, if the course will accept a BBA, but remember a general BBA will not automatically meet the entry requirements for a technical master’s degree.
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Can I study a Master of IT after BCom without a computer science background?
This depends on the provider, as some courses require an IT, computer science or related degree, and you would not be eligible for direct entry with a BCom not in computer science.
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Do New Zealand colleges accept three-year bachelor’s degrees from India?
Possibly, as three-year degrees may be accepted, but each provider must assess your application against its own entry requirements. Do not assume that a New Zealand bachelor’s degree is the same as one in India.
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Is IELTS compulsory for a Master of IT in New Zealand?
Not necessarily: Providers may accept IELTS, other approved English tests or approved English tests according to their admissions policies. Always check the current requirements for the course of your choice.
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Can I get a New Zealand student visa after getting a college offer?
An offer of a place on a course is only part of the application process. You must also meet the Immigration New Zealand student visa requirements, including the relevant financial, health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
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Can I get a Post-Study Work Visa after a Master of IT?
Possibly, but you must meet the requirements for the Post-Graduate Work Visa, including the full-time study duration for the master’s degree and other relevant conditions.
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Should I choose a college before checking my eligibility?
Choose your college wisely by comparing your degree, academic results, subjects and experience against the entry requirements of your chosen provider. Then, check the visa implications of your chosen course.
