Study and predict weather and climate
Study in New Zealand, and get the skills and knowledge you need to work as a meteorologist.
Learn alongside specialists at New Zealand’s national forecasting organisation, MetService, as well as experts from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
Learn about cloud physics, satellites, climatology, and numerical weather prediction. The PGDipMet complies with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards—meaning you can work as a meteorologist anywhere in the world.
Who can study for this qualification
The PGDipMet is aimed at students from developing countries who are studying on a Manaaki New Zealand scholarship.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or physics, and meet other scholarship criteria, the PGDipMet could be a good fit for you. You may also be able to apply if your major is in another area, as long as you have completed relevant maths and physics courses in your undergraduate degree.
Manaaki New Zealand scholarships
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) offer Manaaki New Zealand scholarships for students from selected developing countries to study at a New Zealand university.
What you’ll learn
You’ll take core Geophysics (Meteorology) courses that cover:
- mid-latitude weather systems
- radiation and thermodynamics
- cloud physics
- weather prediction
- climatology and remote sensing.
You’ll also choose two other advanced Geophysics courses, or an approved course from another discipline.
How you'll study
Through coursework, you'll learn in MetService’s teaching laboratories and get hands-on experience working with professional meteorologists.
You’ll also study with experts from Victoria University of Wellington, researching global and regional climates.
Meteorology study for domestic students
If you're a New Zealand citizen, or have the right to work in New Zealand, MetService offers a comprehensive, funded meteorologist training programme.
Trainees complete a Master of Meteorology and a paid internship at Metservice. They continue working at MetService for an agreed time after graduation.
Contact us to find out more.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGDipMet shall have:
(i) completed a degree of a tertiary education institution in New Zealand or equivalent in Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics, or other relevant subject; and
(ii) been accepted by the Head of the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement 1(a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Wellington Faculty of Science for a candidate who is otherwise suitably qualified.
Qualification requirements
The course of study for the PGDipMet shall consist of courses worth 120 points, including:
(i) Project (GPHS 589);
(ii) 75 points from GPHS 420–425; and
(iii) 15 further points from GPHS 420–431 or a course approved by the head of school.
3. (a) A candidate for the PGDipMet shall normally complete the requirements of the diploma within four years of first enrolling.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
4. A candidate who has been awarded the PGDipMet shall abandon that qualification upon being awarded the MMet.
Future careers
The PGDipMet complies with the World Meteorological Association (WMO) Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists, which qualifies you to work as a meteorologist in New Zealand and around the world.
WMO Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists
You could also find work in industries like aviation and energy production, where understanding and predicting weather is essential.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Meteorology.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Science
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Science
-
The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
-
The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
-
This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Kyle Clem
Senior Lecturer in Climate Science
James Renwick
Presenter
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.