Go beyond the fundamentals of AI
Postgraduate AI study allows you to delve into more specific sub-fields of AI, such as deep learning or the ethics and applications of AI.
Learn to study independently, with opportunities to research what interests you. You’ll develop the skills to critique, evaluate, and select AI techniques and tools for a range of problems and applications. And you’ll learn to build AI-based systems that can be applied across all kinds of industries.
When you study AI at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll be learning from academics from our internationally renowned Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning research group—one of the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Choose your study path
Postgraduate study can focus on coursework, research, or both. Coursework is structured, with lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. In a research degree, you work independently, with close support from an academic supervisor.
Choose the postgraduate qualification in Artificial Intelligence that suits you according to your career goals, time commitments, and eligibility.
Master of Artificial Intelligence
The Master of Artificial Intelligence (MAI) is our dedicated AI Master’s programme, combining coursework with a research component. It’s the best choice if you want to specialise in AI.
Other options
Other science qualifications can also lead into AI study. Choose the one that suits your career goals, time commitments, and eligibility. You can switch between qualifications during your study without losing time.
Coursework
When you study by coursework, you’ll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams.
- Graduate Certificate in Science
- Graduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science (NZ-only content)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Computer Science
- Master of Science (coursework and thesis)
Research only
When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
How to prepare for postgraduate study in AI
To study postgraduate AI, you usually need a qualification in Computer Science or a related subject area such as Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science or Physics.
If you haven’t studied AI before
If you have relevant work experience but do not have past education in AI or Computer Science, there may be options for you to study. Contact one of the programme directors for more information.
Consider the Postgraduate Certificate in Science
You could also study Artificial Intelligence for the first time with a 60-point (one trimester, full time) Postgraduate Certificate in Science.
This qualification suits people looking for a change in career or developing new skills for their existing career. It can be a step to an MAI or MSc—what you study for your Certificate can count towards a Master’s degree if you continue to study.
Contact one of the programme directors for more information.
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Artificial Intelligence at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas such green energy, geo-hazards, global warming, space science, human geography, volcanology, artificial intelligence, drug development, and viral diseases.
Affiliated centres and institutes
Major research centres and institutes are affiliated with our Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
Future careers
Postgraduate study in AI can open doors to unique and interesting jobs. It gives you skills beyond techniques and technologies, and helps you develop the type of thinking that you can apply to future technology.
You may work with tech companies—big or small, local or international. The skills you learn will allow you to apply AI in areas such as health, education or the environment.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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.
Artificial Intelligence scholarships
- Dan F Jones Scholarship in Science
- Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Māori PhD Scholarship
- Trimble Karahipi Hangarau Technology Scholarship
- Women in Data Science New Zealand Scholarship
Other scholarships
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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.
Artificial Intelligence scholarships
- Dan F Jones Scholarship in Science
- Trimble Karahipi Hangarau Technology Scholarship
- Women in Data Science New Zealand Scholarship
Other scholarships
We have other postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
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The purpose of this scholarship is to assist female students in the area of Mathematical Sciences or Geosciences to complete their M.Sc. or PhD thesis, by helping to extend enrolment in the final months of writing up their thesis.
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The scholarship is open to students at the Masters by Thesis or PhD level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with their research focusing on a long-term seismogenesis and long-range earthquake forecasting.
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The scholarship is intended to support students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, Forensic Psychology or Clinical Psychology (with preference given to Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience applicants).
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.
Research areas
Our Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.