Discover new applications of biotechnology
Find out how to use living organisms and components like proteins, enzymes, or genes to create or improve commercial products.
Our postgraduate qualifications let you specialise, change your study area, or research niche area. You could discover new applications for micro-organisms. Your work could help re-create an ecological balance, create new biofuels, or develop new medicines.
Through your study you'll do practical research and develop skills in designing and performing hands-on experiments. Explore the business aspects of biotechnology development and graduate with career-ready skills.
Choose your study path
Depending on your previous study or experience, you could study Postgraduate Biotechnology with the following postgraduate qualifications.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you'll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Science
- Graduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Science (coursework)
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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 Biotechnology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Study in Wellington —the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand's science industry and community.
Explore biology at a school ranked top in New Zealand for its research quality. There are opportunities to engage in ground-breaking international research and discovery.
Industry connections
The Faculty of Science and Engineering has well-established links with the many Wellington-based science organisations and government agencies.
Several research centres and institutes are based in the faculty, including:
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology—New Zealand’s top research institute in materials science
- Te Kāuru—Ferrier Research Institute—a team of internationally recognised chemists and biochemists
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research—the country’s largest private medical research institute
- Antarctic Research Centre—a leading research group on Antarctic research and the global climate system
- Paihau—Robinson Institute—melding innovative engineering and applied physics to build advanced technologies for businesses worldwide
- Te Matapihipihi—Centre for Biodiscovery—An interdisciplinary research centre that unites researchers from the Malaghan and Ferrier institutes and the VUW schools of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences to ethically and sustainably develop products inspired by New Zealand's unique resources.
- PHF Science (PHF Science)
- Earth Sciences New Zealand (Home | Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA)
- The Bioeconomy Science Institute (Home | Bioeconomy Science Institute)
- The Cawthron Institute (Cawthron Institute | Independent Science, Aotearoa New Zealand)
- a range of local biotechnology companies.
Future careers
Postgraduate Biotechnology study gives you the skills to work as a:
- biotechnologist
- biochemist
- patents officer
- entrepreneur.
You may work in a lab, hospital, or clinical setting. You could start as a lab technician or assistant and progress to scientist or manager roles.
More career information
Find out more about careers in biotechnology.
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. 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 Biotechnology
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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.
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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. 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 Biotechnology
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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.
Do research in biotechnology
Work on meaningful research under the supervision of experienced scientists. You’ll further develop your research skills and ability to effectively communicate your findings.
Work in world-class laboratories using the latest technologies.
Explore new applications of biological components and investigate topics like the management of wildlife pests through controlling their fertility, or using engineered enzymes in anti-cancer gene therapy.
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.