Become an expert in predicting weather and climate
The weather affects all of us, every day. With the complexity of weather systems increasing in our rapidly changing world, the role of meteorology has never been more important. As a meteorologist, you’ll contribute to a vital service, for communities, businesses, and people everywhere.
Become an expert in the physics of Earth’s atmosphere, and use that knowledge to study and predict weather and climate. Understand the relationship weather and climate have with other environmental processes and humanity.
Ours is one of only a few graduate-level meteorology programmes in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only one in Aotearoa New Zealand. We deliver our Meteorology programme jointly with MetService. You’ll learn in their teaching laboratories, get real-world experience, and learn alongside experts in the field.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Meterology with us. 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 Diploma in Meteorology
Coursework and research
- Master of Meterology
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Our Postgraduate Meteorology qualifications
We offer two postgraduate Meteorology qualifications:
- Master of Meteorology (MMet), which you can study as part of MetService’s meteorologist training programme
- Postgraduate Diploma in Meteorology (PGDipMet), which is designed for students from developing countries
If you are New Zealand citizen, you should apply for the Master of Meteorology.
Our Postgraduate Meteorology programme usually runs every second year, and you apply through the MetService internship programme. Contact us to find out about starting dates, eligibility, and how to apply.
Metservice meteorologist training
The MetService programme includes a paid internship and a sponsored Master of Meteorology.
Once you complete the Master’s, you’re required to work at MetService for up to 3 years.
MetService—Become a meteorologist
Training for students from developing countries
If you’re an international student from a developing country, you may be eligible to apply for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This scholarship allows you to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Meteorology, which is has the coursework included in the Master’s with no research project.
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 Meteorology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Both the PGDipMet and the MMet qualify you to work as a meteorologist.
They comply with the World Meteorological Association (WMO) Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists, which is recognised here in New Zealand and around the world.
WMO Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists
Students in the MetService training programme work at MetService after graduating. Many carry on working at MetService beyond this, but programme graduates have also gone on to work in some of the world’s top meteorological institutions, including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and others in Europe, Australia, and South America.
Meteorologists also work in industries like aviation and energy production, where understanding and predicting weather patterns and climate trends are 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. 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
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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 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.
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 Science
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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.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
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.