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Photography in NZ: Are you passionate about photography and want to learn new skills, techniques, and perspectives? Do you dream of capturing the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and culture? If so, you might be interested in exploring the various photography courses in New Zealand. Whether you are looking for a free, online, workshop, or degree course, there is something for everyone who wants to improve their photography. In this blog, we will share some of the best photography courses in New Zealand, including the institutes offering them and their tuition fees. Read on to know more!
| Course Options | Beginner workshops Diplomas (Level 5 & 6)Bachelor’s degreesMaster’s degrees |
| Duration | Few hours to a few days (Workshops) 1-2 years (Diploma) 3-4 years (Bachelors degree) 1-2 years (Masters degree) |
| Institutions | Universities (Canterbury, Massey, Otago), Polytechnics (Otago), Private institutes (The Photography Institute) |
| Cost | NZD 12,000 – 40,000 per year |
This Blog Includes:
Why Take Photography Courses in New Zealand?
Besides having scenic landscapes for muses, photography courses in New Zealand have many benefits to offer. Firstly, they are internationally recognized high-quality photography programs, offered by NZ universities and institutions. This can be particularly beneficial if you aim to pursue a photography career globally or continue your studies abroad.
Secondly, many photography programs in NZ emphasize practical skills and hands-on learning through workshops, field trips, and real-world projects. It equips you with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry. Thirdly, compared to some larger countries, NZ universities have smaller class sizes, allowing students more personalized attention from instructors. Last but not least, NZ’s growing creative industries offer many work opportunities for skilled photographers.
Universities Offering Photography Courses in New Zealand
Many institutes provide photography courses in New Zealand on various levels, such as diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate. They are as follows:
| Institute | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
| University of Canterbury | #=261 |
| Southern Institute of Technology | NA |
| Massey University | #=239 |
| Otago Polytechnic | NA |
| Universal College of Learning (UCOL) | NA |
Let’s explore these photography programs in detail:
Photography in NZ: Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate photography courses in New Zealand have a duration of 4 years (full-time). Given below are the bachelor courses in Photography available in NZ, with their tuition fees:
| University | Course Offered | Tuition Fee | Duration |
| University of Canterbury | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography | NZD 35,875 per year | 4 years (full-time) |
| Massey University | Bachelor of Design with Honours (Photography) | NZD 37,470 per year | 4 years (full-time) |
Photography in NZ: Postgraduate Courses
Given below is the only traditional Master Photography course in New Zealand available for students:
| University | Course Offered | Tuition Fee | Duration |
| University of Canterbury | Master of Fine Arts in Photography | NZD 40,600 per year | 1 year (full-time) |
Diploma Course of Photography in NZ
There are plenty of diploma Photography courses available in New Zealand for students that offer a direct pathway to undergraduate programs in the discipline. They are as follows:
| University | Course Offered | Tuition Fee | Duration |
| Southern Institute of Technology | New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6) | NZD 12,000 per year | 1 year (online/distance) |
| Massey University | Graduate Diploma in Design PG Diploma in Design | NZD 37,470 per year | 1 year (full-time) |
| Otago Polytechnic | New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6) | NZD 25,000 per year | 1 year (full-time) |
| Universal College of Learning (UCOL) | New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6) | NZD 25,000 per year | 1 year (full-time) |
Photography in NZ: Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for photography courses in New Zealand for international students vary for each institute. But here are some common criteria for students to fulfil:
- A high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Work experience (if applicable)
- English Language requirements: IELTS – 5.5 – 6.5, TOEFL
- A portfolio of your photographic work
- An SOP outlining your reasons for wanting to study photography in New Zealand and your future goals.
Photography in NZ: Application Process
Here’s the general application process for the photography courses in New Zealand:
- Research different universities, colleges, and the photography programs they offer.
- Ensure you meet the academic requirements and English language proficiency for your chosen course.
- Prepare your portfolio showcasing your best photography work, highlighting the relevant style and skills for the chosen program.
- Create an account on the university’s application portal.
- Follow the instructions carefully, filling out the application form, uploading the required documents and submitting it well before the deadline.
- Some programs may require an interview or additional tests.
- If applying for a student visa, follow the immigration department’s process after receiving an offer letter.
Documents Required
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Photography Portfolio
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- CV
Popular Scholarships
See below the popular scholarships that can financially support you in your pursuit of photography courses in New Zealand.
| Scholarship | Grant |
| S & G Higgs Scholarship | NZD 6,000 |
| University of Otago 71-73 Alumni Frank Leong Entrance Scholarship | NZD 6,000 |
| University of Otago Alumni Appeal Entrance Scholarship | NZD 6,000 |
| University of Otago Callis Trust Performance Scholarship | NZD 6,000 |
| University of Otago Maori Entrance Scholarship | NZD 13,000 |
Career Scope
Graduates from Photography courses in New Zealand face a competitive industry. They may face challenges finding well-paying jobs, especially in the beginning. So building a strong portfolio, networking, and marketing yourself effectively is crucial. As a freelancer or working on contracts, income can be unstable, and building a consistent client base takes time and effort.
Also, photography technology constantly evolves, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to stay relevant in the market. Given below are some popular job profiles and salaries that Photography graduates from NZ can expect:
| Job Profile | Salary |
| Freelance Photographer | NZD 25,000 – 250,000+ per year |
| Studio Photographer | NZD 40,000 – 70,000+ per year |
| Wedding Photographer | NZD 45,000 – 90,000+ per year |
| Product Photographer | NZD 50,000 – 80,000+ per year |
| In-House Photographer (Marketing/Advertising) | NZD 55,000 – 85,000+ per year |
| Photojournalist | NZD 40,000 – 75,000+ per year |
We hope this blog clarifies how you can go about pursuing photography courses in NZ. Make sure that you gather and prepare your academic documents in advance before applying for admission.
FAQs
Ans: While there are no specific requirements to become a photographer in NZ, you still need a tertiary-level qualification such as a BA in Fine Arts (Photography).
Ans: Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is considered to be the top photography school in NZ.
Ans: A BA in Photography (a 3-year full-time course) is thought to be the best degree in photography to lay a strong foundation in the discipline.
We hope that this blog gave you a complete overview of the Photography courses in NZ. Keep following Leverage Edu for more courses to study abroad. Thank you for reading!
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