Student sitting on top step, balancing a laptop on their lap, patting a small, white and furry dog

Distance and online study at Massey , Ako mai tawhiti, ako tuihono ki Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

Discover what it's like to study by distance and online at Massey – how it works, what it costs, who can do it and how we'll support you to succeed.

Need help or know what you want to study?

5-star rating for online

Massey University has a five star rating for distance and online study from QS Stars University Ratings.

Best for online study

We know how to deliver first-rate teaching by distance. We've been offering study by distance for over 60 years, since 1960.

Where ever, when ever it works

Choose from 1,500+ Massey courses for your distance study. Learn from specialists in distance and online teaching.

With over 60 years’ experience, Massey is a world leader in distance education. Our courses combine pioneering technology with the latest research. You'll get a learning experience that’s just as challenging, immersive and exciting as studying in the classroom.

You can get qualifications in most subjects by distance at Massey – though some, like nursing or veterinary science, can only be studied on campus. Check the qualification page to find out.

Search qualifications you can study by distance

Is distance study online?

Most distance courses at Massey are partially or fully taught online. This means you'll do most or all of the work for it online – you won't need to travel to a Massey campus each day.

Check the online component section on our courses pages to find out whether a course is taught online.

Find out which courses have an online component

Some courses have 'contact workshops' which may mean you'll need to travel to a Massey campus once or twice in the semester to do some learning in person. You can also view details about contact workshops on our courses pages.

How it works

Studying by distance means you can work towards a university qualification in the best way for you, from anywhere in the world. Our distance qualifications are also available part time, so you can balance university with other commitments, like a career or family.

If you apply to study by distance with us, you can expect to:

  • be taught by experts in your field
  • access your course material online
  • participate in online discussions and activities
  • use our distance library service to get electronic resources, books and articles
  • submit your assignments online.

Who can study by distance at Massey

You can study by distance at Massey if you are:

If you’re an international student living in New Zealand, you can complete up to 25% of your qualification online. You'll pay international fees for any distance courses you take.

How we support you

We’ve developed a range of resources and support systems to help you get the most out of your university education and deal with some common challenges of distance and online study.

Studying by distance is just as big a commitment as studying on campus. Online qualifications need the same number of hours to complete as on-campus qualifications.

Academic advice

Our academic advice team is here to guide you through your qualification. The team is made up of subject specialists who offer help and guidance with things like:

  • choosing the right qualification and courses for you
  • understanding your qualification and making a study plan
  • managing your workload
  • planning your career after graduation
  • changing your programme, if you need to.

Discuss your options with a specialist in your subject

Distance library

Our world-class distance library service means you can get the reading material you need without leaving your home. As a distance student at Massey, you can:

  • read articles, books and journals online
  • have books delivered to you free anywhere in New Zealand
  • study in libraries on our campuses in Auckland, Manawatū (Palmerston North) and Wellington and borrow books from them
  • use and borrow books from other universities’ libraries around New Zealand and Australia as part of the ULANZ scheme.

Find out which university libraries Massey students can use

Meeting and working with other students

You may be studying by distance, but you're still an important part of the Massey community. Connecting with others isn't just about socialising – sharing ideas, working together and supporting each other will help you succeed at your programme.

Social media is a great place to start. Join the Facebook group for the university's society for distance students, Massey@Distance.

Massey @ Distance on Facebook

There are also groups especially for international students, Māori and Pacific students, different subjects and more – so it’s easy to find somewhere you’ll feel at home.

Māori @ Massey on Facebook

Te Tira Ahu Pae – Find a club

International student care

If you’re getting your Massey qualification from another country, you can contact our International Student Care team for help and advice, online events, and to connect with other international students.

International Student Care team

Make sure your qualification will be recognised at home

Some countries don’t recognise distance and online qualifications. In these countries, an online qualification may not help you get a job or continue to further study. Check with your country's department of education if you're not sure.

If you're from a country that doesn't recognise distance and online qualifications, you'll be able to study on one of our campuses.

Study on campus at Massey as an international student

What our students say

“I would not hesitate to promote the distance learning programme to anyone that has a significant other commitment that keeps them off campus.”
Toby Cunliffe-Steel

Consultant, Waddell+Associates

Master of Sport Management

“This course also fits into my lifestyle by being fully available online and by doing it via distance, I can make the move to Germany to play, and keep up my studies. By the time my football career is over, I will have my degree.”
Paige Satchell

Ngā Puhi

Bachelor of Sport Management

Fees and finance

The cost of getting a qualification by distance depends on whether you’re a New Zealand citizen or an international student.

Find out how much your tuition will cost

Government payments for New Zealand citizens

If you’re a New Zealand citizen, or ordinarily resident in New Zealand, you may be able to get one year's study Fees Free. You won’t have to pay this back.

Find out whether you qualify for Fees Free study

You may also be able get a government loan to pay your fees and cover some of your costs.

Learn about StudyLink loans

Scholarships and awards

New Zealand citizens and international students can apply for scholarships to study by distance at Massey.

Search scholarships for distance study

Contact us

Massey University New Zealand

Hours

8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Free phone inside New Zealand
Phone outside New Zealand
Text

5222

Fax

+64 6 350 5618