Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Agribusiness – BAgribusiness
From running large farm-based agribusinesses right through to international food trade, you will gain the skills and sound business knowledge to help progress the future of New Zealand’s primary production sector.
Join industry at a senior level
New Zealand’s economy is dominated by agriculture and food. The industry generates close to $37 billion in export earnings a year and international demand is predicted to continue to grow.
Massey agribusiness aligns itself with agribusiness industries throughout the world. This ensures our graduates have the skills and industry knowledge employers need.
What will you learn?
This three-year world-class qualification will:
- teach you about farm production systems, supply chain management, marketing, food economies, and international agribusiness
- give you a strong understanding of what it takes to be sustainable and competitive in global food and fibre markets
- provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver in future workplaces
- give you a sound knowledge of land-based systems and agribusiness along with specialist knowledge in one area of agribusiness
- teach you to apply and integrate scientific, technological and business knowledge to meet marketplace demands
- ensure you will be a good analytical thinker able to interpret information to develop sound and innovative solutions
- give you an understanding of ethics, multi-cultural and international environments
- help you develop into an effective communicator and a self-directed, independent learner
- give you management skills applicable across the primary industries.
Join a world-leading university
Our proud record dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture and horticulture. We have the largest Young Farmer’s Club in New Zealand.
A BAgribusiness is a good fit if you:
- would like to have a career associated with agriculture or horticulture
- are interested in the business/commercial side of farming
- would like to be a leader in this innovative industry.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Recommended prior learning
To be successful in your studies, we recommend you have credit at NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent) in some of the following subjects:
- agriculture or horticulture
- biology or science
- economics and/or statistics.
These subjects will help ensure that your transition to university study is as smooth as possible.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualification go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Agribusiness
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Capstone course
‘Capstone’ courses are designed to be taken in your last year of study. This relies on you having completed the correct first and second year courses and ties your learning together. The capstone course for this qualification is 119373 Integrative Studies
Practical work requirement
There is a practical work requirement for this degree, consisting of at least 26 weeks full-time work. This is completed by submission of two reports for assessment. Practical work is normally done during summer vacations throughout the degree. Summer jobs are readily available on farms, orchards and other rural enterprises.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
360 credits
- Core courses – 135 credits
- Major courses – 165-180 credits
- Electives – 45-60 credits
- 26 weeks of practical work experience and reports
Ensure that overall, you have:
- No more than 165 credits at 100 level
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
For majors other than Horticultural Management, you could replace electives with a 60-credit minor.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Schedule A: Core courses (Choose 135 credits from)
Course code: 112248 Food and Agribusiness Value Chains credits 15
The study of the flow of food and agricultural products from the farm to the final consumer. Emphasis on successful value chain management applied to food and agribusiness. The course utilizes field trips to study local value chains.
View full course detailsCourse code: 112301 International Food and Agribusiness Strategies credits 15
Application of a broad range of business concepts - economic, financial and marketing - to international agri-food business and marketing. Emphasis is placed on international consumers and agri-food exports, including external environment, terms of trade, transportation, packaging, documentation, methods of payment, risk management and negotiation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115112 Accounting for Business credits 15
An introduction to how accounting information is used for planning, monitoring and evaluating organisational performance.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115113 Economics for Business credits 15
The course examines the nature of the contemporary economic environment in which businesses operate, and considers how economics can aid in business decision-making.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115114 Finance Fundamentals credits 15
This course introduces analytical techniques for evaluating personal and business investment and financing decisions, including coverage of the context and environment in which these decisions are made.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115211 Business Law credits 15
The course will encompass an introduction to the key elements of the law within which business operates in New Zealand from a practical perspective.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119120 Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture credits 15
An introduction to the agricultural and horticultural species important to New Zealand's economy. Growth and development of agricultural and horticultural plants; their responses to the environment and management, and implications for production. Identification and biology of agricultural and horticultural plants, including weeds, pests and pathogens important to plant production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119150 Practicum I credits 0
Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A descriptive report demonstrating satisfactory observational, analytical and reporting skills is required.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119180 Introduction to Agribusiness credits 15
An introduction to the organisation, structure and governance of New Zealand agribusiness in a global context. Examines the international and domestic macro environment and its impact on New Zealand agribusiness. Explores New Zealand farm systems within an agribusiness context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119250 Practicum II credits 0
Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A detailed, investigative report identifying and analysing opportunities, problems, policies and technical and research issues is required.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119373 Integrative Studies credits 15
An integrative course designed to emphasise the importance of the broad knowledge base gained in the degree and the value of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the issues and problems of importance to the industries served by the degree. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge to problem-solving, group learning and problem-solving strategies and communication in the context of applied science. Real-world problems will be used.
View full course detailsSchedule B: Specialisations
Majors
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Completing a major is compulsory. To complete a major in the Bachelor of Agribusiness you must pass 165 credits in specified areas.
Farm Management
At Massey, many of our agribusiness students have jobs before they even graduate. Learn how to build and deliver profitable and sustainable businesses.
Horticultural Management
Grow your skills. Learn how to build and deliver profitable and sustainable horticultural businesses, alongside the science of food crops. Get a job before you graduate in New Zealand’s booming industry.
International Agribusiness
Go global with your agribusiness skills. Learn how agricultural products are created, marketed, and distributed internationally.
Rural Valuation
Join an industry that is an integral part of New Zealand’s economy. Gain practical skills to contribute to the agribusiness sector through Massey’s Bachelor of Agribusiness (Rural Valuation).
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities. A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
You may choose a minor from any University undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.
Bachelor of Agribusiness minors
The following are the Bachelor of Agribusiness minors. See this qualification’s regulations on this page for details of requirements.
International Agribusiness
Learn about the global agri-food system. This includes everything from on-farm procurement in New Zealand to export and distribution of food and other agricultural products to consumers around the world.
Rural Valuation
Learn about land-based systems and agribusiness and gain specialist valuation knowledge preparing you for exciting opportunities in the dynamic rural property industry.
- International Agribusiness
- Rural Valuation
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Allan Kay Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship
- Charles W. R. Smith Memorial Scholarship
- Colliers Rural and Agribusiness Valuation Scholarship
- David Levene Foundation Bursaries
- Demetrians Agricultural Bursary
- Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Agricultural Scholarship
- Harry Tolley and L J Wild Scholarship
- John Perrin Scholarship
- Maniototo Lions Agricultural Scholarship
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- McEwan Pacific Student Scholarship
- New to Massey University First Year Student Bachelor of Agribusiness Scholarship
- Peter Densem Undergraduate Scholarship
- Professor Ren Jizhou Scholarship
- Rongotea Lions Club Student Assistance Fund
- Sir John Logan Campbell Agricultural Scholarship
- Sydney Campbell Foundation New to Massey University First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship
- Sydney Campbell Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
- Ted Delahunty Accountancy/Agribusiness Bursary
- Ted Delahunty Agribusiness Scholarship
- The Ormond Meat Marketing Scholarship
- Thornton Memorial Dairy Bursary
- Violet Wickham Memorial Bursary
- Waitawhiti Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
- William Milverton Scholarship
- William Reed Scholarship
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
New Zealand’s agribusiness sector is flourishing, and there is strong demand for graduates, from running large farm-based businesses through to international trade.
You will emerge with the knowledge and foundation skills for several career paths:
- international marketing
- economics
- rural banking
- rural valuation
- government
- business
- sales
- purchasing
- consultancy
- farm management
- farm ownership
- purchasing manager.
Plan your courses
View your course options and plan your study using our course planner.
What our students say
“Massey was the first university to provide the mix of science and business I was looking for in one degree. This mix suited me and was one of the main reasons I decided to join Massey.”

“My study at Massey has given me a really good broad understanding of the agricommerce sector and has taught me how to socialise and network with people on a professional level.”

Accreditations and rankings

QS Ranking - Agriculture and Forestry
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.

QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz