Master of Meteorology

Become an expert in climate and weather prediction with New Zealand's only postgraduate qualifications in Meteorology.

Applications are open for 2027

Our postgraduate Meteorology programme, along with a scholarship to complete the Master of Meteorology, is being offered in 2027.

Are you interested in science, technology, innovation, and understanding the world around us? Do you want to explore meteorological science and make a difference for people, communities, and the taiao?

Together, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService provide New Zealand’s only Master of Meteorology degree.

Understanding the Earth’s atmosphere and applying this scientific knowledge to forecast the impact of the weather and translate it into meaningful insights is vital to keep New Zealanders safe.

Postgraduate Diploma in Meteorology

The PGDipMet is primarily aimed at students from developing countries who are studying on a Manaaki New Zealand scholarship. The PGDipMet does not require a research project.

Learn from the experts

Get professional training in Meteorology and explore the fundamental concepts of dynamic meteorology, radiation, and thermodynamics.

This degree is taught in conjunction with New Zealand’s national weather forecasting organisation—MetService. You’ll learn about cloud physics, satellites, climatology, and numerical weather prediction. You’ll gain an expert understanding of mid-latitude weather systems, particularly weather systems in New Zealand and the Tasman Sea region.

You’ll do a practical project based on one of the research topics arising from the work of MetService. As well as gaining new knowledge, you’ll develop your scientific rigour, critical thinking skills, and expertise in independent research.

Master of Meteorology

The MMet is designed to prepare you for a career as a meteorologist. The programme includes a scholarship from MetService—the scholarship also covers your domestic tuition fees.

The 2027 Master of Meteorology runs from 27 January 2027 to the week of 13–17 March 2028. The exact end date will depend on the time needed to complete your thesis.

Meteorology is an applied science, and to be eligible you’ll need to have already achieved* a Bachelor, Honours or Master of Science degree (BSc, BSc (Hons) or MSc) where you have a good maths or physics background as part of your degree—for example, 100-level Maths or Physics papers.

So don’t count yourself out if you’re not a Maths or Physics major. Some of our previous students majored in Geology, Engineering and other subjects.

Additional information on the Master of Meteorology can be found on the MetService website–MetService—Master of Meteorology.

Please apply here for admission to the MMet programme, closing 1 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.

Scholarships

As part of the programme, you could receive one of up to ten Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService Scholarships. If selected, you'll receive a $36,000 allowance paid throughout your studies, plus full payment of your domestic tuition fees, so you can focus on learning and developing your expertise.

Upon successful completion of your Master of Meteorology, MetService typically offer you a role as a trainee meteorologist. Working as a meteorologist is a fulfilling role and it's becoming more vital in a changing climate.

Please apply here for the Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService Scholarships, closing 1 November 2026.

If you are in your final year of study towards a BSc, BSc (Hons), or MSc, you’ll need to have completed and passed all course work before the MMet begins on 27 January 2027.

Communicating weather forecasts is also a growing part of a Meteorologist’s role and we are looking for good allrounders who can understand the science and also present it to a variety of audiences. Strong communication skills are also essential to turn meteorological insights into actionable advice and we’ll help you to develop those skills as part of the course.

If you’re not sure that you have the relevant background to apply, please email [email protected] to ask—MetService can talk to you to understand your background and help answer any questions you have before you apply.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

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.

International recognition

Our Master of Meteorology programme is one of only a few graduate-level meteorology programmes in the entire Southern Hemisphere. The programme is taught by the University’s atmospheric science academics and leading practitioners from MetService.

Your Meteorology qualification will be recognised globally, as it complies with the World Meteorological Organization’s Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (BIP-M). This will give you a ticket to work as a meteorologist anywhere in the world.

Future careers

The MMet and PGDipMet both comply with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (BIP-M), which qualifies you to work as a meteorologist in New Zealand and around the world. WMO Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists.

You could also find work in industries like aviation and energy production, where understanding and predicting weather is essential.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Find out about your options for postgraduate Meteorology qualifications and discover what and how you'll study.

Master of Meteorology (MMet)

The Master of Meteorology is a comprehensive Master’s degree, involving coursework and a research project. Learn about cloud physics, satellites, climatology, and numerical weather prediction.

Learn alongside scientists at New Zealand’s national weather forecasting organisation, MetService, as well as experts from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. You’ll gain a deep understanding of mid-latitude weather systems—particularly those in New Zealand and the Tasman Sea region.

Who can study for an MMet

To be eligible you’ll need to have already achieved a Bachelor, Honours or Master of Science degree (BSc, BSc (Hons) or MSc) where you have a good maths or physics component as part of your degree—for example, 100-level Maths or Physics courses.