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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly impacting society – and we expect that impact to grow as developments speed up.

The Master of Artificial Intelligence is designed to meet the needs of both developers and researchers who want to improve the capability of AI systems.

You will be able to fulfil the demands of the global job market with essential knowledge, skills, and experience. So take your place at the exciting AI frontier. Help to shape and even revolutionise our world.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

As AI technologies continue to advance and become integrated into various sectors, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is growing rapidly. The sector offers a range of career opportunities for individuals with the right skills and expertise.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Artificial intelligence engineer
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Data engineer
  • Natural language processing engineer
  • Data mining analyst
  • Big data engineer/architect
  • Research scientist
  • Researcher

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.                                                                                                        

Taught (180-point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

Taught (120-point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average   

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

The MAI (180 point pathway) will accept students with the Degree of Bachelor of Science or another relevant undergraduate degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

The MAI (120 point pathway) will accept graduates with a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.

Alternatively, a student may enter after having passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence or Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III, and a relevant subject

or

c (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence or Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) Whether a degree or subject is considered relevant will depend on the courses passed. Degrees or subjects in applied science, bioengineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, engineering science, information technology, mechatronics, science, software engineering or technology may be considered relevant.

(ii) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Artificial Intelligence Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 120 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree, prior to enrolment in COMPSCI 779, COMPSCI 792 or ENGGEN 794.

If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Artificial Intelligence cannot continue.

9 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses taken for this degree, prior to enrolment in COMPSCI 779, COMPSCI 792 or ENGGEN 794. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Artificial Intelligence cannot continue.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

11 a The research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The topic of the research project must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence or Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

13 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence or Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Distinction

14 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

15 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

16 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Artificial Intelligence - 180 points

Year 1
Semester One
AI Agency, Ethics and Society
180 points Requirements - AI-T3MAI - Master of Artificial Intelligence specialisation in Artificial Intelligence - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points
AI Fundamentals
180 points Requirements - AI-T3MAI - Master of Artificial Intelligence specialisation in Artificial Intelligence - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points
AI Architecture and Design
180 points Requirements - AI-T3MAI - Master of Artificial Intelligence specialisation in Artificial Intelligence - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Managing with Artificial Intelligence
180 points Requirements - AI-T3MAI - Master of Artificial Intelligence specialisation in Artificial Intelligence - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two

Any MAI Schedule Elective Course

OR

ENGGEN 769

Research Methods for Engineers

(If intended to take COMPSCI 792 or ENGGEN 794 in semester 1 Year 2)

15 Points

COMPSCI 764

Deep Learning - Level 9

OR

Any other MAI Schedule Elective Course

15 Points

COMPSCI 769

Natural Language Processing - Level 9

OR

Any other MAI Schedule Elective Course

15 Points

COMPSCI 753

Algorithms for Massive Data

OR

Any other MAI Schedule Elective Course

15 Points
Year 2
Semester One

COMPSCI 765

Modelling Minds

OR

Any other MAI Schedule Elective Course

15 Points

COMPSCI 703

Generalising Artificial Intelligence

OR

Any other MAI Schedule Elective Course

15 Points

COMPSCI 792

Research Project - Level 9

OR

ENGGEN 794

Research Project - Level 9

OR

COMPSCI 779

Internship - Level 9

30 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism