The Master of Meteorology degree and scholarships
Study with MetService and become a WMO recognised meteorologist.
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?
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.
Together, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and Te Ratonga Tirorangi - MetService provide New Zealand’s only Master of Meteorology degree.
As part of the programme, MetService offers a scholarship that prospective students can apply for. If selected, this would give you a regular allowance while you’re learning (paid in instalments and totaling $36,000), plus payment of your domestic tuition fees.
Upon successful completion of your Master of Meteorology, MetService would typically offer you a role working for them as a Trainee Meteorologist. Working as a meteorologist is a hugely fulfilling role and one that is becoming more vital in a changing climate.
As a new meteorologist at MetService you would spend time in one of three main forecasting disciplines (public, marine or aviation) where you’ll work alongside meteorologists in MetService’s national forecasting centre in our Wellington or Auckland office.
The programme is run to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards, providing you with an internationally recognised qualification.
Details on the programme
The 2027 Master of Meteorology will run from Wednesday 27th January 2027 to the week of 13 to 17 March 2028, the exact end date depending upon the time needed to complete your thesis.
The programme consists of six 400-level papers, two 500-level practicums, and a three-month research project. Lecturers include academic staff from Victoria University of Wellington and subject matter experts from MetService.
Due to the limitations in training space and instructor availability the programme is offered approximately every two years and is limited to 8 to 10 domestic students.
In addition to the Master of Meteorology curriculum and in support of the overall goals of the programme, students will be required to complete a range of supporting topics that are an inherent part of working as a Meteorological Forecaster.
These topics cover the practical application of meteorological theory, techniques for managing shift work, foundational concepts that support programme components, an understanding of the impacts of meteorology on society and communication and presentation modules.
Together, these topics/subjects are designed to develop well rounded graduates who are prepared for future employment.
Upon successful completion of all coursework and assessments (via tests, assignments and practicals), graduates will be qualified to work as a Meteorologists.
How to apply
Victoria University of Wellington are managing applications for both the Master of Meteorology qualification and the scholarship.
You need to apply for each separately. At the top of this page there are two buttons – one will take you to the scholarship application page and the other to Victoria University’s Master of Meteorology overview page, where there is more information about the programme. To apply for the programme, scroll down to the Master of Meteorology section where there is a link to apply for admission.
Applications for both the 2027 Master of Meteorology qualification and the scholarship will close on 1 November 2026. Please note that applications for both will be reviewed as they come in and a selection panel will short-list for an online interview with selected applicants from now until 1 November, with final in-person interviews as soon as possible after 1 November, so please apply as soon as you can.
If you have any questions for MetService, please email scholarship@metservice.com and we will respond promptly so you can progress an application before the closing date.
Prior study requirements
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 stage one maths or physics papers.
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.
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 scholarship@metservice.com – we can talk to you to understand your background and help answer any questions you have before you apply.
* 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 kicks off in late January.
Why is mathematics or physics important?
Most Meteorologists employed by MetService don't spend their days solving equations; computers do that for us. We do spend a lot of time thinking about how weather systems will interact with our unique environment and affect our customers, including the people of New Zealand.
Circulations in the atmosphere drive weather systems, and a sound understanding of the atmosphere is required as a forecaster. You’ll get to use the scientific thinking you’ve developed doing your degree, and a good grounding in Maths or Physics is the foundation for this.
Further information about opportunities for Meteorologists at MetService
MetService has a team of approximately 75 operational Meteorologists who provide the nation’s weather forecasts, warnings and consultancy services to business, government and all New Zealanders.
Early in their careers, MetService Meteorologists generally spend a few years dedicated to working in each of the meteorological disciplines of aviation, marine or public forecasting. They can then progress to a General Meteorologist role and then advance through a career structure to senior Lead and Expert roles. It’s the Expert Meteorologists who work in the very specialised area of severe weather and issue our weather warnings.
Of MetService's approximately 300 staff, about 90 are qualified meteorologists. Most of these work as operational meteorologists, but some are involved in computer modelling, marketing, consulting, development, machine learning, management and instructing.