Wine Business and Innovation, Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

Are you an International Student?

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

By winning the Constellation Scholarship, Callum will receive $5,000 towards his studies and the opportunity to participate in Constellation Brand’s Hawke’s Bay vineyards over the summer and in their wineries during the 2023 vintage.

World-class wine business

This exciting qualification is designed to apply an advanced and broad body of knowledge to your existing industry experience, and to provide you with the skills needed to keep your knowledge current.

 

World-class wine business

This exciting qualification is designed to apply an advanced and broad body of knowledge to your existing industry experience, and to provide you with the skills needed to keep your knowledge current.

The programmes build from a Postgraduate Certificate on to a Diploma and then to a Master Degree in a flexible, multi-layered format designed to provide study options, extend your knowledge, deepen your understanding, and consolidate your future at the forefront of wine business management.

Programme Outline

The programmes build from a Postgraduate Certificate on to a Diploma and then to a Master Degree in a flexible, multi-layered format designed to provide study options, extend your knowledge, deepen your understanding, and consolidate your future at the forefront of wine business management.

Master of Wine and Innovation

The MWBI is a Level 9 programme of 180 credits, completed by coursework, industry-integrated project, or applied research. It enables those who have completed a bachelor’s degree to achieve a master’s level qualification in the wine business and innovation area.

The programme can be completed in 18 months full-time or three to eight years online, depending on your previous study and experience, and specific course preferences.

The philosophy underpinning the Wine Business and Innovation suite of programmes is to provide a breadth of knowledge and a business focus to those wanting to develop their skills and progress within the wine industry. The programmes can serve as rigorous professional development for those already within the wine industry, and as an advanced level pathway into the industry for those in other areas. It will also position graduates to pursue further research at the doctoral level, should they so wish.

Whichever path you take, the programme will develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to lead and influence decision-making in wine businesses both in New Zealand and overseas. It’s our business to help you study, so flexible options mean you’ll be able to study part-time or full-time towards this qualification, as you work around other commitments such as your current employment and family.

In the final coursework, research, or applied project, you can specialise in business-related issues in viticulture, winemaking, or wine marketing. Throughout the course, case studies, assessments, and projects will draw from all three of those wine industry areas.

The first phases of the programme consist of courses from the School of Viticulture and Wine Science, such as:

  • Sustainability in the Wine Industry
  • Global Wine Marketing
  • Technology and Innovation in the Wine Industry
  • Entrepreneurship in Wine Business
  • Current Issues in the Global and Domestic Wine Industry

These are complemented with elective courses from the School of Business, which may include:

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Financial Management
  • Digital Business
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Inventory and Warehouse Management Systems
  • Transportation and Distribution Management

In the final phase of the master’s programme, three pathways are offered:

Coursework

On this pathway, you will undertake an independent scholarly project on an issue, trend or innovation within the wine industry. This will be supported by an additional elective course from the School of Business.

Industry Integrated

Those who are already working in the wine industry can undertake an applied research project within their organisation, demonstrating development of their skills in professional practice, and contributing to the research and development needs of the organisation.

Research

On this pathway, you will undertake a significant research project of application to an area of New Zealand’s wine industry. This will be supported by an additional elective course from the School of Business.

These three pathways emphasize the application of knowledge and critical reflection on industry issues and professional practice. They provide you with the opportunity to complete a capstone project of significance to your professional and scholarly goals.

Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Business and Innovation

The PGDipWBI is a Level 8 programme of 120 credits which enables those who have completed a bachelor’s degree to achieve a postgraduate level qualification in the wine business and innovation area.

Those who wish to progress from the PGDipWBI to the MWBI will need to complete 8 courses (120 credits) at Level 8.

The programme can be completed in one year full-time or up to four years part-time, depending on your previous study and experience, and specific course preferences. It can act as an entry point into the master’s degree for those who don’t initially meet the entry requirements, and need to demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level. Alternatively, those who initially enrolled on the master’s degree and are not in a position to complete it, may transfer applicable courses to the postgraduate diploma for the purposes of qualification completion.

Postgraduate Certificate in Wine Business and Innovation

The PGCertWBI is a Level 8 programme of 60 credits which enables those who have completed a bachelor’s degree to achieve a postgraduate level qualification in the wine business and innovation area.

The programme can be completed in six months full-time or up to two years part-time, depending on your previous study and experience, and specific course preferences. It can act as an entry point into the master’s degree for those who don’t initially meet the entry requirements, and need to demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level. Alternatively, those who initially enrolled on the master’s degree and are not in a position to complete it, may transfer applicable courses to the postgraduate certificate for the purposes of qualification completion.

Career and Study Opportunities

The programmes in the Wine Business and Innovation suite will enable graduates to:

  • Increase their knowledge base, professional skills, and confidence within the wine industry
  • Develop, manage, and advise a wine business
  • Pursue their domestic or international career goals within the industry

In addition, the master’s degree will position graduates to pursue further wine business research at doctoral level, should they so wish.

Entry Requirements

Master of Wine Business and Innovation

The academic entry requirement for the MWBI is:

  • An NZQF-listed undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related field such as Oenology, Viticulture, Business or Management; with a minimum of the equivalent to a B average (when aligned to the EIT specified 11-point achievement-based grading system); or
  • A Bachelor Honours or Postgraduate degree in the Oenology, Viticulture, Business or Management or related fields with 120 credits at Level 8; or
  • A degree or equivalent professional qualification in a related field with a minimum of the equivalent to a B average (as per the specified 11-point achievement-based grading system) and evidence of relevant experience in the Viticulture, Oenology, Business or related fields at degree level, and assessment from the Programme Coordinator; or
  • At the discretion of EIT, where an applicant’s situation is compelling but not covered by the requirements listed above.

A Master of Wine Business and Innovation applicant who does not meet the entry criteria above may be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Wine Business and Innovation and, upon successful completion of four courses (with a minimum B average) from the schedule of courses may be admitted to the Master of Wine Business and Innovation.

Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Wine Business and Innovation

The academic entry requirement for the PGDipWBI and the PGCertWBI is:

  • An NZQF-listed undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related field such as Oenology, Viticulture, Business or Management; or
  • At the discretion of EIT, where an applicant’s situation is compelling but not covered by the requirements listed above.

English Language Entry Requirements

Applicants from countries in which English is not the primary spoken language must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. Ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include:

Completion of a programme of study in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply*), and
Approved scores on IELTS tests, namely an Academic score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6 (or accepted international equivalents).
International applicants must obtain appropriate visas to study in New Zealand, and comply with visa requirements.

Entry with Credit

You may already have knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, or life experiences. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

  • CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
  • RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.
  • CC and RPL can only be awarded for Level 8 study, not Level 9.

You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.

You must apply prior to enrolment in the course. CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course.

CCs may be granted from other degree programmes, providing they are not part of the entry qualification.

For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Administrator, Jo Rolfe on 06 830 1913 or jrolfe@eit.ac.nz.

How to Enrol

Step 1 – Check entry requirements

Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.

Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.

Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates

The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.

Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.

Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs

Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.

Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms

If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’

Step 5 – Submit your application

You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.

You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.

You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.

Programme Outline

The programmes build from a Postgraduate Certificate on to a Diploma and then to a Master Degree in a flexible, multi-layered format designed to provide study options, extend your knowledge, deepen your understanding, and consolidate your future at the forefront of wine business management.

Master of Wine and Innovation

The MWBI is a Level 9 programme of 180 credits, completed by coursework, industry-integrated project, or applied research. It enables those who have completed a bachelor’s degree to achieve a master’s level qualification in the wine business and innovation area.

The programme can be completed in 18 months full-time or three to eight years online, depending on your previous study and experience, and specific course preferences.

The philosophy underpinning the Wine Business and Innovation suite of programmes is to provide a breadth of knowledge and a business focus to those wanting to develop their skills and progress within the wine industry. The programmes can serve as rigorous professional development for those already within the wine industry, and as an advanced level pathway into the industry for those in other areas. It will also position graduates to pursue further research at the doctoral level, should they so wish.

Whichever path you take, the programme will develop your critical thinking skills and your ability to lead and influence decision-making in wine businesses both in New Zealand and overseas. It’s our business to help you study, so flexible options mean you’ll be able to study part-time or full-time towards this qualification, as you work around other commitments such as your current employment and family.

In the final coursework, research, or applied project, you can specialise in business-related issues in viticulture, winemaking, or wine marketing. Throughout the course, case studies, assessments, and projects will draw from all three of those wine industry areas.

The first phases of the programme consist of courses from the School of Viticulture and Wine Science, such as:

  • Sustainability in the Wine Industry
  • Global Wine Marketing
  • Technology and Innovation in the Wine Industry
  • Entrepreneurship in Wine Business
  • Current Issues in the Global and Domestic Wine Industry

These are complemented with elective courses from the School of Business, which may include:

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Financial Management
  • Digital Business
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Inventory and Warehouse Management Systems
  • Transportation and Distribution Management

In the final phase of the master’s programme, three pathways are offered:

Coursework

On this pathway, you will undertake an independent scholarly project on an issue, trend or innovation within the wine industry. This will be supported by an additional elective course from the School of Business.

Industry Integrated

Those who are already working in the wine industry can undertake an applied research project within their organisation, demonstrating development of their skills in professional practice, and contributing to the research and development needs of the organisation.

Research

On this pathway, you will undertake a significant research project of application to an area of New Zealand’s wine industry. This will be supported by an additional elective course from the School of Business.

These three pathways emphasize the application of knowledge and critical reflection on industry issues and professional practice. They provide you with the opportunity to complete a capstone project of significance to your professional and scholarly goals.

Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Business and Innovation

The PGDipWBI is a Level 8 programme of 120 credits which enables those who have completed a bachelor’s degree to achieve a postgraduate level qualification in the wine business and innovation area.

Those who wish to progress from the PGDipWBI to the MWBI will need to complete 8 courses (120 credits) at Level 8.

The programme can be completed in one year full-time or up to four years part-time, depending on your previous study and experience, and specific course preferences. It can act as an entry point into the master’s degree for those who don’t initially meet the entry requirements, and need to demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level. Alternatively, those who initially enrolled on the master’s degree and are not in a position to complete it, may transfer applicable courses to the postgraduate diploma for the purposes of qualification completion.

Postgraduate Certificate in Wine Business and Innovation

The PGCertWBI is a Level 8 programme of 60 credits which enables those who have completed a bachelor’s degree to achieve a postgraduate level qualification in the wine business and innovation area.

The programme can be completed in six months full-time or up to two years part-time, depending on your previous study and experience, and specific course preferences. It can act as an entry point into the master’s degree for those who don’t initially meet the entry requirements, and need to demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level. Alternatively, those who initially enrolled on the master’s degree and are not in a position to complete it, may transfer applicable courses to the postgraduate certificate for the purposes of qualification completion.

Career and Study Opportunities

The programmes in the Wine Business and Innovation suite will enable graduates to:

  • Increase their knowledge base, professional skills, and confidence within the wine industry
  • Develop, manage, and advise a wine business
  • Pursue their domestic or international career goals within the industry

In addition, the master’s degree will position graduates to pursue further wine business research at doctoral level, should they so wish.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

Master of Wine Business and Innovation (180 Credits)

  • An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related field such as Oenology, Viticulture, Business or Management with a minimum of a B average.

Master of Wine Business and Innovation (240 Credits)

  • An undergraduate degree or graduate diploma in a related field.
  • Other graduate qualifications and industry experience may be considered. Please contact the International Centre for further information: international@eit.ac.nz

Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Wine Business and Innovation

  • An undergraduate degree in a related field.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

  • PTE (Academic) score of 58 with no band score lower than 50
  • IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0 (or equivalent) achieved within the last two years.
  • International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply).

Further information about NZQA English language entry requirements for international students can be found at www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/english-language-entry-requirements-for-international-students/

How to Apply

Ready to apply? It’s easy!

Complete and sign our international student application form at eit.ac.nz/apply-online-international/

  • Indicate which programme you intend to study.
  • Attach a verified copy of your birth certificate or passport to use as identification.
  • Remember to include all other supporting documents.
  • We will assess your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible, usually within three to five working days.

On-campus study in New Zealand

Step 1 – Pay your fees

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an Offer of Place letter by email with details of your tuition and other fees payable.
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.
  • Pay your fees and apply for your student visa.
  • We will send you a receipt, which you will need when you apply for your student visa.

We recommend you apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date. You can apply online at www.immigration.govt.nz
If you have any questions about the process, contact your agent or email visas@eit.ac.nz

Step 2 – Prepare to come to New Zealand

Book your flights

When your student visa is approved, book your flights and ensure you meet all government-mandated entry requirements to come to New Zealand. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.

Organise your accommodation

If you haven’t already organised your accommodation, you should now decide which of the accommodation options is most suitable for you. You can find our more about our EIT accommodation options here.

Step 3 – Connect with us

  • Be sure to complete and submit the arrival form sent to you by the International Student Support Officer.
  • Your International Student Support Officer will contact you prior to the start of your programme to let you know what you need to do and keep you up to date on what to expect when you arrive.

Online study

Step 1 – Enrol

  • After submitting your application, you will receive your acceptance into the programme by email alongside instructions on how to enrol.
  • Complete and sign the enrolment form provided to you by our Admissions Team and send it back to internationalapplications@eit.ac.nz
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.

Step 2 – Choose your courses and pay your Fees

  • Your course selection form will be sent to you by our team.
  • After completing your course selection form, you will be sent an invoice. You can then pay your fees by bank transfer to EIT’s account. Full account details and payment information will be provided on your invoice.

Step 3 – Connect with us

Your International Student Support Officer will contact you after you enrol to keep you up-to-date with anything you need to know, including details about your Orientation, where you will meet your classmates and all about studying at EIT.

Whether you join us on-campus or online, we welcome you to the EIT student community!

If you need any help you can contact our friendly staff at international@eit.ac.nz

“The programme’s focus on innovation, market strategy, and consumer behaviour will provide a strong foundation to pursue roles in brand management, export strategy, or even consultancy within the wine sector.“

Navin Timilsina

Study at EIT

Disability Support

Support is available for students with physical, sensory, intellectual, and learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodiversity) and mental health conditions. Support is designed to provide equitable opportunities and is available to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities or health conditions, including when recovering from injury or surgery. Services are available depending upon your needs and range from information and advice to technology solutions and alternative arrangements for test and exams. Our disability peer support group Te Rōpu Āwhina meets regularly on the Hawke’s Bay Campus to share kai, connection and wellbeing.

For more help please email Desley Aranui daranui@eit.ac.nz

Wellbeing Support

Wellbeing support is available to all students. We can help you to identify your goals, support your needs, and connect you with appropriate support on and off campus. We use Te Whare Tapa Whā as our guiding model for holistic support and connectedness.

We have a Rainbow Diversity peer support group Te Roopu Āniwaniwa on the Hawke’s Bay Campus, as well as wellbeing
drop ins and workshops to support you to maintain and improve your wellbeing.

For more information contact Barbara West bwest@eit.ac.nz

Māori and Pasifika Support

You can get advice, mentoring and support for cultural needs and values, te reo Māori, waiata and tikanga, scholarships, iwi and hapū registrations and grants.

Our Pasifika student support team aims to create a trusting and culturally inviting space for students to feel supported and thrive in their education journey. Our team is passionate and dedicated to removing barriers to learning by working with students and their aiga and staff in ensuring diversity and equity is met. We support students with studylink, tutor support, wraparound support and mentoring, cultural competency and much more.

For more information contact:

Pasifika
Valencia Taurima Heperi 
VTaurimaHeperi@eit.ac.nz

Māori pastoral care
Kaihoe Apiata
KApiata@eit.ac.nz

Māori Academic
Opal Horsefield Te Aho
OHorsefieldTeAho@eit.ac.nz

 

Academic Learning Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more email Heather Pilbeam hpilbeam@eit.ac.nz

Scholarships

EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible here, at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.

Enrol Now

Enrol now for 2026 – programmes filling fast!

Study at EIT

International Student Support

Our International Student Support Officers are here to support you every step of the way. Providing you with the one-to-one help, advice, information and guidance you need to succeed. 

Find out more about our International Student Support Services below:

Auckland Campus
Hawke’s Bay Campus

Academic Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Learning Support Services

Apply Now