Sir John Key will be awarded a Doctor of Commerce honorary degree from the University of Canterbury.
The press release announcing the honour also outlined Sir John's post-politics activities - including a role advising a $200 billion US corporation on its investments in China, and an advisory role with a New York fund manager.
Sir John will be given the honour at a graduation ceremony on December 15.
The former prime minister graduated from the university in 1983 with a bachelor of commerce degree in accountancy.
University of Canterbury chancellor Dr John Wood said Sir John was a valued alumnus.
"Sir John provided strong support to the University of Canterbury, especially in the years since the 2010/2011 earthquakes," Wood said.
"His leadership has been critical to the rebuild, not just on campus but in the region in general, and we will be eternally grateful to him for that.
"He has also been a supporter of the university in a personal capacity and I sincerely hope that his connection with this institution will continue and strengthen in time to come."
Asked if Sir John could now use the title "Dr", a university spokeswoman said she believed the honorific "Sir" outranked it.
Sir John was made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in June.
Sir John was last month appointed an Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia - the highest ranked grade in the order.
Sir John's honorary degree is the latest to be bestowed on former politicians.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger received an honorary doctorate of literature from Massey University. He also received an honorary doctorate from Khon Kaen University in Thailand.
