phd degree in new zealand

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Doctor of Philosophy – PhD

A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.

Entry requirements

• Qualification structure
• Courses & specialisations
• Fees & scholarships

Type of qualification

Level of study.

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

Where you can study.

• International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Admission application due dates Course enrolment dates for accepted students Semester dates

Study a Doctor of Philosophy – PhD

To do a PhD you need to have a passion and commitment for your discipline.

The degree is awarded for a thesis that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research. It also needs to provide a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study.

Opportunities for research and career development

Developing effective communication skills are prioritised at Massey. We support you with research communications events such as the 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) competition. 

We also place great importance on personal effectiveness. We offer you the opportunity to do the Strengths@Massey programme. This supports the building of good relationships with supervisors and peers and informs effective ways of achieving research outputs.

We also provide opportunities for intensive writing through our three-day thesis writing boot camps. You are provided with the support and infrastructure that allows you to dedicate your time to writing without any distractions

Research training

You will have access to a whole suite of workshops through support services such as the library, the Centre for Teaching & Learning, Career Hub and the Graduate Research School. These include:

• highly tailored writing sessions
• training on using databases and data management
• project management
• understanding research funding
• applying for a grant through to intercultural communications
• entrepreneurship and innovation.

You can find more information on our  prospective doctoral students pages.

A PhD is a good fit if you:

• want a research career in industry or academia
• have a passion for your subject
• wish to become an expert in your field.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme you will:

• have completed a postgraduate bachelor's (honours) or master's degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division I) B+ equivalent, or equivalent qualification
• have sufficient independent research experience to satisfy the Doctoral Research Committee that you have the capacity to successfully undertake the programme.

Massey University’s Doctoral Research Committee administers the PhD. Registration must be supported by the relevant Head of School/Centre who will agree to provide supervision and facilities for your research.

Please note that there are more applicants than places on the programme. If you meet the above conditions you will also go through a selection process including an interview. If successful in this process, you will be offered a place.

English language requirements:

Academic IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0* - this must be achieved in one sitting; or a minimum TOEFL iBT of 90 overall (minimum of 20 in writing). These tests are valid for two years.

*Note: The Institute of Education requires an overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 7 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 6 in Listening and Speaking.

• English language requirements

International qualifications

International qualifications will be assessed in terms of their broad equivalence to a Massey honours or master’s degree with Grade Point Equivalency. Typically this should be 75% or B+. Admissions with Equivalent Status will be used to assess the quality and ranking of the overseas institution.

• Admissions with equivalent status information

A qualifying degree, like domestic qualifications, must include a supervised research component such as a substantial thesis or dissertation and previous research methods study is recommended.

Academic references

You must supply good academic references. The referees should know you in an academic capacity. At least one should be a supervisor for the research component of your most recent qualification (honours/masters). Contact them before you submit your application. Follow up to make sure they have received the request. We do not accept personal friends or relatives as referees.

Documents you need to provide

Following the admission screening stage, we may request verified copies of the following documents:

• transcripts for all tertiary qualifications, master's, bachelor's etc, even if these are incomplete
• grading legends for all tertiary qualifications
• all graduation certificates, unless completion is noted on the transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• references to any publications you have
• English language test results (if you are from a country where English is not the first language)
• evidence of your citizenship.

Please make sure you have all of these ready before applying as it will speed up the application process.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits for this qualification. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

More information

• Read the  regulations  for this programme thoroughly
• Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Official regulations

Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Doctor of Philosophy

If you are interested in a PhD at Massey, you should consult with the postgraduate coordinator for the specific subject area you are interested in.

• Staff expertise database

International students are required to have appropriate insurance cover. Massey has a default cover, StudentSafe, which is the preferred insurance provider.

If you have any questions, contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

Courses and specialisations

Credit summary, 360 credits.

Requirements include the completion of a thesis which includes a provisional year. This means your progress will be assessed after 9-12 months (full-time) or 12-16 months (part-time) before you are fully registered as a PhD candidate.

You will be required to report on your progress every six months.

The final examination process includes the submission of a written document (thesis) and an oral defence. If you are in the Creative Arts, the examination may include an exhibition/installation/performance, with an exegesis, and oral defence.

Course planning key

Fees and scholarships, fees, student loans and free fees scheme.

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

• Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
• View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

• Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

• Student loans ( StudyLink )
• Student portal

Doctoral fees

You can start your PhD study at anytime throughout the academic year.

Normally you will pay full tuition fees from the start of each calendar year, with the exception of the first and final year of your study, which may be a partial year, depending on your start date.

Fees are not charged once you submit your thesis for examination.

The New Zealand government provides all international PhD students with a government subsidized scholarship which allows international students to pay tuition at the domestic fee rate. As part of the Immigration New Zealand student visa requirement, you will need to pay your full first year tuition fee at the time of accepting your Offer of Place and before you can enrol.

• Find out more about fees

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Alex C P Chu Trade for Training Scholarship
• Amelia Earhart Fellowship
• Antarctica NZ Postgraduate Research Scholarships
• ANZMES research funding opportunities
• Asia New Zealand Foundation Postgraduate Research Grants
• BRANZ Postgraduate Scholarships
• Catherine Baxter Dairy Scholarship
• Colin Aiken Plant Breeding Bursary
• Dr Eileen Fair Doctoral Scholarship in Earth Science
• Edward & Isabel Kidson Scholarships
• Farmers' Union Scholarship
• Garrick Latch Postgraduate Travel Grants
• George Mason Sustainable Land Use Scholarship
• Gosling Ornamental Horticulture Bursary
• Helen E. Akers Postgraduate Scholarship
• Henry Kelsey Research Scholarships
• He Whenua Taurikura PhD Scholarships
• HOPE Foundation Scholarship for Research on Ageing
• HSANZ Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) - New Investigator PhD Scholarship
• Hurley Fraser Postgraduate Scholarship
• Joe Walding Memorial Bursary
• Johannes August Anderson Postgraduate Scholarship
• John Hodgson Pastoral Science Scholarship
• John Waller Doctoral Scholarship
• Leonard Condell Farming PhD Scholarship
• Leonard Condell Farming Postgraduate Scholarship
• Lois Turnbull Postgraduate Scholarship
• Macmillan Brown Agricultural Research Scholarship
• Massey Singapore Food Technology PhD Scholarship
• Massey University Alumni Doctoral Scholarship
• Massey University Doctoral Scholarship
• Massey University Pacific Success Scholarship for Doctoral Students
• Millar Massey Buchanan Scholarship
• Murray and Terry Scholarship
• NZ Pork Industry Postgraduate Scholarship
• OSOF Postgraduate Student Research Scholarship
• Peter Densem Postgraduate Scholarship
• Professor Ren Jizhou Scholarship
• RHT Bates Postgraduate Scholarship
• Ross Beever Memorial Mycological Award
• Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese Language Education (SFFJLE) Postgraduate Scholarship
• Sinclair Cummings Veterinary and Animal Sciences Scholarship
• Sports Turf Scholarship
• Sydney Campbell Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
• Taranaki Tree Crops Scholarship
• The Agricultural Life Sciences PhD Travel Grant
• The Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War Heritage Scholarship
• The Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff) Postgraduate Scholarship
• William Reed Scholarship

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice .

What our students say

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Doctor of Philosophy

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Related study options

Certificate of proficiency (student exchange) – cpstx.

Explore New Zealand while you study at Massey, a world-ranked university offering excellent courses.

Certificate of Proficiency Postgraduate – CoP Postgraduat

Pursue an interest or prepare for further study. This Certificate is for those intending to complete only one or two courses at postgraduate level.

Certificate of Proficiency Sub Degree – CPSBD

Pursue an interest or prepare for further study. This Certificate is for those intending to complete only one or two courses at sub-degree level.

Certificate of Proficiency Undergraduate – CPUND

Pursue an interest or prepare for further study. This Certificate is for those intending to complete only one or two courses at undergraduate level.

Diploma (Business) – DipBus

A stepping stone to university study for international students interested in studying business at Massey

Diploma in Science and Technology – DipScTech

Undertake a shorter, more flexible study option with the Diploma in Science and Technology at Massey.

Graduate Diploma (Management) – GradDip(Mgt)

A specially designed bridging qualification for international students that will allow you to transition into a Master of Management, specialising in Management

Graduate Diploma (Marketing) – GradDip(Mrk)

A stepping-stone to higher learning for international students interested in marketing at masters level  

Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology – GDipScTech

The Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology gives you the opportunity to retrain in an area of science that interests you.

Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology

Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology is a stepping stone to a research-based qualification.

Useful planning information

• Find more courses or qualifications
• Planning your study
• Application process overview
• Semester dates
• Fees and funding
• Scholarships and awards search

Key information for students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Qualification

3 years full time

Lincoln University Campus

Gaining your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Lincoln creates opportunities to challenge yourself with new ways of thinking and problem-solving, absorbing research and innovative ideas from leading scientists and professional organisations in New Zealand and internationally.

Grow your ability to help create a better future

As an internationally respected land-based university, we are at the forefront of research that leads to innovative ways of addressing the complex challenges our biosphere faces. Our PhD cohort are our partners in this work. The goal of the three-year full-time research-based PhD programme is to nurture your ability to analyse situations, evaluate research, then join with other leading thinkers to conceptualise and test new ideas that could lead to a healthier future.

How to apply

The first step is to ensure that you meet the entry criteria, which you can find here .

Confirm that your research area can be catered for at Lincoln University by checking  the list of available supervisors . 

Begin the application process online here . 

You can read an overview of the most important rules, regulations and procedures for postgraduate study here .

Learn more about our research

Research at Lincoln University is conducted across faculties, centres of excellence and research centres. Learn more here . 

Programme information

• A relevant postgraduate honours degree awarded with a minimum second class honours (division one or equivalent).
• Your previous qualification must include a significant research component, incorporating a thesis, dissertation or project
• If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements .
• In addition to Domestic Tuition Fees, there is also an annual Student Services Fee.
• International PhD students are classified as domestic students provided you are resident in New Zealand during your study (apart from temporary absences carrying out approved doctorate research).
• If you don’t meet the domestic tuition criteria, international tuition fees will apply.
• International students are also required to have approved Medical and Travel Insurance.
• Accommodation is not covered in study fees.

PhD students can start at any time during the year.

Entry requirements

Tuition fees, intake semesters, find a phd supervisor.

Find a PhD supervisor in your chosen study area

Apply for our PhD scholarships

Key information for students.

Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Need more info?

Email us on [email protected]

Or call us on 0800 10 60 10

If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000

Lincoln University endeavours to ensure that the information published on its website is accurate and up-to-date. However, such information is subject to regular review and can change without notice. Entry to programmes may be limited and staffing, programmes and courses may be varied or discontinued at any time.

The University makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of such information and does not accept any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or content of this information.

Students and prospective students are advised to check with the relevant Faculty or Department before applying to enrol in a particular course or programme. International students should also check relevant policies, fees and procedures with our Enrolment Office.

If you believe any of the information held on our websites is incorrect please use the contact us link to get in touch with us.

Explore our brand new website! We hope you like the improvements we've made. We'd love to hear your feedback and please let us know if you find something that requires our attention – Website feedback .

PhD and Doctoral

Discover to apply for your path to in-depth exploration and expertise in field-specific topics, enhancing your knowledge with investigation into a topic with relevance to your field.

At the University of Waikato, you can apply at any time of the year to study towards:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) • Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) • Doctor of Education (EdD) • Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) • Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), and • Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University of Waikato's highest research degree. It offers the opportunity to explore a specific research area or topic that you are passionate about, while giving you advanced skills in research, problem solving and writing. Completing a PhD will open up exciting new employment opportunities, not just in academia, but in government, consulting, research institutes, community organisations and much more.

To earn the PhD degree or other higher degree, you will undertake a research project under the guidance of at least two supervisors, produce a thesis and complete an oral examination. Your work will need to be significant and original, and make a meaningful contribution to your field of study.

Our Higher Research Degrees may have different or additional requirements. You can find the degree regulations by visiting the University of Waikato Calendar and searching the qualification/s you are interested in.

How to apply

Check your eligibility.

To be eligible for PhD or Higher Degree study you must have completed a Bachelor with Honours or a Masters degree, which has a significant research component. A research component must be a thesis, dissertation, or research project which makes up at least 25% of one year’s study of your entry qualification. Research methods papers are not counted as a research component.

Masters degrees that do not meet the research component requirements are not qualifying degrees for entry into Higher Research Degree study.

You must also have achieved a minimum of Second Class, First Division, in your qualifying degree.

If you are an International Student, you will need to meet our   English language requirements

Find and connect with a research supervisor or project

You will need to find a research supervisor who works in your area of interest before you apply. This supervisor will support, guide and mentor you through your research.

To view potential research supervisors, please visit the University of Waikato’s Staff Profiles.

You can filter you search by:

• Research Interests • Publications • Prior students supervised. • Availability to supervise. • Current research projects

Once you have found a suitable supervisor, you will need to email them to discuss your research and how it aligns with their current projects and interests. You will need agreement from at least one University of Waikato supervisor and an Invitation to Apply to proceed further.

Please note, although you may have an agreement from a potential supervisor, your formal application and admission to the PhD or Higher Research Degree programme will require final approval from the University of Waikato Postgraduate Research Committee.

University of Waikato Staff Profiles

You can look for an established project or research area using the University of Waikato Doctoral Opportunities page. Use the filters to look by supervisor, project and topic - new vacancies are added regularly.

Supervisors of established projects will have their own requirements for you to follow as part of their short-listing/screening processes. Please ensure that you clearly indicate the vacancy that you are applying for in your email and that you provide all the information requested.

PhD Opportunities

Receive an Invitation to Apply

After a University of Waikato Supervisor has formally agreed to supervise your PhD or Higher Research Degree, they will send you an email with an Invitation to Apply.

Once you have received your Invitation to Apply, you can move on to preparing and submitting your application for your chosen programme. You will be asked to supply evidence of your Invitation to Apply in your application.

If you do not have an Invitation to Apply, your application will not be considered.

Prepare your application documents

Use our application checklist to ensure that you have all the documents and information you need to complete your Application to Enrol.

We cannot progress your application without all the required documents, so please take the time to make sure you have provided everything requested.

Download our application checklist

Submit your Application to Enrol

Now you have everything you need, you are ready to submit your application using our MyWaikato Application Portal.

You will be guided through the application process to upload your documents, provide evidence of your Invitation to Apply from your supervisor, supply the contact details of your two referees and indicate whether you would like to be considered for a University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship.

Indicate whether you would like to be considered for a University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship

Applications for doctoral scholarships are considered four times each year. These scholarships include:

• University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship • The University of Waikato Māori Doctoral Scholarship •The University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship for Pacific Peoples

If you have indicated in your application for PhD or Higher Research Degree study that you would like to be considered for a scholarship, your application will be considered in the next scholarship round (see table below). You do not need to complete a separate application or do anything further. In most cases, the date of your application to enrol will determine which round you are considered for a scholarship.

However, to be considered for a scholarship, students must receive an Offer of Place in the doctoral programme prior to the scholarship selection meeting.

Doctoral scholarship

Applications go through a competitive, strategic and merit-based selection process, and you will be advised of the scholarship outcome through the MyWaikato portal and by email. It will take up to 8 weeks after receiving an Offer of Place in the doctoral programme to hear the outcome of your scholarship.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions, as well as more information about University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarships, funded research projects, and other externally funded scholarships by visiting the Scholarships Finder.

What happens once I have submitted my Application to Enrol?

Your application will be reviewed by the relevant School/Faculty once we have received all the documentation requested. We will contact you via email if we have any questions or need anything further from you, please keep an eye on your inbox.

Applications are considered monthly from February to November each year. Depending on when you submit your application, it may be held over to the next month for consideration. The School of Graduate Research will let you know when to expect the outcome of your application.

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19 PhD Degrees in New Zealand for 2024

• New Zealand
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• 3 years (17)
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Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

University of otago.

• Dunedin, New Zealand

The Doctor of Musical Arts is a three-year full-time Program in Music with three areas of specialisation: Performance, Composition or Studio Production. The DMA offers creative musicians the opportunity to develop their skills to the highest artistic and professional levels, while working within the innovative and stimulating environment of Otago's Music Department.

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Arts

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce

Phd - doctor of philosophy in computer science.

• Christchurch, New Zealand

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Dentistry Thesis (Non Clinical)

Phd - doctor of philosophy in geography, phd - doctor of philosophy in health sciences, phd - doctor of philosophy in information science, phd - doctor of philosophy in languages, phd - doctor of philosophy in law, phd - doctor of philosophy in mathematics, phd - doctor of philosophy in medicine, phd - doctor of philosophy in music, phd - doctor of philosophy in pharmacy, phd - doctor of philosophy in science.

Popular degree type

Popular study format

PhD Degrees in New Zealand

New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty. Kiwi are not only one of the national symbols – the others being the silver fern leaf and koru – but also the name New Zealanders usually call themselves. Overseas students will need to pay the full tuition fees and their own living costs while studying at a New Zealand institution.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

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PhD Study in New Zealand

A PhD is the highest degree awarded at global universities. The study is based on a substantial research project in an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which must be defended in an oral examination at the end of the program. All PhD students are assigned a supervisor, and the duration of a PhD is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.

Very few research degrees feature taught modules, and as such a, student is expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule. Universities in New Zealand are known for their academic excellence and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, along with their support for enterprise partnerships.  

PhD Entry Requirements

New Zealand institutions are free to admit anyone to a PhD program, with admission generally conditional on the prospective student having completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours, as well as a master's degree. English language ability proof is a must, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is generally required. There is usually a first-year assessment to remain in study, and the thesis is submitted at the end of the completed program.

Once you have decided on an area of research and have looked into how you will fund your study, there are a number of documents required when submitting your application. They include:

• Academic transcripts
• Academic references
• Personal statement
• Research proposal

- PhD Research Proposal

A research proposal is required by all students when applying to study for a PhD. The proposal should address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. A panel of experts must accept the proposal before your program can begin.

How much does a PhD cost in New Zealand?

Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive. Candidates can cost between $5,000-$20,000 per year, although this is still considerably cheaper than US or UK equivalents. Dedicated scholarships can help support your PhD, and it is rare for a PhD student not to be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship.

Study a PhD in New Zealand

If you are interested in studying for a research degree in New Zealand, arrange a free consultation with SI-New Zealand today.

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Doctor of Education

UC's Doctor of Education (EdD) is a specialised doctorate for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, it provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study. Learn more about studying an EdD through Te Kura Tāura | UC Graduate School.

TUITION FEES

2024 tuition fees estimate per 120 points:

• Domestic — $7,627
• International — Not available to international students

Introduction

The Doctor of Education is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study.

The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice.

What will my study involve? keyboard_arrow_down

Why study a edd at uc.

Doctor of Education graduates will:

• Meet high international standards in the quality of their scholarly work
• Adopt an investigative, probing, open-minded, reflective, dialogical stance in addressing scholarly and professional problems
• Draw on insights from their studies in seeking to make a worthwhile difference in the lives of others
• Be able to link, in a coherent and rigorous manner, theory and research to questions of professional practice
• Be adept at presenting their work in conferences and seminars, and in publishing their findings
• Value the process of peer review in advancing scholarly and professional understanding
• Be willing and able to demonstrate leadership in their domains of professional endeavour
• Have a strong sense of global awareness and participate actively in wider scholarly and professional communities.

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

Entry requirements.

Every student, before enrolling for the degree, must be approved by the Amo Rangahau | Dean of Postgraduate Research (or delegate) as having adequate qualifications, experience, and ability to pursue the proposed course.

You must have either:

• an Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor’s degree with First or Second Class Honours; or
• a master’s degree with Distinction or Merit; or
• an approved qualification of equivalent standing.

You will normally need to have a minimum of five years’ experience in a relevant professional role. Most students usually continue to work in a relevant professional role while completing Part I of the degree.

In special circumstances, the Amo Rangahau | Dean of Postgraduate Research may approve the enrolment of a graduate who does not hold one of the qualifications above, but who has produced satisfactory evidence of adequate research experience, training, and ability to pursue the degree.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements .

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Doctor of Education or use the admission requirements checker .

How to apply

Find out more about how to apply for Doctoral degrees .

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Fees keyboard_arrow_down

2024 tuition fees estimate (per 120 points):

2023 tuition fees estimate (per 120 points):

• Domestic — $7,419

SSL estimate (per 120 points):

• 2024 — $1,100.40
• 2023 — $992.40

Domestic tuition fees

International tuition fees

Student Services Levy (SSL)

Funding your study

Planning my degree

Degree structure keyboard_arrow_down, how do i plan my degree.

The EdD contains two parts:

• Part I – a research portfolio (120 points)
• Part II – a thesis (240 points)

This qualification tends to take between 4–5 years to complete, as a mixture of part and full-time study (or part-time only for up to 6 years). Part I can only be completed part-time over 2 years.

EdD students start as a group on 1 March.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Doctor of Education .

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024

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Doctoral Degree

Information about the structure of a Doctoral Degree

The Doctoral Degree is a research degree whereby the individual becomes an increasingly independent scholar who makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge. 

It is normally the culmination of study which begins at the bachelor level and reaches a stage beyond the masters. For the PhD/DPhil and the named doctorate (e.g. D Mus), the development takes place under the guidance of recognised experts in the field of study and under circumstances that allow the individual access to appropriate research resources.

The contribution to knowledge is judged by independent experts applying contemporary international standards of the discipline. The hallmark will be the individual’s capacity for substantial independent research or scholarly creative activity as attested by his/her educational institution and/or as demonstrated by submitted work.

The major component of all doctorates is original research.  The body of work that leads to the award of a doctorate will be one or more of the following:

• a thesis (the PhD/DPhil)
• creative work in the visual or performing arts (the PhD/DPhil)
• a thesis or equivalent creative work in combination with coursework (the named doctorate)
• a creative work in the visual or performing arts (the named doctorate) with a thesis (the named doctorate)
• published work.

Credit requirements

A Doctoral Degree requires at least 360 credits and is listed at level 10. 

Types of Doctoral Degrees

The following types of Doctoral Degree are recognised.

Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD/DPhil)

A thesis constitutes the entire body of work on which the award of the qualification will be judged. Coursework may also be prescribed for the individual, but this will only contribute to the preparation for research and acceptance into the doctoral programme. Where appropriate, individuals may present a creative work as part of the thesis requirement.

Doctorate in a specified field or discipline - the named doctorate (e.g. EdD or the DMus)

For a doctorate in a specified field, coursework may contribute to the assessed programme of study, but research or the scholarly creative activity and the associated thesis must occupy at least two full-time academic years and contribute not less than two-thirds of the overall credit for the degree.

The coursework, which is to be at a standard in advance of that expected for a masters paper, must be part of a coherent programme with the research work, and should normally cover no more than one full-time academic year.

An individual for a named doctorate must gain a passing grade in both the coursework and the thesis or its creative work equivalent.

Higher Doctorate (e.g. the DSc or the DLitt)

Higher Doctorates are awarded for independent work of special excellence, as judged by leading international experts, which is completed before a person makes an application to enrol for the degree. Individuals will normally be expected to have completed at least ten years of independent work and to have published extensively.

Publication will normally be in scholarly books and/or in reputable international journals. Individuals in the visual or performing arts will have made equally outstanding contributions in their creative work.

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PhD in New Zealand : Universities, Costs, Eligibility & Scope

Updated on 09 november, 2023.

upGrad Abroad Team

Upgrad abroad editorial team.

Doing a PhD in New Zealand is an academic decision worth considering, especially for those looking to advance their careers globally. A PhD in New Zealand for Indian students promises to be hugely rewarding. The country is one of the top global destinations for PhD programs, offering robust course frameworks with intensive theses. 

Table of Contents

Why study phd in new zealand, best universities for phd in new zealand, applying for phd courses in new zealand, eligibility for phd in new zealand, scholarship for phd in new zealand.

• Cost of doing PhD in New Zealand

Career Prospects after PhD in New Zealand

Frequently asked questions.

A PhD in New Zealand for international students is rewarding for the following reasons: 

• You can study at the best universities in New Zealand for PhD courses globally acclaimed, offering cutting-edge academic and research infrastructure. 
• New Zealand also provides comparatively affordable tuition costs and a wide range of curricular and co-curricular interests/activities. 
• New Zealand is famed for its research opportunities in almost all fields and subjects of study while being home to globally famous finance , engineering and science centres. 
• All eight major universities in the country have public regulation, funding, and accreditation by the government. 

Here are the top institutions for doing PhD courses in New Zealand.

Universities have varying criteria for admissions. There are a few options for a PhD in New Zealand without IELTS .  

 You will have to show your capabilities for doing research independently while proving that your work will contribute to the subject or field of study. You have to meet all the qualification requirements and understand the PhD requirements in New Zealand for international students before applying. Here are the next few steps: 

• Submit your research proposal with the application. 
• Universities in New Zealand do not consider direct applications. You should contact a supervisor via email, introducing yourself and summarizing the purpose of your research study. 
• After emailing the supervisor, you can directly apply to the institution with your research proposal and documents.
• Undergraduate degree within the 2:1 framework or any equivalent system. 
• Master’s degree that demonstrates knowledge of your chosen subject. 
• Viable research proposal and project. 
• Clarity on your research goals. 

 Following are the PhD scholarships for Indian students in New Zealand: 

• University Of Waikato Tuition Scholarship 
• University Of Auckland – Summer Research Scholarships
• AIWA Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship
• Keith And Dorothy Mackay Postgraduate Travelling Scholarships 
• Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship
• Lincoln University Doctoral Scholarships in New Zealand
• The University of Otago – Noni Wright Scholarships in New Zealand
• Sir Ratanji Dalal Research Scholarship
• SCAR Fellowships in Antarctic Research
• D.V. Bryant Trust University of Waikato Scholarship 
• MobilitySeeker Outdoor Sports Scholarship 
• John Monash Scholarships
• OECD CRP Research Fellowships
• Tan Kah Kee Postgraduate Scholarships

Cost of doing PhD in New Zealand 

New Zealand offers comparatively affordable PhD options for international students. You can study for roughly NZD 6,500-9,000 per year (full-time), which equates to around INR 3.3-4.5 lakhs. The program tenure may hover between three to four years on average. PhD graduates have eligible for three-year work visas after completing their courses.  

Documents Required

• Personal Statement. 
• Academic transcripts. 
• Passport (valid). 
• English language proficiency test scores. 
• References. 
• New Zealand student visa. 

A PhD program in New Zealand opens doors to fulfilling career opportunities. PhD graduates can work full-time in flourishing sectors such as law , writing , research, and investment banking. Depending on the field and prospects, they may earn up to NZD 156,000 or roughly INR 78 lakhs. Popular job roles include environmentalist, data, research, and food scientist, senior lecturer, policy advisor, research and development engineer, ecologist, chief technology officer, professor, product development manager, senior mechanical engineer, and research fellow. 

Disclaimer! All course fees and salaries are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions.

• New Zealand Scholarship for Indian Students
• New Zealand Student Visa Rejection
• MS in New Zealand for Indian Students
• Best tips on how to get a student visa for New Zealand
• An overview on how to get PR in New Zealand

Is a PhD in New Zealand free?

The PhD courses are not free in New Zealand. However, unlike many other globally acclaimed study destinations, the country does not charge sky-high fees for these courses. Many scholarship options offer full funding. New international PhD candidates can pay the same annual costs in tuition as local New Zealand peers. However, you should stay in the country for the entire doctoral program tenure. You may obtain funding for your PhD degree via university or government scholarships and other charitable/industry-based bursaries.

Can PhD students work in New Zealand?

PhD students get special three-year work visas upon course completion. At the same time, their work rights are unlimited under their student visas. Student visas mostly allow full-time aspirants to work for up to 20 hours every week and 40 hours every week during breaks and holidays. Ph.D. students can work for up to 40 hours every week throughout the year. Upon completing the PhD course, you can apply for the first 12 months of your post-study work visa. After that, once you find employment, you can apply for another two years with your employer’s support.

How to study PhD in New Zealand without IELTS

You can take the TOEFL test if that is what you are more comfortable with. Or you may provide proof of studying Classes VIII-XII with English being the instructional medium in your home nation. You can also submit scores of other language proficiency tests like CAE, PTE , ESOL, and more.

How do you get funding for a PhD in New Zealand?

You can apply for various industry and government scholarships, university-based assistantships, and charitable and industry-based grants. There are many types of scholarships available, including some which offer total funding for PhD courses and living costs. You must meet the eligibility criteria of the university/institution. For example, the University of Auckland offers doctoral scholarships only to those with a GPA of 8 or more in their qualifying programs from any university in New Zealand

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• You are currently on: Doctoral study in Psychology

Doctoral study in Psychology

Why study with us.

New Zealand’s leading and largest Faculty of Science* brings together 10 diverse schools and departments to provide outstanding quality teaching and research opportunities. Our doctoral students work with some of the nation’s leading researchers and benefit from the faculty’s connections with international universities and industry. You will also have access to high-quality laboratory and field research facilities.

*www.science.auckland.ac.nz/excellence

Research opportunities

We welcome PhD proposals in areas including:

• Developmental psychology
• Feminist psychology and gender and cultural studies
• Computational methods to answer questions about language and human prehistory
• Social attitudes, personality and health outcomes
• Personal and group identities to gender and sexual issues, and environmental and sustainability issues
• Applied behaviour analysis: using a scientific approach to understand and change human behaviour Māori identity, financial attitudes and behaviour
• Quantitative and experimental approaches to the understanding of animal and human behaviour
• Industrial, work and organisational psychology
• Cognitive neuroscience research

Many of our knowledgeable scientists are major contributors in their field.

(and search for relevant topics)

Research topics

See a selection of past and present research topics:

• Investigating the factors involved in efficient tactile perception in blind people | supervised by Barry Hughes
• Stressors and coping mechanisms of Muslim youth in New Zealand | supervised by Kerry Gibson
• Neuropsychological Symptom Validity in the Accident Compensation Corporation | supervised by Suzanne Barker-Collo
• Suicide intervention training within mental health NGOs | supervised by Fred Seymour
• The effects of brief stimuli on response rate and persistence | supervised by Doug Elliffe
• Callous-unemotional traits in children | supervised by Ian Lambie
• The signature-testing approach to the evolution of intelligence | supervised by Alex Taylor
• Conditioned inhibition and timeout from reinforcement | supervised by Doug Elliffe
• Comorbidities of autism in the area of developmental neuroscience | supervised by Karen Waldie
• Adverse childhood experiences in sex offender population in New Zealand prisons | supervised by Fred Seymour
• Biased memories and depressive symptoms in interpersonal relationships | supervised by Nickola Overall
• Effects of expertise: investigating the lateralisation of visuospatial processing in professional musicians | supervised by Lynette Tippett

For more information about PhD theses and topics you may be interested in, or supervisors and their past research, please use the search function on the Libraries and Learning Services catalogue .

Scholarships and awards

See our  University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship page for scholarship opportunities. Or search our database for scholarships that may be available.

Help and advice

Please see our Doctoral students section for further information, advice and contact information.

Apply for doctoral study

Faculty of science.

• School of Psychology

Doctoral programmes

• Doctor of Philosophy

Related links

• How to apply
• Find a scholarship