AECC's Insights for your study abroad journey
Table of Contents
- PhD in New Zealand
- Why Study PhD in New Zealand?
- PhD in New Zealand Highlights
- Popular PhD Courses in New Zealand
- Top Universities in New Zealand for PhD
- PhD in New Zealand: Requirements
- PhD in New Zealand: Documents Required
- Cost of Studying PhD in New Zealand
- Scholarships for PhD in New Zealand
- Jobs and Salary After PhD in New Zealand
- Frequently Asked Questions to Study PhD in New Zealand
PhD in New Zealand
A PhD is the highest degree you can take in any subject and is thus worth pursuing. Additionally, pursuing this prestigious degree at a top-ranked university is all the more rewarding. New Zealand is one of the top destinations for higher education among international students, especially because of its affordability compared to other countries like the USA, the UK and Australia. New Zealand is home to some revered universities like the University of Otago, University of Canterbury, University of Auckland etc.
A PhD in New Zealand is a three-to-four-year program. As such, it is essential that you pursue the course at a well-reputed university under the best faculty so that the quality of your thesis, project or dissertation is top-notch. After completing your Doctoral degree, you are sure to get a well-paid job not only in New Zealand but also in the rest of the world. If you wish to pursue this course in the country, you can read the blog further and get every detail.
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Why Study PhD in New Zealand?
- Better research opportunities: The universities in New Zealand offer better research opportunities for their students, which is why the country is increasingly becoming popular among international students.
- Affordability: The cost of studying and living in New Zealand is cheaper, especially when compared to other countries like the UK, the USA or Australia.
- Top-ranked universities: New Zealand has several top-ranked universities that constantly come in top positions in several national and international rankings.
- Scholarships: There are several scholarships funded by the government, universities and other private institutions, which can help international students finance their studies.
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Accreditation: All the top eight universities in New Zealand are public-funded, regulated and accredited by the government. Thus, all of them have the power to award Doctoral degrees.
PhD in New Zealand Highlights
Course duration |
3-5 years |
Average annual tuition fees |
NZD 7000 - NZD 45,000 |
Average annual salary |
NZD 1,15,000 |
Entry requirements |
IELTS/TOEFL |
Top programs |
Arts, Business, Health, Humanities, Social Science |
No. of international students |
5000+ |
Popular PhD Courses in New Zealand
We have tabulated below the top PhD courses and have divided them based on their streams. It will be helpful for you to choose the best course from the streams. You can use the table for future reference.
Domain |
Courses |
Business Studies |
Administration |
Business and Economics |
|
International Business |
|
Management |
|
Marketing |
|
Engineering Science |
Bioengineering |
Engineering |
|
Civil Engineering |
|
Chemical and Process Engineering |
|
Fire Engineering |
|
Health and Medicine Sciences |
Orthodontics |
Health Sciences |
|
Ophthalmology |
|
Health Psychology |
|
General Practice |
|
Law |
Law |
Political and Social Science |
Anthropology |
Social Work |
|
Public Policy |
|
Human Services |
|
Behavioural Science |
Top Universities in New Zealand for PhD
New Zealand is one of the best countries you can choose to pursue your Doctoral program. The average annual tuition fee for the program ranges from NZD 7000 to NZD 45,000. The eligibility criteria will vary from one program to the other, and it is essential that you check the official website of the university to get all the recent information. We have tabulated a few details below for your reference.
Name of University |
Name of Course |
QS Ranking 2023 |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in NZD) |
University of Auckland |
PhD in Clinical Psychology |
87 |
4 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
NZD 48,000 |
University of Canterbury |
PhD in Accounting |
284 |
4-5 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
NZD 33,000 - NZD 45,000 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
PhD in Engineering |
275 |
3 years |
TOEFL - 90/PTE - 58 |
NZD 4,08,000 |
Lincoln University |
PhD in Finance |
368 |
3 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
NZD 27,000 |
University of Otago |
PhD in Education |
217 |
3-4 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
– |
Auckland University of Technology |
PhD in Health Sciences |
486 |
3-6 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
NZD 7000 |
University of Waikato |
PhD in Environmental Planning |
331 |
4 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
NZD 36,000 |
Massey University |
PhD in English, Writing and Theatre |
292 |
3 years |
IELTS - 6.5/PTE - 58 |
NZD 19,000 - NZD 33,000 |
PhD in New Zealand: Requirements
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A good score in your Bachelor’s program.
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An acceptable score in your Master’s.
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You may need good scores in English proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE.
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If you plan to pursue your Doctoral program in Business or Management Studies, you may need a good GMAT/GRE score as well.
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Research proposal and project.
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Sustainability of the project you plan to choose.
PhD in New Zealand: Documents Required
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All academic documents.
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English proficiency test scorecards.
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Portfolio (for Arts, Design or Architecture students).
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Certificates for achievements in extracurricular activities.
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Statement Of Purpose (SOP).
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Letters Of Recommendation (LORs).
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CV/resume.
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It will be good to have a dissertation or thesis that was published in any leading journal.
PhD in New Zealand: Admission Process
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Shortlist your preferred universities and decide on the specialisation you are choosing.
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Make a list of the application deadlines, documents required etc.
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Appear for all the tests like GMAT/GRE, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE etc.
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Have all the documents handy.
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Take the official website of the university, create an account, and apply by paying the application fee.
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Arrange all the documents for the student visa.
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Apply for a student visa.
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Wait for a few weeks to get the acceptance letter from the university.
Cost of Studying PhD in New Zealand
Type of Expense |
Average Amount (in NZD) |
IELTS fee |
NZD 420 |
TOEFL fee |
NZD 410 |
Air ticket |
NZD 600 - NZD 1200 |
Study visa |
NZD 346 |
Annual tuition fee |
NZD 7000 - NZD 45,000 |
Scholarships for PhD in New Zealand
Name of Scholarship |
Name of University |
Average Amount (in NZD) |
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship |
University of Auckland |
NZD 28,500 |
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship |
University of Otago |
NZD 27,000 |
UC Doctoral Scholarship |
University of Canterbury |
NZD 21,000 stipend + tuition fee cover |
AUT Doctoral Scholarship |
Auckland University of Technology |
NZD 25,000 |
Doctoral Graduate Women Canterbury Trust Board Scholarship |
University of Canterbury |
NZD 27,000 |
University of Otago City of Literature PhD Scholarship |
University of Otago |
NZD 27,000 |
Jobs and Salary After PhD in New Zealand
Job Roles |
Average Annual Salaries (in NZD) |
Chief Technology Officer |
NZD 1,33,483 |
Product Development Manager |
NZD 1,12,391 |
Professor |
NZD 1,15,604 |
Senior Policy Advisor |
NZD 94,335 |
Research & Development Manager |
NZD 80,843 |
Senior Mechanical Engineer |
NZD 93,402 |
Environmental Scientist |
NZD 76,956 |
Ecologist |
NZD 59,959 |
Food Scientist |
NZD 75,872 |
Research Scientist |
NZD 81,179 |
AECC has been assisting students in studying in top study-abroad destinations since 2008. You can contact us if you need expert guidance on any step of studying abroad. From university applications to visa guidance, we offer help on every step of your journey. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions to Study PhD in New Zealand
Ans. No, PhD is not free in New Zealand. However, the tuition fee for the course is much less compared to several other countries.