| Updated On - Jul 23, 2024
What's New?
- Top Universities: The most sought-after universities by Indian students for PhD in New Zealand include the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and the University of Canterbury.
- Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for PhD in New Zealand for Indian students vary from 6,500 to 9,000 NZD, which is the same as domestic students.
- Admission Process: Admission process involves approaching a supervisor, submitting a research proposal, and meeting university requirements.
- Eligibility Criteria: Completion of research-focused honors or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I or 60 - 65%) Honors or Distinction level.
- Work Permit: Upon degree completion, you can get a 3-year post-study work visa.
PhD in New Zealand takes 3-4 years to complete when pursued full-time, and 6-8 years when pursued part-time. The University of Auckland, the University of Otago, University of Canterbury are among the top universities in New Zealand for PhD. Each university has four academic divisions: Commerce, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences. The first step involves approaching a supervisor in your division and submitting a research proposal.
For enrollment in PhD in New Zealand, you need:
- 60-65% marks in previous academics (equivalent to a GPE of 6.0 on a 9.0 grading scale)
- Completion of research-focused honors or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honors or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications)
- Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 90
- GMAT or GRE scores (For business management or international business studies)
PhD fees in New Zealand are relatively low, around 9000 NZD per year, with potential scholarships available. Completing a PhD in New Zealand offers direct eligibility for permanent residency, with a points-based system for PR application.
Top Universities for PhD in New Zealand
Listed below are the most popular universities for PhD in New Zealand, along with the fields of study they offer PhD in.
| QS Ranking 2025 | University | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|
| #68 | University of Auckland | PhD in Psychology in New Zealand | PhD in Project Management in New Zealand | PhD in Physics in New Zealand | PhD in Pharmacy in New Zealand |
| #214 | University of Otago | Humanities, Science, Business Administration |
| #=261 | University of Canterbury | Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemical and Process Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science |
| #412 | Auckland University of Technology | Doctor of Health Science, Business |
| #244 | Victoria University of Wellington | PhD in Mechanical Engineering in New Zealand | PhD in Microbiology in New Zealand | PhD in Public Health in New Zealand | PhD in Food Technology in New Zealand |
| #235 | University of Waikato | PhD in Supply Chain Management in New Zealand | PhD in Psychology in New Zealand | PhD in Food Technology in New Zealand | PhD in Law in New Zealand |
| #=371 | Lincoln University | Animal Welfare, Land Management |
The way to ensure you choose the right program and university is by doing thorough research on the faculty and subject-specific university rankings.
Why Study PhD in New Zealand?
PhD in New Zealand is an attractive option for research-oriented Indian students. Some reasons to pursue the program include:
- You can study fully funded PhD programs in New Zealand. Universities like University of Auckland and University of Otago offer full scholarships to waive the tuition fees. PhD students can also work full-time during their studies, providing flexibility and financial support.
- New Zealand universities offer a favorable environment for PhD studies, with opportunities for academic growth and career advancement. The top universities in New Zealand, including the University of Auckland (#65), University of Otago (#214), and University of Waikato (#235) are among the top 500 in the world, according to QS ranking 2025.
- Direct eligibility for permanent residency after completing a PhD in New Zealand makes it an attractive option for those seeking long-term settlement.
PhD in New Zealand: Admission Requirements
The admission process for PhD in New Zealand starts with identifying a potential supervisor for your research. Contacting supervisors for guidance and support during the application process is crucial for a smooth transition into the PhD program. You can make a formal application only after you find a supervisor who will agree to supervise your topic.
Next, you need to apply for the program through the university website. The required documents include:
- Resume/CV
- 2-3 letters of reference
- Statement of Research Intent
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Dissertation or thesis and any relevant research publications
- A birth certificate or passport
Regular progress reports and supervisor feedback play a crucial role in maintaining enrollment and academic success during a PhD program. The university-specific admission requirements for some popular universities are provided below.
| University | English Language Requirements | Academic Requirements | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | IELTS: 6.5TOEFL iBT: 90 | Completed a postgraduate bachelor's (honors) degree | GPE of 6.0 on 9.0 grading scale. |
| University of Otago | IELTS: 6.0TOEFL iBT: 80 | A master's degree with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago. | 60-65% |
| University of Canterbury | IELTS: 6.5TOEFL iBT: 90 | Research-focused honors or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honors or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications). | 60-75% |
| Auckland University of Technology | IELTS score: 6.5 TOEFL iBT: 90 | Master’s degree with honors OR Bachelor’s degree with honors (equivalent to 4 years of study) | 60-75% |
| Victoria University of Wellington | IELTS: 6.5TOEFL iBT: 90 | Research degree such as Honors or Master's by thesis from a New Zealand university with an average grade of B+ or higher, an approved international equivalent. | GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0. |
| University of Waikato | IELTS: 6.5TOEFL iBT: 90 | Bachelor degree with honors or master's degree in a field relevant to the proposed research with at least second-class honors (first division) or distinction. | 60-75% |
| Lincoln University | IELTS: 6.5TOEFL iBT score: 80 | Postgraduate honors degree awarded with a minimum second class honors or equivalent. | 60-75% |
As the doctorate will consist entirely of your thesis, with no compulsory class component, most PhD admissions in New Zealand take place on a rolling basis, and in some institutes, like the Lincoln University, PhD students can start any time of the year.
Cost of Studying PhD in New Zealand
The cost of undertaking a PhD in New Zealand is the sum of tuition fees and living expenses. The average tuition fee range is 6,500 to 9,000 NZD per year.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fees of some popular universities for PhD in New Zealand is given below.
| University | Annual Total Tuition Fee (NZD) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 7,659 | 3.9 lakh |
| University of Otago | 7000-10,000 | 3.5 - 5 lakh |
| University of Canterbury | 7,627 - 91,864 | 3.8 lakh - 46 lakh |
| Auckland University of Technology | 8,624 | 4.3 lakh |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 7000-10,000 | 3.5 - 5 lakh |
| University of Waikato | 6,800 - 7,220 | 3.4 - 3.6 lakh |
| Lincoln University | 8,076 | 4.1 lakh |
Understanding the financial aspects of studying abroad, including family expenses, sponsorships, and potential challenges, is vital for a successful PhD journey. It ensures that students are prepared for the financial commitments and adjustments required when moving to a new country for their studies.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
A detailed breakdown of the cost of living in New Zealand is provided below.
| Type of Expense | Cost per week (NZD) | Cost per week (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 144 | 7,140 |
| Food | 80-120 | 3,967- 5,950 |
| Entertainment | 55 | 2,27 |
| Transportation | 37 | 1,834 |
| Phone | 19 | 942 |
| TOTAL | 255 | 9,916 |
PhD students can work full-time during their studies, or avail scholarships to fund their PhD.
PhD in New Zealand Scholarships
Scholarship criteria are diverse and may vary based on factors such as publications and academic background. Applicants should carefully review and understand the specific requirements and preferences of each scholarship opportunity to tailor their applications effectively.
| Scholarships | Offered By | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship | University of Auckland | Admission to doctoral program | A tax-free stipend of NZD 33,000 per year and tuition fees for up to 36 months | single student Health Insurance compulsory charge |
| University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship | University of Otago | Academic merit | NZD 30,696 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fee waiver for 36 months. |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarships | Auckland University of Technology | GPA of 8.0 or above | Applicants must enroll into the doctoral programme within three months of the scholarship offer. | Annual stipend of NZD 30,000 plus tuition fees and student services levy for up to three years. |
| Wellington Doctoral Scholarships | Victoria University of Wellington | Academic merit. | NZD 29,500 annual living allowance and will cover the cost of your tuition. |
| Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India | University of Waikato | Students from India | Excellent academic achievement. | Up to NZD 15,000 towards tuition fees |
Scholarship committees may prioritize applicants from specific countries or fields, so it is important to align your research interests with the scholarship’s focus areas. By demonstrating a strong fit with the scholarship’s objectives, you can increase your chances of selection.
PhD in New Zealand Placement
After completing your PhD, you can get high-paying jobs in New Zealand. Fisher Paykel Healthcare, Fonterra, Metservice, Auckland University are some of the notable institutions you can work with. The most common job roles and annual salaries after PhD in New Zealand are presented below.
A PhD is completed with the scholar successfully defending their research. The major form of assessment is the evaluation of an original thesis by a jury. The universities in New Zealand are known for their high-quality education and research excellence, and degrees from New Zealand are internationally recognized and respected. Also, international PhD graduates can apply for a three-year post-study work visa, which allows them to gain work experience in New Zealand after graduation.
FAQs
Ques: What are the general entry requirements for a PhD in New Zealand?
Ans: To apply for a PhD program in New Zealand, you need a master's degree or a bachelor's degree with first-class honors in a relevant field. Additionally, you must submit a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research, its significance, and methodology.
Ques: How much does it cost to do a PhD in New Zealand?
Ans: The annual tuition fees for PhD students in New Zealand range between NZD 6,500 and NZD 9,000 for international students, depending on the university and program. Living costs are estimated at around NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Ques: What are the funding options available for a PhD in New Zealand?
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