How to apply

Doctoral Application for Admission

If your application meets the University’s minimum requirements for doctoral study, it will be sent to the Faculty of Arts and Education discipline indicated in your application. The discipline will review your application and look at supervision options at this point.

Faculty of Arts and Education Statement of Research Intent

During the discipline review process, we will ask you to provide your Statement of Research Intent on the Faculty of Arts and Education template. In some cases, the discipline or nominated supervisor will ask for amendments to your research intent.

We will also receive further documentation for your application at this point, including referee reports and reference letters.

Approval of the Application to Study (ATS)

Once the application is processed by the discipline and, if it meets their requirements, it is then reviewed by the Deputy Head (Postgraduate) for the School to which you are applying. The application also requires faculty-level approval from the Associate Dean (Postgraduate).

The ATS is sent to the Board of Graduate Studies for final review and approval. If you are successful, the Board of Graduate Studies will make an offer to you by email.

When can I apply for the programme?

We accept applications at any time of the year but note if you are interested in applying for a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship or Faculty Scholarship, there are specific application deadlines for each round. 

What are the entry requirements?

Entry into the University’s doctoral programmes is either a Bachelor (Honours) degree with First Class (H1) or Second Class (Division 1) Honours or a Masters degree with First Class (H1) or Second Class (Division 1) Honours in a relevant field. The qualifying programme must also include a significant research project, dissertation, or thesis.

Are there any English proficiency requirements?

If you are a domestic applicant and your first language is not English you may be asked to provide evidence of your competence in written and spoken English. For University regulations please click here.

Is there a difference between a PhD in Education and the Doctor of Education?

Yes. The Doctor of Education is only offered part-time over the first two years and is not usually appropriate for International students who need to study full-time to meet Student Visa requirements. When applying select PhD in Education.

When will I hear back about my application?

The application process generally takes a minimum of eight weeks.

I don’t have a supervisor yet, can I apply?

You can apply without naming a supervisor. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a proposed supervisor as soon as possible. All students require an agreed supervision team before a place can be offered in the programme. Supervisor endorsement of the proposed project is also required before an application will be considered by the Faculty of Arts and Education for a scholarship. Potential doctoral supervisors who match your research interests can be found through  searching in Discovery Profiles 

Can my family come to New Zealand with me? 

Your family may be eligible to join you in New Zealand. For more information see Doctoral Programmes for International Students.

When should I apply for a visa?

You can apply for a visa once you have received your full offer letter.

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes. There are a limited number of doctoral scholarships available. All applications are assessed for eligibiity at the time of offer. 

What is it like living in Auckland?

For information about the cost of living, transport in Auckland, leisure activities and how to make the most of your time at the University, see Living in Auckland.