Duration
Full-time: 3 to 4 years
Part-time: 6 to 8 years
Available locations
City, Epsom, Grafton, Newmarket, Overseas
Points
120 points per year of full-time study
Programme type
Doctorate

Programme overview

The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects. Candidates will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders.

During your doctoral studies, you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal, professional and academic skills. Our doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.

All of our doctoral policies and guidelines governing PhD study, including the PhD statute, are available in Doctoral policies and guidelines.

If you are looking for PhD study in a subject not listed here, it may be available under a different title. For more information, please contact a postgraduate adviser in the relevant faculty.

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On entry to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of milestones to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

Part-time enrolment is available for New Zealand students, in which case provisional enrolment lasts for 24 months, and you must submit your full thesis for examination no earlier than 6 years, and within 8 years, of your start date.

As part of your PhD study, you have access to our doctoral skills workshops and resources, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes research services advisers to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

For international students, your visa conditions will generally stipulate that you must be enrolled for full-time PhD study.

It may be possible for candidates to undertake a PhD including scholarly creative work and/or publications that they worked on while under supervision for their PhD. For information on including scholarly creative work in a PhD, see the PhD including scholarly creative work policy and procedures. To read the rules about including publications in a PhD, see the Doctoral thesis policy and procedures.

To read the rules about including publications in your PhD, see Doctoral Candidates– including publications in a thesis policy and procedures. 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Grade required
    GPA 6.0
    • Honours or masters degree
    • Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.

You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.  

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 6.0
    • Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours
    • Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.

You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.

All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Doctor of Philosophy cost per year?

2025 fees

NZ$7,659.60*

A New Zealand government funding scheme enables the University of Auckland to offer PhD study to international students for the same tuition fees as New Zealand PhD students.

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Eligible candidates can enrol and start their PhD at any time of year. You must enrol within 6 months of your unconditional offer. 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

A University of Auckland PhD is available in over 100 different subjects but your research project will be unique. As part of the application process, you need to provide an outline of your proposed research project.

Although you are not required to nominate a doctoral supervisor as part of your initial application, you can also look at supervisor profiles and research projects, or to find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland, click on the links in the Subjects tab to start exploring faculty research webpages for your area of interest.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own start up. With focused development opportunities available throughout your PhD study, and dedicated postgraduate career advice, we can help you to explore and meet your own career goals, no matter what direction you take.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Graduate story: Katherine Higgins

Having supportive doctoral supervisors paved the way for Katherine Higgins to develop and facilitate collaborative projects with visiting artists at MIT.

Read more

Do you need help?

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923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513