PhD in New Zealand is a 3 to 6 years program offered at top universities. The top universities are the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. The minimum admission requirements for PhD in New Zealand is to hold a University-level graduation with master's or bachelor's with honours, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL score of 90+. Some of the universities might also require a GMAT/GRE score with a minimum GMAT score of 600.

The average annual fees at top universities in New Zealand for PhD studies ranges from 6,000 NZD- 10,000 NZD (3-5 Lakh INR). After graduation, one can receive job offers from various companies including Delimited, Air New Zealand and PwC. and earn an average annual salary of NZD 76,508 ( INR 39.22 Lakh).

PhD in New Zealand: Course Highlights

Program PhD/Doctorate
Program Type Full-time
Program Duration 3- 6 years
Eligibility Criteria University-level graduation with master's or bachelor's with honours
GPA 80%
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS: 6.5 or above | TOEFL: 90+
Annual Tuition Fee Range 6,000 NZD- 10,000 NZD (3-5 Lakh INR)
Average Salary NZD 76,508 ( INR 3,922,669)
Top Employers Deloitte, PwC

PhD in New Zealand: Top Universities

The following table shows the top universities offering PhD programs in New Zealand along with their respective application deadlines and annual tuition fees.

University Program Deadlines Annual Tuition Fees (NZ$)
University of Auckland Accounting, Chemistry, Engineering Rolling Basis 7,659.60
University of Otago Humanities, Science Rolling Basis 6,982-10,948
University of Canterbury Accounting, Humanities Rolling Basis 6,385 - 7,691
Auckland University of Technology Business 1 Nov (for Feb intake) 1 Feb (for May intake) 1 Apr (for July intake) 1 Jul (for Oct intake) 8,348
Victoria University of Wellington Biomedicine, Music 1 March, 1 July, 1 November 7,858-9,092
University of Waikato Philosophy, marketing, sociology 31 May, 30 September 6,829
Lincoln University Animal welfare, land management Rolling Basis 7,860

Why Study PhD in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers one of the best opportunities for PhD study. With exceptional faculty and infrastructure, students have a great chance to explore the research field and do it with a minimal cost. The following are some of the reasons why New Zealand is a popular choice for PhD study won by international students:

  • The New Zealand universities are ranked among the top 3 per cent in the world according to the QS World Ranking.
  • The cost of studies is at a minimum average of NZD 7,806 ( INR 400,224).
  • Most of the universities offer a scholarship that values upto NZD 33,000 ( INR 1,691,954)
  • The average salary of a PhD holder from New Zealand is NZD 76,508 ( INR 3,922,669)
  • Even in the duration of studying, one can apply for and hold the work visa

PhD in New Zealand: Specializations and Syllabus

The PhD program is offered for a duration of 3-6 years. Various subjects are offered in different universities across New Zealand. This includes Humanities, Philosophy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Music, etc. Many universities also allow students to work during their studies. Students are also offered the option of part-time study.

PhD in New Zealand: Admissions

The application process to study in New Zealand for a PhD requires the applicants to submit all the required documents. They have to meet the minimum eligibility criteria to apply. Every university has a set of eligibility to be fulfilled by the applicants while applying for a PhD program to their university. The following section discusses the admission requirements for the top universities offering PhD in New Zealand.

PhD in New Zealand: Eligibility Criteria

The following are the main eligibility criteria to be met for applying to any PhD studies in New Zealand

  • Academic Degree- University-level graduation with master's or bachelor's with honours
  • Minimum GPA - 80%
  • GRE or GMAT Score - A minimum GMAT score of 600
  • English Proficiency Test Score TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR): 2 Letters of Recommendation are required by most universities
  • Resume: Resume with work experience have to be submitted
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): A 1-2 page Statement of research interest have to be submitted
  • Research Proposal: Outline of a research project have to be submitted.

PhD in New Zealand: Admission Requirements

The following are the different top universities of New Zealand offering PhD studies along with the admission requirements to be submitted by applicants while applying.

University Academic Requirement TOEFL Score IELTS Score Additional Documents
University of Auckland Masters level qualification or equivalent with GPE 6.0 90 6.5
  • Statement of research intent
  • Academic transcripts
  • Resume
University of Otago University-level graduation with master's or bachelor's with honours 90 6.5
  • Academic transcripts
  • CV
  • Departmental Support letter
University of Canterbury A research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class or equivalent 90 6.5
  • GMAT- 600, Academic transcripts
  • Evidence of contact with supervisor
  • CV
  • Thesis and translation
Auckland University of Technology Master of Bachelor's degree with honours 90 6.5
  • Academic transcripts
  • Title of thesis
  • CV
  • Outline of a research project
Victoria University of Wellington Four years bachelor's degree 90 6.5
  • Academic transcripts
  • CV
  • Resume
  • Portfolio
University of Waikato Bachelor's with honours or masters with at least second class honours, or equivalent 90 6.5
  • Copy of Academic transcripts
  • Statement of Research Interest
  • Sample of academic writing
  • Copy of passport
  • Scholar Report
  • 2 academic references
Lincoln University Masters's honours degree with minimum second-class Honora 80 6.5
  • Academic transcripts
  • Birth certificate or passport
  • CV
  • Statement of research interest
  • Abstract of previous research dissertation

PhD in New Zealand: Cost of study

The cost of studying for a PhD in New Zealand includes the tuition fees and cost of living. The average tuition fee is about NZD 7,806 ( INR 4 Lakh). The cost of living in New Zealand is NZD 26,905 ( INR 13.73 Lakh). Thus, the total cost of studying comes to about NZD 34,711 ( INR 17.85 Lakh)

PhD in New Zealand: Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for studying PhD in New Zealand come to an average of NZD 7,806 ( INR 400,224).

PhD in New Zealand: Tuition Fees

University Total Tuition Fees (NZD) Fee for Indian Students (INR)
University of Auckland 7,659.60 3.91 Lakh
University of Otago 6,982-10,948 3.54- 5.55 Lakh
University of Canterbury 6,385 - 7,691 3.23- 3.90 Lakh
Auckland University of Technology 8,348 4.23 Lakh
Victoria University of Wellington 7,858-9,092 3.99-4.61 Lakh
University of Waikato 6,829 3.48 Lakh
Lincoln University 7,860 4.01 Lakh

Cost of Living in New Zealand

The cost of living in New Zealand includes the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. This cost comes to around NZD 26,905 (INR 1,373,891)

Expense Type Average Annual Expense (NZD) Cost for Indian Students (INR)
Accommodation 13,728 701,013
Meals 7,800 398,303
Transportation 2,080 106,214
Health Insurance 697 35,591
Personal Expenses 2,600 132,767
Total 26,905 1,373,891

Cost of Living in New Zealand

PhD in New Zealand: Scholarships

Various scholarships are offered by different universities in New Zealand. This values up to NZD 33,000. Here is a list of top scholarships in New Zealand for international students applying for a PG Diploma:

Scholarship Awarded by (private/government/university) Eligibility Award Value
The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship University of Auckland Recommendation by faculty about deserving candidates NZD 28,800
The University of Auckland Doctoral Faculty of Engineering Scholarship University of Auckland Recommendation by faculty about deserving candidates NZD 33,000
University of Otago City of Literature PhD Scholarship University of Otago Students intending to undertake PhD in the university NZD 30,696
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship University of Otago Students intending to take their first doctoral scholarship NZD 30,696
AUT Doctoral Scholarships Auckland University of Technology Students enrolled in PhD programs at the university NZD 30,000
University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarships University of Waikato Full-time international doctoral students of the university NZD 27,500
Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship University of Waikato Students exhibiting excellence in previous academic performance NZD 15,000
William Machin Doctoral Scholarship for Excellence Lincoln University Permanent residents or New Zealand citizens enrolled in the PhD NZD 28,000
Lincoln UniversityDoctoral Scholarships Lincoln University A minimum grade average of 80 per cent NZD 28,000

PhD in New Zealand: Jobs and Placement Opportunities

After completing a PhD many job opportunities are available in New Zealand for graduates. An average salary of NZD 76,508 ( INR 3,922,669) is offered for these.

PhD in New Zealand: Jobs and Placement Opportunities

Profession Average Salary (NZD) Salary for Indian Student (INR)
Data scientist 72,464 37 Lakh
Biochemist 83,000 42.38 lakh
Research scientist 78,140 39.90 Lakh
Academician 72,428 36.98 Lakh

PhD in New Zealand: Return on Investment

The table below summarizes the comparison between the total tuition fees and the average graduate salary for each university.

University Total Tuition Fees (NZD) Average Graduate Salary Per Year (NZD)
University of Auckland 7,659.60 83,000
University of Otago 6,982-10,948 110,000
University of Canterbury 6,385 - 7,691 53,000
Auckland University of Technology 8,348 43,000
Victoria University of Wellington 7,858-9,092 115,000
University of Waikato 6,829 53,000
Lincoln University 7,860 65,000

PhD in New Zealand: Degree Comparison in different countries

Degree in New Zealand vs Degree in the USA

Parameter PhD in USA PhD in New Zealand
Duration 5 years 3- 6 years
Average tuition fees 20,000 USD- 50,000 USD (16-41 Lakh INR) 18,000 NZD- 40,000 NZD ( 9-20 Lakh INR)
Cost of living $ 12,000 (INR 9.90 Lakh) NZD 26,905 (INR 13.73 Lakh)
Visa F1 visa Pathway Student Visa
Average Salary USD 103,000 ( INR 1.07 Cr.) NZD 76,508 ( INR 39.22 Lakh)
English language proficiency tests TOEFL: 90+ TOEFL: 90+ | IELTS 6.5 or above

The universities of New Zealand are ranked at the top worldwide and its PhD programs are quite commendable. Due to affordable tuition fees, research facilities and in-depth learning international aspirants are attracted to pursue the course in the country. Fulfilling all the mandatory requirements and having a relevant previous degree in a related field with a good score is all one needs to meet their dream of completing a PhD degree in New Zealand.
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: New Zealand Work Visa

FAQs

Ques. Is PhD fully funded in New Zealand?

Ans.In New Zealand, universities offering PhD, offer it at a low affordable cost. Apart from the low tuition fee, several scholarship offers are also available. These are provided mostly by the universities and the government. Thus, students can afford their PhD studies decently in New Zealand.

Ques.How much does a PhD cost in New Zealand?

Ans.In New Zealand, a PhD study, on average, costs about NZD 7,806. Many scholarships are also provided by the universities.

Ques.Who is eligible for a PhD in New Zealand?

Ans.To apply for a PhD in New Zealand Universities, one has to complete a Master's or Bachelor's Honors with at least second-class Honors. Many universities also require proof of research expertise. Most universities do not require a GRE or GMAT examination for enrolling in PhD courses. International students have to provide proof of English efficiency.

Ques.Can I stay in New Zealand after my PhD?

Ans.Yes, after PhD, one has to apply for the appropriate visa for continued stay in the country. Accordingly, one can apply for a visa for work, further study or stay in New Zealand.

Ques.Is IELTS required for PhD in New Zealand?

Ans. For studying for a PhD in New Zealand, an applicant had to provide proof of English proficiency. An IELTS score of 6.5 is required for PhD studies. Alternatively, other English proficiency exam scores can be submitted like TOEFL ( 90)