Why pursuing a PhD in New Zealand is so attractive

Have you considered studying for your PhD in New Zealand?

Many countries like the US, the UK, Australia, and China offer world-class doctoral research opportunities, but New Zealand offers some perks and benefits that put it ahead of the competition. Let’s explore:

The allure of pursuing a PhD in New Zealand

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Highly ranked universities

Studying for your PhD in New Zealand entails obtaining a credential that will be recognised in many countries worldwide. Every one of the country’s eight universities is ranked in the top 3% in the QS World University Rankings 2025, which means international students will enjoy a world-class education.

Massey University’s veterinary science subjects are ranked at #21 on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Victoria University of Wellington’s linguistics programme is ranked #48, and more than a handful of universities rank have top rankings for their sports-related science programmes.

In addition to becoming an expert in your area of interest, you will develop valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, and gain a competitive edge in a knowledge-based global market.

Put this all together, and you get around 57% of the over 1,500 PhD students who graduate from New Zealand universities being international students.

Within your three to four years of full-time studying for your PhD, you will be supervised throughout the original and in-depth work that you will need to present for your findings in the form of a thesis which will then be marked by a panel of external examiners.

Pay domestic fees

International students often pay twice or triple the amount of tuition that domestic students do, but that’s not the case for those studying for a PhD in New Zealand, who pay the same fees as domestic students.

This is on the condition that you are a resident of the country during your studies — otherwise, you’ll be required to pay the international student fees. You may, however, do research overseas for up to 12 months in total while you’re enrolled and paying domestic fees.

The PhD tuition fee at the University of Auckland, New Zealand’s best-ranking university according to the QS World University Rankings, is priced at 7,874.40 New Zealand dollars (US$4,774.92) per annum.

Meanwhile, tuition at the other seven universities cost (as of 2024):

• University of Otago: 7,177 – 11,248 NZ dollars (US$4,352 – US$6,820) per year
• University of Waikato: 7,140 – 7,582 NZ dollars (US$4,329.59 – US$4,597.61) per year
• Massey University: 7,178.40 – 13,960.24 NZ dollars (US$4,352.87 – US$8,465.28) per year
• Victoria University of Wellington: 8,078.40 – 9,409.20 NZ dollars (US$4,898.62 – US$5,705.60) per year
• University of Canterbury: 7,627 – 9,136 NZ dollars (US$4,624.90 – US$5,539.93) per year
• Lincoln University: 8,556 NZ dollars (US$5,188.23) per year
• Auckland University of Technology: 9,118 NZ dollars (US$5,529.02) per year

Pursuing your PhD in New Zealand could be a long journey, but it can be made better by having your loved ones close by.

You can bring your family with you

If you have travelled with your partner or spouse, they will be able to apply for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa or the Partner of a Student Work Visa for the entire duration of your studies.

The visa does not require your spouse or partner to have a New Zealand job offer to apply. They will also be able to work in New Zealand and study in the country for up to three months on this visa. For more detailed information, visit the official government website.

Additionally, if you have a child old enough to enrol in school, you can enrol your child or children in any New Zealand state school as domestic students.

Unlimited work hours

While your PhD in New Zealand might take up a good chunk of your time, you can still opt to spend the time not researching your thesis on other avenues, like exploring the picturesque country or earning some bucks back.

There are no restrictions on the hours you can work if you are enrolled in a Research Master’s or PhD programme awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution.

However, if you work full-time, you must also keep studying full-time.

Attractive post-study work visa

Upon graduating with your PhD in New Zealand, you can apply for the Post Study Work Visa.

This visa allows you to stay and work in the country for up to three years, depending on what you studied, and luckily for PhD graduates, completing your programme will allow you to work in almost any job for any employer in New Zealand.

To be accepted to study for a PhD in New Zealand, you will need the proper academic qualifications that prove your competency and knowledge of your chosen subject area.

What is the structure of a PhD in New Zealand?

The structure of a PhD in New Zealand is similar to programmes in other countries. This advanced research degree can be completed within three to four years of full-time study.

Study With New Zealand notes that you’ll work under supervision to carry out your own original, in-depth work on an approved subject. You will present your findings in a thesis, which will be marked by a panel of external examiners. There may also be an oral examination to test your knowledge of your subject area.

What you need to apply

To be accepted to study for a PhD in New Zealand, it’s important to note that academic requirements differ between universities.

For instance, you may be expected to have a bachelor’s or a master’s with first-class or second-class honours to be admitted as a PhD candidate. In some instances, a university may consider a candidate admission if they can demonstrate appropriate equivalent research experience.

You may also need a reference from a research supervisor before you can apply. Do contact your preferred university directly for more information.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on October 17, 2024.