International student can now study PhD doctoral research in New Zealand under domestic fees

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If you’re ready to pursue PhD doctoral degree, choose New Zealand and you’ll be learning in a university that is rated among the top 3% worldwide, and you won’t pay extra for being an international student as the country makes it easy to bring your family along with you.

What is PhD Doctoral Research Degree

The PhD doctoral research degree is the highest degree awarded at the university. The degree constitutes a significant piece of research in the form of a thesis or exegesis of up to 100,000 words or a series of publications that make a substantive and original contribution to knowledge. Usually, the research must be defended before a panel of experts and takes 3-4 years maximum to complete for a full-time student. The professional doctorates also include course work and in some cases internships/practicums.

The recommended Universities in New Zealand

The recommended Universities in New Zealand to study PhD doctoral research degree are:-

  • Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland, New Zealand
  • Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand
  • Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
  • Otago University, Otago, New Zealand

Type of PhD Doctoral Research Degree to study in New Zealand

Category Course Name Institute/ Department 
BusinessPhD AccountingSchool of Accountancy
BusinessPhD AviationSchool of Aviation
BusinessPhD BankingSchool of Economics & Finance
BusinessPhD Communication and JournalismSchool of Communication Journalism & Marketing
BusinessPhD EconomicsSchool of Economics & Finance
BusinessPhD FinanceSchool of Economics & Finance
BusinessPhD Human Resource ManagementSchool of Management
BusinessPhD Information SystemsSchool of Management
BusinessPhD ManagementSchool of Management
BusinessPhD MarketingSchool of Communication Journalism & Marketing
Creative ArtsPhD DesignSchool of Design
Creative ArtsPhD Fine ArtsSchool of Fine Arts
Creative ArtsPhD Visual & Material CultureSchool of Music and Creative Media Production
HealthPhD Anatomy/PhysiologySchool of Health Sciences
HealthPhD ErgonomicsCentre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health
HealthPhD Health SciencesSchool of Health Sciences
HealthPhD Medical Laboratory ScienceSchool of Health Sciences
HealthPhD MidwiferySchool of Nursing
HealthPhD NursingSchool of Nursing
HealthPhD Nutritional ScienceSchool of Food and Nutrition
HealthPhD Public HealthSchool of Public Health
HealthPhD RehabilitationSchool of Public Health
HealthPhD Social PolicySchool of Social Work
HealthPhD Social WorkSchool of Social Work
HealthPhD Sport & Exercise ScienceSchool of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition
HealthThesis Doctor of Social WorkSchool of Social Work
Humanities and Social ScienceDoctor of Clinical PsychologySchool of Psychology
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Applied LinguisticsSchool of Humanities
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Defence and Strategic StudiesCentre for Defence and Security Studies
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Development StudiesSchool of People, Environment and Planning
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Emergency ManagementSchool of Psychology
Humanities and Social SciencePhD EnglishSchool of English and Media Studies
Humanities and Social SciencePhD GeographySchool of People, Environment and Planning
Humanities and Social SciencePhD HistorySchool of Humanities
Humanities and Social SciencePhD LinguisticsSchool of Humanities
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Maori StudiesSchool of Maori Art, Knowledge and Education
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Media StudiesSchool of English and Media Studies
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Museum StudiesSchool of People, Environment and Planning
Humanities and Social SciencePhD PhilosophySchool of Humanities
Humanities and Social SciencePhD PsychologySchool of Psychology
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Public PolicySchool of People, Environment and Planning
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Resource and Environmental PlanningSchool of People, Environment and Planning
Humanities and Social SciencePhD Social AnthropologySchool of People, Environment and Planning
SciencesPhD AgribusinessSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD Agricultural and Horticultural Systems ManagementSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD Agricultural/Horticultural EngineeringSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD Agriculture and HorticultureSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD Animal ScienceSchool of Veterinary Science
SciencesPhD BiochemistryInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD ChemistryInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Computer ScienceSchool of Engineering & Advanced Technology
SciencesPhD Conservation BiologySchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD ConstructionSchool of Engineering & Advanced Technology
SciencesPhD Decision ScienceInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Earth ScienceSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD EcologySchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD EngineeringSchool of Engineering & Advanced Technology
SciencesPhD Food TechnologyInstitute of Food, Science and Technology
SciencesPhD GeneticsInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Information TechnologySchool of Engineering & Advanced Technology
SciencesPhD Logistics and Supply Chain ManagementSchool of Engineering & Advanced Technology
SciencesPhD MathematicsInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Microbiology & GeneticsInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD NanoscienceInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Natural Resource ManagementSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD PhysicsInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Plant BiologyInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Plant ScienceSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD Soil ScienceSchool of Agriculture and Environment
SciencesPhD StatisticsInstitute of Fundamental Sciences
SciencesPhD Veterinary ScienceSchool of Veterinary Science
SciencesPhD ZoologySchool of Agriculture and Environment

Benefits of study Professional Doctoral Research Degree in New Zealand

With New Zealand’s PhD package for international students, you can enjoy the following benefits:

  • Pay the same fees as New Zealanders ( NZ$6,000 – $8,000 per year )
  • Enjoy unlimited work rights
  • Priority for Migration in New Zealand
  • Your dependent spouse can share the same work right with your student visa
  • Your dependent children can attend New Zealand’s primary and secondary schools for almost – free of charge

Free Education for your Children

Under your student visa, your dependent children will be classified as domestic students and can attend New Zealand’s primary and secondary schools at the same subsidised rate as New Zealand children. It’s free to attend state school — but the school can ask for donations towards their running costs.

About School Donations

School donations, or voluntary contributions, are optional — you can pay all, some, or none of the suggested donation. Donations are for general use or particular items — including curriculum-related items, such as:

  • textbooks
  • classroom equipment and materials
  • camps
  • swimming lessons — where all students are expected to take part
  • class trips.

International student’s work rights and further stay permit

As a PhD student, you have unlimited work rights under the terms of your student visa. On completion of your PhD, you can apply for a 12-month Post-study work visa through Immigration New Zealand to allow you to search for employment. If you are able to find a suitable job in your chosen field, you may then apply for a two-year Post-study work visa.

The Cost of Education (PhD Doctoral Research Degree)

Fees range from about NZ$6,000 to $8,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine related program. Enquiry with us

The Cost of Living in New Zealand

The living expenses in New Zealand for international students are approximately NZ$1200 (RM3,000) per month includes accommodation, meals, transportation, utilities, other miscellaneous.

Documents Required

Documents you need to provide for the admission screening stage:-

  • Latest Academic Transcripts and Certificates
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0 in Academic
  • Personal Statement (what is your purpose of education)
  • Valid Passport
  • Employment Reference Letter
  • Financial Supporting Document (3 – 6 months bank statement to show that you have sufficient money to study in New Zealand)

Application Procedure

The PhD application process to a doctoral research degree consists of two stages:

  • Admission stage

You can apply for admission to a doctoral study programme anytime during the year. Your application must include all required documents and the details of two referees. The referees should know you in a professional capacity. At least one should be a supervisor for the research component of your most recent qualification (honours/masters). 

  • Enrollment stage

If your admission application is successful you will receive an Offer of Place. You must accept this offer and then pay the required fees. You will then receive a receipt of payment from the Graduate Research School which you can then use to apply for a visa. Your offer is valid for one year by which time you must be on campus and ready to enroll. 

Contact us to find out more


International Student enquiries:
Phone: +6018-241-4802
Email: [email protected]

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About Post Author

Michelle Phan

A freelance writer graduated from Curtin University with a specialisation in commercial writing. Michelle loves to travel and enjoys walking on the beach. Michelle also feeds on psychology quote and will give away just about anything to cuddle with furry felines.

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