Doctoral application process

• Read the 2011 PhD Statute and Guidelines and ensure you meet the academic eligibility requirements for entry into the PhD programme.

• If you are applying for a named doctorate, read the relevant regulations in the University Calendar.
• Look at some masters and doctoral theses in your area of interest to get a sense of the standard of research you are expected to achieve.
   

• Decide upon, and clarify as much as possible, your area of research interest or potential research topic.
• Look at relevant faculty or department websites. Consider the research interests and publications of academic staff.

Choose your area of interest
 

You can submit an EOI at any time of the year.

• Before you begin, be sure to have at hand, in electronic format:
  • Transcripts for your highest tertiary qualification.
  • Your Statement of Research Intent.
  • If you are new to the University: two Doctoral Referee Reports*
  • If English is not your first language: your IELTS, TOEFL and TWE test scores if you have sat such tests within the last two years.
  • Your CV or resumé.
  • Some programmes may also a portfolio.
  • Please check the website of your faculty or department for any additional information they may require.
• When the EOI is complete, you will receive an acknowledgment via email; your EOI will then be considered by the appropriate academic staff.
• If you need help with the EOI process:
  • follow our step-by-step Expression of Interest help
  • contact: eoihelp@auckland.ac.nz

*Preferably, the letters should be from academic staff of your home university, who can comment on your research capability and experience.

Every candidate for every doctoral degree must be registered by the Board of Graduate Studies before they may be enrolled for that degree. See Board of Graduate Studies.

Registration process

The registration process consists of the following steps:

1. Head of Department Recommendation
The Head of Department completes and signs off on the EOI, which is then referred to the Associate Dean (Postgraduate) of the Faculty for endorsement before being referred to the School of Graduate Studies.

2. Board of Graduate Study Approval
The recommendation is then considered by the Board of Graduate Studies. In many cases, the Chair of the Board of Graduate Studies is able to make a decision on behalf of the Board, thus reducing the waiting time for a decision.
 

• Once your EOI has been approved, you will be notified by email, and invited to log onto Student Services Online. Your electronic student file will automatically pre-populate. You will be asked to provide originals (or certified copies) of your academic transcripts and other required admission documents, in order to complete the admission process.
• After the admission process is complete, you will be sent confirmation of your place in the doctoral programme by email and letter.
   

• Once you have received your confirmation letter you will need to contact the School of Graduate Studies to complete your enrolment.
• As a doctoral candidate, you will be re-enrolled at the beginning of each academic year by the School of Graduate Studies. Fees should be paid on time each year to ensure successful re-enrolment.

Contact the School of Graduate Studies