Doctoral programmes for international students

We are New Zealand’s leading research-led university. We are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2024, and offer PhD studies in nearly 100 subjects.

The University of Auckland has earned a global reputation for academic excellence and a supportive student environment. Our outstanding supervisors give you the freedom and encouragement to develop your ideas in a supportive, inspiring environment. Enjoy the Auckland lifestyle, which is ranked third in the world in the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Rankings.

You will have access to excellent research facilities and the library’s extensive resources. You can count on the support of student services including:

• The School of Graduate Studies
  
• International Student Advisers
  
• Postgraduate Students’ Association
  
• Career Development and Employment Services

Most importantly, you will publish research and gain a qualification that can stand with the best in the world, making you proud to say that you studied at the University of Auckland.

Other benefits for international PhD students:

• Your dependent children are classified as domestic students and can attend New Zealand’s primary and secondary schools at the same subsidised rate as New Zealand children.
• Your spouse or partner is eligible for an open work permit valid for the duration of your PhD programme.
• 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 three year post-study work visa through Immigration New Zealand.

*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. To be eligible, students must reside in New Zealand for the duration of their doctoral programme. However, students may undertake research activities and conferences overseas during their doctoral programme for a cumulative total of no more than 12 months.

**Exchange rate at 1 April 2022: NZ$1.00 = US$0.69.

How doctoral programmes are structured
Information about doctoral study at the University.

Doctoral fees
Find out about tuition fees to complete a PhD at the University of Auckland.

Doctoral entry requirements
Find out more about entry requirements to study a PhD at the University of Auckland.

Doctoral applications
Information about the steps involved in applying for a doctorate at the University of Auckland.

Scholarships, loans and funding
Check what scholarships are available for international PhD students.

Accommodation
Our catered and self-catered residences offer you quality living facilities and a great lifestyle while you are studying.

Research at the University of Auckland
See how our high-quality research is changing lives and making breakthroughs.

Find a supervisor
Discover the research going on in our different faculties and schools and find a supervisor to match your area of research focus.

International student support
Find out about the support available to international students including English language support.