Information for new PhD students
Welcome to the Faculty of Science! As you begin your doctoral journey, this page provides essential guidance and resources to help you settle in and succeed.
University Doctoral Induction workshops
All new doctoral students must attend a University Doctoral Induction soon after enrolment. This is a required Confirmation milestone. We recommend you book as soon as possible. If you have access to Wahapū, book via the Doctoral what's on page. If you do not have access to Wahapū, book via the Doctoral Event Registration Form.
Faculty doctoral induction workshops
New doctoral students in the Faculty of Science must also attend a Faculty induction workshop, which is a mandatory milestone. This workshop is separate from the University Doctoral Induction and provides science-specific guidance, including professional boundaries and support networks.
During the Faculty workshop, you'll meet fellow candidates and key staff, and learn about issues relevant to Science doctoral study.
Workshops are held approximately ten times per year. The Doctoral Research Coordinator (DRC) will contact you to register for a session based on your discipline. Please do not attend without registering, as workshop resources are prepared only for confirmed participants.
Once you are enrolled, you may also email the DRC at sciencephd@auckland.ac.nz, including your Name, Student ID, and School/Department.
Please ensure that you attend a Faculty induction workshop within two months of your enrolment.
Faculty Induction Workshops 2026
| Month | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| February | 24, 26 | 9:30 am-12:30pm |
| April | 9 (DClinPsych), 14, 16 | 9:30 am-12:30pm |
| June | 9 | 9:30 am-12:30pm |
| July | 14, 16 | 9:30 am-12:30pm |
| September | 1, 3 | 9:30 am-12:30pm |
| November | 17, 19 | 9:30 am-12:30pm |
Find out more about doctoral events on the Doctoal what's on page.
Doctoral welcome sessions and afternoon tea
The Faculty hosts a welcome afternoon tea for new doctoral candidates four times a year. This event is a great opportunity to meet peers from across the Faculty and learn about support available during your studies.
The 2026 schedule is as follows:
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 March | Doctoral afternoon tea | 3-4pm |
| 7 July | Doctoral afternoon tea | 3-4pm |
| 8 September | Doctoral afternoon tea | 3-4pm |
| 15 December | Faculty of Science doctoral end-of-year afternoon tea | 3-5PM |
Invitations will be sent via email to the Faculty of Science PhD mailing list. For additional information or enquiries, please contact your Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) at sciencephd@auckland.ac.nz.
Supervision
Supervision is the distinctive teaching and learning process used for graduate research education at the University of Auckland and most universities worldwide. Find out more on the candidature essentials page.
Doctoral development
Take advantage of the University's learning and development opportunities that set you up for success in your doctoral journey and beyond. Visit the doctoral development page to find out more.
More information
For more information regarding induction, opportunities, campus life and anything that you may need at the start of your doctoral journey, visit the University's doctoral candidates page.