Apply

Apply now to do a doctoral research degree at New Zealand’s top-ranked university for research intensity, located in beautiful and vibrant Wellington city.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has researchers of national and international repute, and our location in New Zealand’s capital city allows our doctoral students the opportunity to collaborate with partners in Government, the public sector, and science and technology organisations.

Apply for a Masters by Thesis

For information about available Masters degrees and their requirements you can explore our Master's programmes webpage.

You will find the application form, and instructions for applying and submitting your form, on your degree page.

Information for new international students can be found here or on the Wellington University International webpage.

If you are unable to enroll online please contact fgr-enquiries@vuw.ac.nz.

Apply for a PhD

You can apply to do a PhD or Doctor of Musical Arts at any time, but we only consider applications three times each year—the deadlines are 1 March, 1 July, and 1 November. Applications for the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Health, Doctor of Nursing, and Doctor of Midwifery are considered once each year—the deadline is 1 November.

We strongly advise that you start your application as early as possible. If you haven’t completed your application by 4.30 pm (NZ time) on the day of the deadline, you will need to reapply in the following round.

How to apply

Our step-by-step guide will help you apply for a PhD or professional doctorate at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

International students

Information for international students about tuition fees, English language requirements, and what you need to know about moving to New Zealand.

Our doctorates

We award three different types of doctoral degrees—the PhD, five professional doctorates in education, health and music, and Higher Doctorates.

Doing a PhD with us

Find out a bit more about our PhD programme, including options for multidisciplinary research, the doctoral timeline, your thesis, and working while studying.

Fees, funding, and scholarships

Find out how much a doctorate will cost and how you can support your studies with grants and scholarships, including the Wellington Doctoral Scholarships.

Postgraduate coordinators

Postgraduate coordinators are based in the University's schools and centres, and can help you explore options for projects and supervisors.

Starting your doctorate

Find out when and how you'll enrol and start your PhD or professional doctorate.