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.

New international students have a different application process and cannot apply using this online system. First-year international students should apply through Wellington University International.

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.