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.