A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a high-level degree available at the University of Otago. PhD degrees give you the freedom to undertake advanced research in a range of subject areas and specialties. Each have their own admission criteria.
To apply for PhD study at the University of Otago, you will first need to find a supervisor and a department, and then make a formal application.
Following acceptance, you will enrol for study. Enrolment is the administrative process which makes you a University of Otago student.
Enrolment for first year PhD study is part of the admission application and will be actioned after you have been admitted. You will need to re-enrol for each calendar year.
You must submit a thesis (of up to 100,000 words) prepared under supervision.
The degree takes a minimum of three years of equivalent full–time study to complete, with most students typically submitting their thesis between three and four years. Your progress will be regularly monitored and supported during your PhD.
Your thesis is marked by three examiners (usually one from overseas, one from within New Zealand, and one internal University of Otago examiner), and an oral examination.
Further information
Academic requirements for PhD admission
Graduate Research School—PhD programme
PhD application process
PhD digital handbook
For information on how to appoint an external supervisor, see:
Guidelines for appointing External Supervisors of doctoral candidate (PDF 46KB)