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Top Universities for PhD Study in New Zealand in 2026
Written by Hannah Slack
New Zealand may only have eight universities, but their quality means the country is perhaps the only one to have its entire education system represented in all three of the main global rankings. And with the help of government support, international students will be please to find out that they will pay the same PhD fees and New Zealand citizens.
We’ve collected the latest rankings data to show you just how well New Zealand universities compare internationally.
| University | THE 2025 | QS 2025 | ARWU 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | =152 | 65 | 201-300 |
| University of Otago | 351-400 | 214 | 401-500 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 401-500 | 412 | - |
| Lincoln University | 501-600 | =371 | - |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 401-500 | 244 | 401-500 |
| University of Waikato | 401-500 | 235 | 801-900 |
| University of Canterbury | 501-600 | =261 | 401-500 |
| Massey University | 501-600 | =239 | 801-900 |
| Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. | |||
So, how good are New Zealand universities for PhD study?
Aside from international students not paying higher fees, New Zealand is renowned for its unique research projects in subjects such as Ecology and Anthropology.
The country is also considered the one of the most peaceful in the world, creating a safe and welcoming environment for new students.
Rankings for PhD study can be a little different. For a full overview of how the system works, and how to make the most of it, make sure to check out our guide to PhD rankings.
Search for a PhD in New Zealand
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse PhDs in New Zealand on FindAPhD.com or read our guide to studying a PhD in New Zealand.
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Hannah Slack
Hannah worked at FindAPhD as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.
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