World-class research programme at the University of Otago

The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world, and has the highest-possible rating of 5 Stars Plus in the QS global university performance ratings. The University of Otago is a great choice for doctoral study because:

You will be in a world-class research programme, supported by internationally-acclaimed academics, and undertaking cutting-edge research.

We provide innovative and effective professional development programmes to support your research journey, to help you grow as an individual, and to set you up for your chosen career pathway.

We have some of the best PhD completion rates in the world. Over 80% of candidates across the University submit their thesis and the median time to submission is just under 3.5 years.

We have a vibrant international community. Over 70% of our supervisors are either born overseas or achieved their doctorate overseas, and about half of our 1500 doctoral candidates are international. International PhD candidates pay domestic fees, providing they are resident in New Zealand for most of their study (fieldwork overseas is encouraged where appropriate), and if bringing family, children can attend state schools, with no international fees.

You may be able to gain scholarship funding to support your PhD. We offer up to 200 doctoral scholarships annually, and this can support an individual for up to 3 years.

You have an opportunity to get a three-year open work visa after your graduation.

You have the choice of studying on three main campuses. Dunedin is the main campus, and the small city (about 120,000 population) offers a very attractive and affordable lifestyle, with excellent educational and cultural facilities, and set in an amazing coastal environment. The University of Otago, Wellington campus is in the country’s capital, and this campus focuses on Health Sciences. Wellington is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with rugged coastal surroundings and in reach of some beautiful scenery. The University of Otago, Christchurch is also a predominantly Health Science campus, set in one of the country’s most progressive cities. Christchurch also offers an amazing lifestyle, set on the Canterbury Plains, adjacent to lovely coastline and within an hour’s drive of the Southern Alps.

Aim high. Go further with a PhD

Embarking on a PhD or doctorate requires commitment, enthusiasm and the ability to motivate yourself over 3–4 years of hard work. This means that the benefits of gaining such a qualification are many:

• Gain specialist knowledge in your subject area, and work towards becoming an expert in your field
• Achieve the advantage in a competitive job market, in an economy that is becoming increasingly knowledge-based
• Develop transferable skills: problem-solving, critical reasoning
• Learn to think in-depth, and from different angles and perspectives
• Make a positive impact on our society, economy, and the environment, through your research

Find out about Otago’s PhD programme

Find about other doctorates and higher degrees offered at Otago

Find out about our Doctoral Scholarships

How to apply

Learn about the PhD Application Process