International Relations

Our School has a thriving research culture and our postgraduate community is valued and supported. Collegiality is encouraged through strong interaction between staff and students. Practical support is offered by way of seminars, discussion groups and conferences. There is also a retreat run for and by Philosophy Postgraduate students and an annual History Postgraduate Conference run by History postgraduate students. Postgraduate students are actively encouraged to present their research at academic conferences. Financial assistance may be available from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) Research Grant.

The First Year

If you undertake a PhD at Victoria, you will spend the first six to twelve months writing a full research proposal. During this time, you will be 'provisionally registered' for the degree. Once your proposal is approved, you will be fully registered and may proceed with your research and the writing of your thesis.

Coursework

At Victoria, the PhD does not normally entail coursework. There is, however, provision for you to do some coursework during provisional registration to support your research. You won't pay extra fees.

Submission and Examination

You will be expected to submit your thesis for examination within three to four years. Your thesis will then be read by three expert examiners. You will also be required to defend your thesis in an oral examination which you are expected to attend in person, in Wellington.

Requirements

• Have obtained a first or second class pass in an Honours or Master's degree (this degree need not be in the subject area of your proposed research)
• Or be able to produce evidence of adequate training and ability.
• International students will be expected to have equivalent qualifications to those required of New Zealand students.
• TOEFL 575 with (preferably) a TWE of 5, or 237 on the computer-based test; or 90 on the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing; or
• IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6; or
• CAE grade B; or
• A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme test.
• A 2000-word sample of your academic writing in English
• Copies of your academic transcript/s and degree certificates
• A copy of your Diploma Supplement (applicants from EU countries only)

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Victoria Doctoral Scholarships 
• Lady Stout Bursary
• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
• Victoria Doctoral Hardship Scholarship
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) Research Grant.