#1 for research intensity
Study for a research Master’s or doctoral degree at New Zealand’s number one university for intensity of high-quality research.
Applications for PhD admission are considered three times a year—apply by 1 March, 1 July, or 1 November. For the application dates of our research Master’s and other doctoral degrees, check the individual qualifications.
Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
Applications for Wellington Doctoral Scholarships close on 1 March, 1 July, and 1 November. There are also many other scholarships available to postgraduate and doctoral students.
Explore scholarships
Research degrees
We offer research Master’s and a PhD in over 120 subject areas, as well as other specialist doctoral degrees.
Explore Research qualifications
Research areas
We foster multidisciplinary research as well as postgraduate research in single areas. Explore research areas by one or more faculties.
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Architecture and design
The Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation is a leading centre for research in architecture, building science and design in New Zealand.
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Arts and humanities
Be part of the vibrant and stimulating culture of arts and humanities research in the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
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Business and government
Research at Wellington School of Business and Government contributes to more effective government policy and better business practice throughout New Zealand.
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Education
Research in the Wellington Faculty of Education is focused on improving policy and practice across the education sector.
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Engineering
Complete your research degree at the Wellington Faculty of Engineering—join a school with an international reputation in computer and electronic engineering.
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Health
The Wellington Faculty of Health provides innovation in health teaching and research, with the aim of improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
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Law
Join the law school ranked top in New Zealand for the quality of its research, and study in the heart of the capital city’s legal and political district.
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Social sciences
Research is at the heart of the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences—explore new ideas and challenge old ones, to contribute to a better world.
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Science
Join one of New Zealand’s top research institutions—at the Wellington Faculty of Science you’ll be part of a lively environment fostering world-leading research
Stay updated
Sign up to receive updates about our research Master's and doctoral degrees.
Sign upPostgraduate information evenings
Come along to a postgraduate information evening. Get advice about choosing programmes and career pathways, and explore your research interests.
See what's onMeet our research students
Hear from students who are part of our vibrant research community. Get a taste of the exciting and worthwhile research they are doing and find out why Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington was their number one choice.
Read their stories
How to apply
Find out how to apply to become a research student—the process you’ll follow depends on the research degree you’re applying for, but you’ll be able to apply online.
Instead of just learning how a cell works we were learning how you could change a cell to solve a problem. The labs were much more research focused, doing something no one else had done before.
Alistair Brown
PhD student in Biotechnology
Research student storiesContact us
Faculty of Graduate Research
The Faculty of Graduate Research oversees all doctoral degrees at Victoria University of Wellington and supports candidates in their research.