Students sitting and studying in a bright atrium with a large ‘I AM’ mural on the wall.

Study with us

At Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you can join a vibrant, globally connected research community where curiosity drives impact.

Make a difference through research

Our research degrees offer the opportunity to work alongside world‑leading academics, access cutting‑edge facilities, and engage deeply with the unique intellectual, cultural, and environmental strengths of Aotearoa New Zealand’s capital city. Whether you want to advance knowledge, shape policy, innovate with industry, or contribute to real-world benefits for your community, you’ll be supported by a university committed to excellence, diversity, and real‑world change.
Types of postgraduate studyDoctor of Philosophy – PhDMaster's by research

Explore our research areas and qualifications

We foster multidisciplinary research as well as postgraduate research in single areas, with research qualifications in over 120 subject areas. You can explore our specialist subjects and find more about our experts, qualifications and the school or faculty.
Explore our research areasExplore our postgraduate subjects
Two students wearing high visability orange vests and hard hats, stand outside on a hill with wind turbines in the background, and look at a laptop together.

Find a supervisor

  • Apply for a PhD or other doctorate

    You can apply for these degrees through our Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) who support all our doctorate and research Master's students and ensure your experience is a positive one. Applications are considered in 1 March, 1 July and 1 November each year.

  • Apply for other postgraduate qualifications

    You can apply other postgraduate qualifications—such as an Honours or Master's degree, certificate or diploma—via Pūaha, our student portal. Check the individual qualification you're interested in to find out when you need to apply.

  • Scholarships

    We offer a wide range of scholarships to help talented research students focus on their studies, access new opportunities, and thrive throughout their postgraduate journey. Applications for Wellington Doctoral Scholarships close on 1 March, 1 July, and 1 November.

  • Funding your study

    We provide a range of information on fees for domestic and international students and options for financial support while you study if you are a current student, or if you are thinking about coming to study with us.

Meet 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
A PhD candidate in biotechnology examining a plant.

Te Here Tāura Rangahau Faculty of Graduate Research

Our team is here to help make your experience postgraduate research student positive and fulfilling.

Talk to us about enrolling in your doctoral or masters thesis programme, doctoral applications or the doctoral application process, doctoral scholarships, the submission or examination of theses, and learning and development opportunities.