Why New Zealand is the perfect place to study for your PhD
If you’re thinking of taking that next big step in your academic journey and starting a PhD, New Zealand might just be the perfect place for you. New Zealand offers world-class doctoral research opportunities, a laid-back lifestyle and a welcoming, supportive community that truly understands the challenges and joys of postgraduate study.
An environment that prioritises wellbeing.
Studying for a PhD can be intense. There’s always that thought in your head that you should be doing more work but it’s important to have a healthy balance between your work and your personal wellbeing. New Zealand is famous for its natural beauty, wide-open spaces and opportunities to get close to nature. Here you can really switch off and do all the things outside of your work that will bring your life back into balance.
Whether you’re taking a quick surf before your morning lab session, hiking through lush native bush on the weekend, or simply enjoying a coffee on the beach, you’ll soon discover that New Zealand is a country for living well. New Zealanders value their excellent work/life balance, and that mindset creates a more productive research environment.
“I really appreciate New Zealand values and the active lifestyle that is promoted here. This helped me when I needed to destress as I quickly realised that a brisk walk, surf or run would help me recalibrate and balance my lab life with the outdoors. I joined several clubs including the Massey University Handball team to meet new people.” Akashdeep Beniwal from India.
Finding sustainable ways to feed the world has long been Akashdeep Beniwal’s dream. It was New Zealand’s reputation for taking sustainable technologies from idea to reality and our world-renowned dairy industry that was the driving force for Akashdeep’s decision to undertake his PhD at Massey University. Through his research, Akashdeep is now playing an integral role in shaping the future of our food.
Globally recognised research that opens doors
New Zealand is home to eight universities where you can pursue your research passion, explore new opportunities, and have a life experience like no other.
All of New Zealand’s universities are ranked in the top 2% in the world by QS World University Rankings.
A PhD from New Zealand is respected around the world, identifying you as an expert in your field. Whether you’re studying marine biology, sustainable agriculture, tech innovation or social sciences, you’ll have access to cutting-edge labs, supportive supervisors and an academic community that is truly invested in your success.
“I wanted to do my PhD with the best. I chose the University of Otago in New Zealand for its top global ranking and academic excellence.” Rakesh Banerjee from India.
Rakesh is in his final year of his PhD at the Chatterjee Lab (Department of Pathology). His work focuses on investigating methylation changes using CRISPR gene editing technology. He is also the International Student Ambassador for the University of Otago.
Skills that go beyond the lab
Studying and living in New Zealand can be life changing. You’ll learn so much more about yourself and develop important skills that will take you as far as you want to go. New Zealand’s unique teaching style encourages innovation and fresh thinking. Throughout your programme, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, learn how to solve problems and become more confident in your own abilities. You won’t be just writing a thesis — you’ll be preparing for a career where your ideas and how you communicate them really matter.
Affordable fees for International PhD students
One of the many things that surprise international PhD students is the cost.
PhD students in New Zealand pay the same as domestic students.
As well as reasonably priced tuition fees you’ll also have access to full scholarship PhD programmes helping to reduce financial pressure and keep you focused on your research. You’ll be supported all the way with student support services, research mentors and peer networks — all there to guide and support you in your PhD journey.
“My partner and I had a baby and juggling everything almost became too much. The saying that it takes a village to help raise a child is so true, and my village included my Associate Professor, research fellows and team, and the university’s international department. They rallied around me and helped me find a solution that allowed me to be there for my daughter while also completing my thesis.” Dr Jiménez from Mexico.
Dr Jiménez grew up on Mexico’s west coast and saw that a lot of the seafood that his community relied on, was often not safe to eat due to waste contaminants and toxins in the fish, shrimp, and shellfish. Ensuring that his daughter and future generations have access to kai moana (seafood) that is safe to eat has been the inspiration of Dr Balam Jiménez’s research at Victoria University of Wellington and now his start-up company, Tonalli Moana.
A warm welcome wherever you go
Manaakitanga comes from Māori culture (the indigenous peoples of New Zealand) and means hospitality, kindness and care for others. It’s a key part of New Zealand’s national identity and something international students really notice when they come here.
You’ll be welcomed not just into your university but into communities where people genuinely want to help you settle in, connect with others and enjoy everything the country has to offer.
As one student put it:
“We found the people here to be very kind and generous with their time which helped us settle in. I also really appreciate New Zealand values and the active lifestyle that’s promoted here.”
Ready to start your PhD journey?
Living abroad and studying in a foreign country can be challenging but it can also come with many benefits. In New Zealand you’ll gain an internationally recognised degree and enjoy an unbeatable lifestyle. New Zealand offers international PhD students:
- Globally respected universities
- A laid-back lifestyle with space to breathe
- A warm, welcoming culture that values work/life balance
- Affordable fees
- Scholarship opportunities
- Transferable skills that will set you apart in any job market
About the contributors
Related content
Take the next step
Sign up to learn more and stay up to date with the latest information on studying with New Zealand.