New Zealand is renowned for excellence in providing PhD programs, both online and distant learning, along with many other courses. Below is a brief overview of the institutions in New Zealand offering doctoral courses online.
A wish to pursue a PhD and an aspiration to achieve the doctorate are critical and life-changing decisions that elevate your personal growth and earning potential and play a key role in career advancement. But eventually, the decision comes with plenty of factors to consider, like the university to choose from, affiliation, location, programs, and the reputation of the institute as well. While pursuing a doctorate, academic support and mentoring are crucial to fulfilling the course requirements successfully.
Top 8 Universities in New Zealand providing online PhD course
Top 8 institutes in New Zea Land to pursue online PhD courses
1. Dunster Business School

Dunster Business School is among the reputed and premier institutions in New Zealand, which offers online PhD courses in addition to other management disciplines.
The PhD program is devised for students to upgrade skills and the ability to lead and excel in their future endeavors The university offers the program in online mode besides on-campus formats for global outreach as well.
Prominent Aspects
- Online PhD courses available with on-campus facility
- No Entrance test required, like GMAT or GRE
- Project-Based Dissertations
- 100-hour online interactive sessions
- Wide choices for management programs in Accounting, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, technology, etc.
2. Florida Institute of Science and Management

FLISM’s , PhD programs are designed for enthusiasts seeking innovative research and intellectual influence in their chosen fields. At Florida Institute of Science and Management, New Zealand, online PhD course is structured to achieve prominent roles in academics and research institutions and to play a pivotal role in designing corporate strategies and policymaking equally.
Important Aspects:
- Thesis, composition based on real-world projects
- Online PhD courses/doctoral programs in Science, Management, and Administration
- Global networking facility for students for better outreach.
- Tie-ups with universities globally for student networking and other related activities to support students in their research.
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3. Kennedy University

Kennedy University is known for higher education, irrespective of time zone or location barriers across the globe to students with its online PhD courses and other doctoral programs, vastly contributing to honing and developing leadership and research skills. The course structure focuses on the needs of working professionals to enhance their qualifications.
Key Features:
- PhD in Public Health and Social Policy, along with regular courses like Business, Administration, Philosophy, and Media.
- GRE/TOEFL is a must
- Accreditation with Harvard
- Global online presence
- Independent research opportunities with real-world challenges.
- Flexible PhD programs
4. Otago University

Apart from being a student-friendly city, Otago University, New Zealand, has consistently been a high-ranking city for its research in PhD programs and online PhD courses. The university has incorporated specialized online PhD courses alongwith on-campus and part-time programs as well. Located in the beautiful township of Dunedin in New Zealand, it offers academic excellence and a student satisfaction ratio through its vivid PhD programs, which are considered advanced and of a high level.
Highlights:
- Otago University has a top global ranking.
- This university has a central library, which is considered as one of the best in the world.
- Unparalleled teaching techniques, sports amenities, vast study areas, and labs.
- Living stipend of NZD 30000 per annum.
- Online PhD courses along with on campus and part-time facilities for international students.
5. Victoria University of Wellington

Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Wellington University, New Zea Land, can help you with discoveries and acquire new skills from the expert supervision of exemplary academic supervisors. The university offers online PhD courses with options of full-time and part-time study to facilitate international students. VUW’s PhD program supports and encourages independent thesis to reach the apex of their research.
Primary Attributes
- One of the top-ranking universities in the world according to QS rankings
- Offers both offline and online programs alongwith PhD courses also
- No admission without a BA honors or a Master’s with a GPA of at less than 6.
- Students will get a stipend annually in addition to domestic tuition cover for up to three years.
6. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Auckland University, New Zealand is a platter of vibrant diversity, offering unmatched skills and opportunities for the future and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation at the same time. PhD program at AUT offers an opportunity for ideation to contribute to society with the best acquired expertise. The university has online PhD courses along with the choices for both part-time and on-campus programs.
Key Elements:
- Three-year full-time and six-year full-time courses
- Independent research opportunity for students
- Presentation of research papers at seminars and conferences
- Academic support from the best researchers and professors
- Online PhD courses and distant learning facilities are also available along with on-campus programs.
7. Waikato University

The University of Waikato stands out with its small classroom capacity to cater to a niche segment of students pursuing PhD programs by award-winning lecturers, makes it stand out as a preferred choice for doctoral programs. Waikato University offers online PhD courses in their specific campuses of Hamilton and Tauranga.
Key Elements while considering online Phd course at this university :
- PhD Program with structural support during the entire research under the supervision of two supervisors.
- Programs like a PhD in law and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) are both offered online and through distance learning.
- Specialized research institutes.
- Flexible application process.
- Online PhD courses in addition to regular and part-time programs.
8. Canterbury University

UC stands out for teaching beyond classrooms with its multifaceted techniques. With 70 disciplines, UC offers online PhD courses in addition to both regular and part-time courses as well. Students for PhD programs are provided complete structural and academic support with scholarships, access to their elite research centres.
Key features:
- Worldwide Q5 ranking
- Flagship research centres – Bio-molecular institute, Geo-spatial research institute, QuakeCore, etc.
- Engagement opportunities through seminars
- Research-only degree under the supervision of two mentors.
- Online PhD courses are available in addition to distant learning and On campus programs.
Conclusion
While some universities are offering full-time and part-time programs, some are also open for an online courses. Many universities are providing the option of 12 months of distance learning and the remaining course on campus as well. It is therefore, advisable and recommended to review the programs offered and how well they are aligned with your requirements.
FAQ’S
Q 1. What is the eligibility requirement for a PhD program in New Zealand?
Ans. The following are the main criteria for admission :
Amidst the abudance of world champions, rank holder universities, it is difficult to choose the right University to pursue a PhD in New Zealand. So, it is always a wise decision to first decide upon your requirements of course, location, budget, and mode of learning.
- A Master’s degree with a proposal for intended research and study
- An approved supervisor at the chosen university
- Proficiency in the English language
- Proof of experience in research, like a thesis or published paper
2. What would be the monetary liability for a PhD in New Zealand?
Ans. Financials always depend on the university fees, location of stay and food, and transport facilities. Online PhD course in New Zealand is less expensive as compared to regular courses.
- The tuition fees depends on the university’s offered programs and duration. But a tentative figure would be from NZD 6500 to NZD.
- Total living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, would be around NZD 15000 TO 20000 per annum.
- Mandatory Health Insurance for international students will be approximately. NZD 600-700 Per annum.
3. Do the universities offer scholarships?
Ans. Yes, many universities in New Zealand provide scholarships to student’s support.
- New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS): This involves tuition fees and a living stipend of NZD 25000 per annum, plus health insurance for three years.
- Many universities have their own criteria for scholarships depending on the program. Even students pursuing online PhD course are also eligible for scholarships.
4. Can a PhD student opt for a regular job while still studying ?
Ans. Yes, it is indeed possible for a PhD student to work while undergoing a program, but that entirely depends on Work Rights under a student visa. Many universities allow student to opt for regular jobs while completing their research to help them inculcate facts in their work. There is also an option for a STUDY visa upon completion of the program.
6. What is the process for applying to a PhD program in New Zealand?
Ans. To pursue a PhD program in New Zealand, the process involves :
- Acquiring a mentor or supervisor whose research interests are in line with your chosen subject.
- Arranging documents for the application, which includes a proposal for research, transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency, to be submitted online through the university’s proposal system.
- The university will update via an offer to enroll if your application is accepted.