Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting February 2027 — Apply before Nov 2026
- Starting May 2027 — Apply before Feb 2027
- Starting July 2027 — Apply before Apr 2027
- Starting October 2027 — Apply before Jul 2027
Applications received after the application date will be considered on a case-by-case basis otherwise the application will be held over for the subsequent start date.
Language
English
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Credits
360 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Auckland, New Zealand
- North Shore, New Zealand
- Manukau, New Zealand
Offered at multiple locations, but you can enroll in only one. Apply to your chosen location.
Disciplines
Philosophy, General Studies
Overview
The Philosophy programme from Auckland University of Technology is suitable for students who want to pursue an academic or research career, or a senior position in the public or private sector.
Doctoral studies present you with the opportunity to generate new ideas that can benefit business and society. You will make a significant original contribution to knowledge and understanding in your field of study and meet recognised international standards for your work.
Career opportunities:
- The opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you gain through a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are extensive, and AUT PhD graduates move on to exciting careers both within and outside academia.
- Alternatively, your research topic may lead you to a position of expertise in your chosen field.
- The opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you gain through a PhD will be extensive, both in industry and academia.
Academic careers
- The research methods, writing and knowledge dissemination skills you gain through a PhD are an excellent grounding for the teaching and research requirements of an academic career.
- Many PhD graduates move on to postdoctoral research fellowships or lectureships as a pathway into academia.
Programme Structure
Stage 1
- You put together a proposal that critically reviews work done in your area of research. This requires a suitable research methodology and a timeframe for completion of the degree.
Stage 2
- Once you have completed your research proposal, you refine your design, collect data and conduct your research as appropriate.
- Data is collected and analysed and the results are published at international conferences. A journal publication is also encouraged at this point.
Stage 3
- The first step in the final stage of the PhD is finalising the data collection and analysis. You then write your PhD thesis and submit it to the supervisor for feedback. It could take two or three drafts before the thesis is ready for submission and examination.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements — General requirements
Must normally have completed the following in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research:
- Master’s degree with honours OR
- Bachelor’s degree with honours (equivalent to 4 years of study)
- The degree must normally have been gained at the standard of first class or second class (first division) honours from this University or a recognised equivalent.
- The degree should include advanced learning in research, execution of a research project and a written report on the research.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 37,209 AUD / year (≈ 46,100 NZD / year)
- Domestic: 6,782 AUD / year (≈ 8,402 NZD / year)
Additional Details
National: $9,623.60 (for 120 points)
International: $47,321.60 (for 120 points)
Living costs — Auckland, New Zealand
1,130-1,776 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding — Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy. In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- AUT Doctoral Scholarships — Grant 34737 NZD, Deadline 01 Nov 2026, Merit-based (Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand)
- New Zealand AUT-NCUK Scholarships — Grant 10000 NZD, Deadline 26 Sep 2026, Merit-based (Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand)
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant Various benefits, Deadline 07 Oct 2026 (U.S. government)
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 30 Nov 2026 (ServiceScape)
- ACES Scholarships — Grant 3500 USD, Deadline 15 Nov 2026 (ACES Education Fund)
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant Various benefits, Deadline Not specified, Merit-based (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based (IvyPanda)
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 01 Mar 2027 (Voice Talent Online)
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based (Salvado Law)
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant 3000 USD, Deadline 31 Dec 2026, Need-based (Anonymous Hope Fund)
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Grant Various benefits, Deadline 31 Dec 2026, Need-based (Leopold Figl Foundation)
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant 1500 USD, Deadline Not specified (IELTS from 6 to 9)
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant 12000 USD, Deadline 11 Jan 2027 (The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme)