Am I Eligible?

Academic pre-requisites for enrolment in research degrees
Qualifications gained from elsewhere than the University of Waikato
Transferring research from another university
Special Skills
English language proficiency
International students

Academic Pre-Requisites For Research Degrees

Academic Pre-requisites for Research Degrees

To qualify to enrol in a research degree all candidates are expected to have qualified for the award of a bachelors degree with honours or a masters degree, and must have achieved first or second class honours (first division) or distinction; or
(a) have passed qualifying papers at a satisfactory level; or
(b) in exceptional circumstances have produced other evidence to the satisfaction of the Postgraduate Studies Committee that he or she has adequate skills and knowledge to proceed with the proposed research.
Candidates are also expected to be able to demonstrate sufficient research experience and knowledge of research methodology.

Alternatively, a candidate for a PhD or EdD may

have qualified for the degree of Master of Philosophy, or
have enrolled for the degree of Master of Philosophy and during the period of enrolment in that degree demonstrated the ability to transfer to the PhD.

A candidate for an EdD must also

have qualified for the award of a recognized teaching or allied professional qualification and must produce evidence of at least three years of competent service as an education practitioner.

For more information see the Higher Degree Regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar.

Qualifications Gained From Elsewhere Than The University Of Waikato

Qualifications gained elsewhere than the University of Waikato are evaluated for equivalence by the University of Waikato Student and Academic Services Division, (Admissions Section), regardless of whether the person making the application is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or an international student. Original or fully authenticated (in English by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public or solicitor) transcripts and certificates (translated into English if necessary) must accompany the Application to Enrol form. Evaluations, where necessary are arranged by the chief supervisor as part of the application process.

Applications from international students (i.e. those without New Zealand citizenship) must, however, be sent in the first instance to the International Centre, who will arrange for the assessment of overseas qualifications.

Transferring Research Undertaken At Another University

Candidates wishing to transfer research already undertaken at another institution towards a research degree at The University of Waikato must apply to the University using the same enrolment procedures as all new research degree candidates.

Special Skills

Applications for Enrolment must demonstrate (through qualifications already gained) proficiency in research skills and/or such other special skills as are required by the degree programme, e.g., research methodology for statistical analysis. To assist them in undertaking their research, candidates could be required to undertake such course work or study that is necessary to help them gain the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake the research.

English Language Proficiency

It is generally recommended that students whose first language is not English have at least an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, including 6.0 in the Writing Band, or a TOEFL score of 600 overall, with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better. The English language proficiency requirements for admission are at the discretion of the Dean of the Faculty/School concerned and a higher score may be required in some areas of study and research.

In particular, research degree candidates must be able to write grammatically correct English, be able to develop ideas and express them in well-structured, accurate and extended written English. Even in papers where mathematical and scientific symbols are the main means of expression, accurate English is needed. Candidates must be able to read actively and with understanding, finding relevant information, following the structure of narrative and analysing arguments, without undue guidance.

International Students

International students must apply in the first place to the International Centre.