First Enquiries

New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents
English language proficiency
International candidates
Links to Faculty/Schools/departments
Role of Faculty/Schools/departments
Availability of Supervision/Resources

Undertaking research for submission as a thesis is a demanding activity, requiring a high level of academic ability, commitment and stamina. Candidates, therefore, should be certain that they have a deep interest in the topic of the proposed research. They should also have the required knowledge and skills to undertake the research, or undertake such course work or study that is conducive to acquiring the necessary skills.

New Zealand Citizens And Permanent Residents

Candidates must first:

have discussions with the appropriate Faculty/School/department to agree on a supervisory panel and prepare a research proposal
be able to satisfy academic prerequisites and any matters related to residency.

Candidates making enquiries about MPhil, PhD or EdD programmes need sufficient information to make an informed choice of both degree and research area. The Graduate Advisor in the appropriate Faculty/School should be approached for initial advice applicable to the candidate's area of interest. The University's Expert's File is another useful resource. The Postgraduate Studies Office staff are also available to give advice and assistance.

English Language Proficiency

Permanent New Zealand Residents for whom English is a second language should be aware that they might be obliged to satisfy not only the minimum English language proficiency requirements (information here), but also additional proficiencies in skills pertinent to study at a higher level.

All relevant qualifications gained overseas, that are used to determine eligibility for enrolment in the degree, will need to be translated and authenticated in English by an approved agent, such as a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public or solicitor.

International Candidates

An international candidate is one who does not hold a New Zealand passport or permanent residency in New Zealand. International candidates should direct their initial enquiries to the International Centre where they can obtain information and download an International Application to Enrol form and ensure that all the correct paperwork concerning entry to New Zealand, and evaluation of qualifications is completed.

To find out more about an area of research and opportunities for supervision, candidates may visit Faculty/School websites, scan the Expert's File and consult with appropriate Graduate Advisors.

Australian citizens are considered to be New Zealand Permanent Residents.

The French and New Zealand Governments have a cultural agreement which allows postgraduate French exchange students to study in New Zealand and pay domestic tuition fees.

The German and New Zealand Governments have a similar agreement which allows students from Germany to pay domestic tuition fees for postgraduate study if they hold German Academic Exchange Scholarships (DAAD).

Under the agreement with the German Government, German students studying privately in New Zealand at postgraduate level are eligible to pay domestic tuition fees.

For further information please consult the University of Waikato calendar.

Links To Faculty/Schools/Departments

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
School of Education
School of Law
Waikato Management School
School of Maori and Pacific Development
School of Science and Technology

Role Of Faculty/Schools/Departments

The provision of supervision and resources for postgraduate study and research is managed by the Faculty/Schools and departments. They have processes which follow University guidelines but, because they have distinctive academic characteristics, they also have specific policies and requirements which are set out in their own handbooks.

Information is available from each Faculty/School/department about:

areas of specialisation
research resources
specialized skills and areas of expertise of staff
provision of supervision
facilities and resources available to candidates
induction programmmes
enrolment procedures and contact people
the minimum English language requirement
timetables of papers (if applicable)

During discussions with the candidates each Faculty/School will:

check that applicants meet entry requirements. All qualifications other than a recognised New Zealand qualification will be evaluated by the Admissions section of the Student and Academic Services Division
require applicants whose first language is not English to provide a copy of a recent TOEFL (minimum score of 600 with a TWE 5.0) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5 with a 6.0 in the writing band) result slip and such additional evidence as my be needed to satisfy the Faculty/School of their proficiency in the English language
identify and ensure the commitment of suitable supervision, taking into account staff leave provision and other situations that may involve the absence of the potential supervisor
support the student in developing and subsequently approve a preliminary proposal for the programme of studies that meets the requirements of the degree and which can be completed in the time allowed for the qualification within the resources available
forward the completed, signed and Faculty/School-approved Application to Enrol form to the Postgraduate Studies Office

During these initial discussions the candidate and the proposed chief supervisor will work together on the development of an initial research proposal. Developing the proposal during the conditional enrolment phase helps to clarify the nature of the research required and whether the candidate and his/her supervisor can expect to work together productively. Some candidates find it helpful to consult with other enrolled research students. The Postgraduate Students Association can be contacted through its website.

Availibility Of Supervision/Resources

Acceptance and continuation as a candidate for a higher degree is dependent upon two further considerations:

the ability of the University to provide continued expert supervision in the intended area of research, and
available resources for that research

Careful thought should be given to the appointment of supervisors. A stimulating and successful doctoral candidacy depends very much on the creation and maintenance of a good working relationship between candidate and supervisors.