Applications for PhD study and scholarships can be received at any time, and it is also possible to start your doctoral study at any time during the year.
PhD study at Otago requires previous substantial research experience at Honours or Masters level. To study towards a PhD within the Department of Food Science, would usually require you to have a Food Science related background in your previous studies.
Before you apply
All intending PhD candidates should familiarise themselves with the Applying for PhD Study section of the Otago University website which gives information on the Academic requirements, the PhD Application process and PhD scholarships for PhD study within the University.
However, before you make a formal application you will need to be initially assessed by our Postgraduate Administrator and find a Supervisor within our Food Science department.
Finding a supervisor
As a potential research student, you need to be well-prepared, and show initiative and aptitude.
Prior to application, you need to find a supervisor and confirm a project or area of study with them. To do this you must:
- Find an area you are interested in on the Department Research Themes page or follow the links to the staff members individual profile pages to view their specific areas of expertise.
- First contact should be made with the Postgraduate Administrator at foodscience.office@otago.ac.nz. Explaining your area of interest and staff members that you may want as Supervisors. Please include your C.V, educational transcripts and contact details of two academic referees.
- Once the Postgraduate Administrator has assessed your initial email and information sent, only then will your details be passed on to the relevant academics and they will contact you for further information if they wish to proceed further or the Postgraduate Administrator will inform you that your enquiry has been unsuccessful.
Applying for PhD study
Your potential Supervisor(s) will contact you to discuss a Research proposal and arrange an interview (this is usually through Skype). Once a department informally accepts your project, you will be invited by your Supervisor to make a formal application for PhD admission. Note that it is also possible to apply for a scholarship to support your studies as part of the application process.
Make A formal application for PhD study
Apply online following the Otago University PhD Application process. Required documents, including a scholarship application form, may be uploaded as part of this process. You will need to provide:
- Original or certified copies of all tertiary-level academic transcripts and grading schemes
- Curriculum Vitae
- Preliminary research outline
- An agreed start date
Processing of PhD and Scholarship applications may take several weeks. Once your application has been considered by the Graduate Research Committee and, if applicable, the Scholarships Committee, the Doctoral and Scholarships Office or the International Office will contact you to inform you of the Committee's decision(s).
Stay in touch
Please remain in contact with your supervisor, you can also contact our Postgraduate Administrator for any queries regarding your application.
- If you have further queries about the PhD admission process, please contact the Doctoral and Scholarships Office, email phd@otago.ac.nz.
- The Doctoral and Scholarships Office can also help with PhD scholarship enquiries, email scholarships@otago.ac.nz.
- For queries about the international admission process, please contact the International Office; email international.admissions@otago.ac.nz
Current or returning students
- Re-enrolment for Returning Doctoral Candidates
- Human Ethics Committee
- PhD Progress Reporting
- PhD Submission
- The PhD Examination Process
- PhD Administrative forms and Processes
Resources
- PhD Handbook
- Tuition Fees Guide
- Graduate Research School
- Journeys of Discovery
- Thinking of Otago? - Information for prospective students