Application process
Applying for our MA (Thesis) and PhD degrees involves a multi-stage process:
1. Please check that you meet Otago’s MA (Thesis) / PhD entry criteria.
International applicants should compare their GPA with Otago’s entry criteria and ensure they meet the English-language requirements (if applicable).
2. If you meet the entry requirements, you can check our staff page to identify staff member(s) whose expertise aligns with your intended research.
Once you have identified prospective supervisor(s) with relevant expertise, please send them a complete Expression of Interest (EOI), comprising:
- Your transcript(s)
- A brief proposal for your intended research
- An academic CV (including names and contact details of at least two referees)
- A writing sample (e.g., an academic essay, a published article, or a chapter from a previous thesis or dissertation)
Your prospective supervisor(s) will review your EOI and contact you if they are interested in your topic and available for supervision within your intended timeframe.
They may discuss your proposal with you and ask for revisions, and/or request an interview to better understand your background and research intentions, before deciding whether they will be able to supervise your project.
Please note that we receive a very large number of EOIs throughout the year, and only a small percentage of applicants will progress to the next stage. Progression is subject to supervisor availability and suitability, as well as the strength and quality of the EOI.
3. Once you have secured staff endorsement for supervision after a favourable review of your EOI, our Postgraduate Committee will consider your Expression of Interest based on Otago’s entry criteria and the recommendation from your prospective supervisor(s).
4. If accepted by the Postgraduate Committee, you will then be invited to submit a formal application to the University through the eVision system.
Please refer to the section below for scholarship information.
Scholarships
The University of Otago has MA and PhD scholarships that cover fees and living expenses and are available year-round. There are also a number of other scholarships at the university and nationally. These scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants with A or A+ marks are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please visit the Graduate Research School for more information about scholarships.
More information
- Postgraduate information page
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) information page
- Master of Arts (MA) information page
International students
International students can find out more from the International Office.
Contact us
We look forward to guiding you through the application process. If you have any questions, please contact the administrator, Luke Biggs.
Email sgsw.postgradadmin@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 5076