Careers
Graduates of the Cellular and Molecular Biology programme offered at University of Canterbury work in civil society organisations and for government agencies providing expertise to maximise the benefits of genetic technologies while minimising risk. Visit the programme website for more information
The broad and transferable skills gained from following this pathway open up many career options, many of which may include some component of laboratory work such as culturing micro-organisms, sequencing DNA, identifying species.
Graduates who specialise in Molecular/Micro Biology and Systematics may take up careers like:
- Genetic Services Specialist at PIC
- Laboratory technician
- Laboratory manager
- Biotechnology technician
- Plant breeder.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Research Preparation
- Research Proposal
- Applied and Molecular Microbiology
- Dynamics of Microbiological Interactions
- Plant Developmental Biology and Biotechnology
- Marine Biology and Ecology
Check out the full curriculum
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).
Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Visit programme website
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
- International: 7,092 AUD / year ≈ 8,570 NZD / year
- Domestic: 7,092 AUD / year ≈ 8,570 NZD / year
The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.
International and national students: $8,570 - $10,321 (subject-dependent) per 120 points
Living costs
Christchurch, New Zealand: 1,076-1,655 AUD / month
Funding
Scholarships:
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship — 25000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship — Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship — 7000 EUR, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Doctoral Scholarship — 32000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- Brownlie Scholarship — 5000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Master's Scholarship — 14000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities — 14000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026, U.S. government
- ServiceScape Scholarship — 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students — 5000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026
- The PhD Prep Fellowship — 10000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Creative BioMart Scholarship Program — 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
