Key Information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months (3–4 years)
- Part-time: 72 months (up to 6 years)
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime.
First day of any month
Language
English
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Credits
360 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Disciplines
Microbiology
Overview
Microbiology is the study of organisms such as algae, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These microorganisms are abundant and diverse, and they affect humans in both negative and positive ways.
Career opportunities
The broad and transferable skills gained from following this he Microbiology course at University of Canterbury 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 Microbiology may take up careers like:
- Manager at a brewery
- Technical Compliance Officer for a food safety company
- Laboratory technician or manager
- Medical laboratory technician at Canterbury Health.
Programme Structure
In the PhD, you will complete a thesis of original research in the Microbiology field
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
General 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 7,092 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 7,092 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Additional Details:
- 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
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship - 25,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship - Various benefits - Deadline: Anytime - Merit-based
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship - 7,000 EUR - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- UC Doctoral Scholarship - 32,000 AUD - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- Brownlie Scholarship - 5,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- UC Master's Scholarship - 14,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities - 14,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program - Various benefits - Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship - 1,000 USD - Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships - 3,500 USD - Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility - Various benefits - Deadline: Not specified - Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship - 1,000 USD - Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 - Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship - 1,000 USD - Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students - 5,000 USD - Deadline: 28 Aug 2026 - Merit-based
- The PhD Prep Fellowship - 10,000 USD - Deadline: 01 Sep 2026 - Merit-based
- Dream Chaser Scholarship - 1,000 USD - Deadline: 13 Jan 2027 - Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities - 3,000 USD - Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - Need-based
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria - Various benefits - Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - Need-based
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship - 1,500 USD - Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - 12,000 USD - Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
