PhD in Astronomy

Overview

Astronomers have always been keen to harness the latest technological advances in their quest for ever more precise and revealing observations. As a consequence, astronomy in recent years has been one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences and many exciting and unexpected discoveries continue to be made.

Career opportunities

Students in the Astronomy course offered at University of Canterbury acquire a wide range of skills, from the use of spectroscopic and photometric detector systems (and the analysis of the data obtained), through electronics and optics, to computer skills for analysis and interpretation of data. This produces a graduate who is well equipped to undertake employment not only in astronomy, but in any number of fields that require practical experience or that involve analysis of real data. Visit the programme website for more information

Studying Physics and Astronomy equips graduates with skills in problem solving, abstract thinking, evaluating, communicating, and decision making. It develops high levels of curiosity, inventiveness, and mathematical and computer competencies.

Graduates may follow traditional paths and work either as scientists, technicians, research assistants, engineers, astronomers, patent agents, technical authors, or even managers at an observatory or in an institute. However, many Astronomy graduates move into other fields, particularly computing and information technology, management, and science communication or media work. With some additional study, graduates can become meteorologists, geophysicists, material technologists, or medical physicists.

Programme structure

Courses include:

• Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
• The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies
• Astronomy Literature Review
• Astronomy Research Project

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

• International: 7,120 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
• Domestic: 7,120 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: 1,080-1,662 AUD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Scholarships

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy.

• Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship – Merit-based, 25,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship – Merit-based, Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime (University of Canterbury)
• Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship – Merit-based, 7,000 EUR, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• UC Doctoral Scholarship – Merit-based, 32,000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• Brownlie Scholarship – Merit-based, 5,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• Dennis William Moore Fund – Merit-based, Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime (University of Canterbury)
• B G Wybourne Scholarship in Physics or Astronomy – Merit-based, 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• UC Master's Scholarship – Merit-based, 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Merit-based, 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified (University of Canterbury)
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Independent provider, Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
• ServiceScape Scholarship – Independent provider, 1,000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
• ACES Scholarships – Independent provider, 3,500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
• Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – Merit-based, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation)
• $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – Merit-based, 1,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 (IvyPanda)
• Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Independent provider, 1,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
• Women Scholarship for International Students – Merit-based, 5,000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026 (educations.com)
• The PhD Prep Fellowship – Merit-based, 10,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026 (Admit Lab)
• Dream Chaser Scholarship – Merit-based, 1,000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027 (Salvado Law)
• Scholarship for students with disabilities – Need-based, 3,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 (Anonymous Hope Fund)
• Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Need-based, Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
• The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – Independent provider, 1,500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
• Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – Independent provider, 12,000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027