Key Information
- Duration: Full-time: 36 months; Part-time: 72 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: You can apply for and start this programme anytime. First day of any month.
Overview
During the past few decades, the study of biology has undergone rapid change and has had a significant impact on the way we live. We are now able to produce antibiotics and vaccines, grow disease-resistant crops, transplant organs, and manipulate genes. Biologists today are actively researching solutions to vital concerns such as increasing world food supply, improving and protecting our environment, and conquering disease.
Many biological sciences jobs now require collaboration across multiple fields of knowledge. For example climate change requires ecologists, microbiologists, physiologists, geographers, data modellers and many others to work together to understand complex interrelated fields. Being able to work in a team and have a broad science background is important to advance our understanding of these challenges we face. Visit the programme website for more information
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Biological Sciences programme at University of Canterbury have gone on to positions as researchers, managers, teachers and technicians; and diverse other careers in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and medical science, freshwater and marine fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography, entomology, soil biology, and food, brewing, and pharmaceutical industries.
Government agencies frequently target Biological Sciences graduates. Regular employers of our graduates include Crown Research Institutes, government ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture, forestry and health, and regional and local councils.
A Biological Sciences degree indicates you have the ability to access, understand, analyse, and communicate complex information. This is attractive to many employers.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Special Topic: Laboratory Research Project
- Special Topic: Field Research Project
- Research Preparation
- Research Proposal
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Community Ecology
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
International and Domestic: 7,146 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: 1,084-1,668 AUD / month
Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship (University of Canterbury) – Grant: 25,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship (University of Canterbury) – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship (University of Canterbury) – Grant: 7,000 EUR, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- UC Doctoral Scholarship (University of Canterbury) – Grant: 32,000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Brownlie Scholarship (University of Canterbury) – Grant: 5,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- UC Master's Scholarship (University of Canterbury) – Grant: 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (University of Canterbury) – Grant: 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program (U.S. government) – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship (ServiceScape) – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships (ACES Education Fund) – Grant: 3,500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility (OeAD) – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship (IvyPanda) – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship (Voice Talent Online) – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students (educations.com) – Grant: 5,000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026
- The PhD Prep Fellowship (Admit Lab) – Grant: 10,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship (Salvado Law) – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities (Anonymous Hope Fund) – Grant: 3,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Creative BioMart Scholarship Program (Creative BioMart) – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria (Leopold Figl Foundation) – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship (IELTS from 6 to 9) – Grant: 1,500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme (The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme) – Grant: 12,000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
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