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.
More details: First day of any month
Language
English
Credits
360 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Disciplines
Environmental Sciences
Overview
The Environmental Science degree at University of Canterbury builds on a strong disciplinary base in major subjects such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, or Physics, with additional relevant study in areas including Antarctic Studies, Forestry Science, Water Science and Management, Mathematics, Science, and Statistics.
Career opportunities
Environmental Science is a growth area for employment. Well-educated people with strong technical and communication skills are needed to help identify, to monitor, and to contribute to solving a variety of problems associated with the environment and with the use and allocation of resources and sustainability.
Visit the programme website for more information
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Geology
- Water Resources Management
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
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.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 7,085 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
- Domestic: 7,085 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: 1,075-1,653 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Environmental Science.
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship — 25000 NZD, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship — Various benefits, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Anytime
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship — 7000 EUR, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Doctoral Scholarship — 32000 AUD, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- Brownlie Scholarship — 5000 NZD, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship — 14000 NZD, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities — 14000 NZD, University of Canterbury, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Various benefits, U.S. government, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — 1000 USD, ServiceScape, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — 3500 USD, ACES Education Fund, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Various benefits, OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation, Merit-based, Deadline: Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — 1000 USD, IvyPanda, Merit-based, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — 1000 USD, Voice Talent Online, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- The PhD Prep Fellowship — 10000 USD, Admit Lab, Merit-based, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — 1000 USD, Salvado Law, Merit-based, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — 3000 USD, Anonymous Hope Fund, Need-based, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — 1500 USD, IELTS from 6 to 9, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — 12000 USD, The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
