Careers
Postgraduate study in Philosophy prepares students for careers in academia, law, journalism, consulting, government, and public policy.
Graduates with a postgraduate degree in Philosophy develop excellent critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.
Programme Structure
Course includes:
- Ethics and Health
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Philosophical Landmarks
- Meaning, Mind, and the Nature of Philosophy
- Bioethics
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
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship – Grant: 25,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship – Grant: 7,000 EUR, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Doctoral Scholarship – Grant: 32,000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- Brownlie Scholarship – Grant: 5,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Master's Scholarship – Grant: 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Grant: 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, University of Canterbury
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026, U.S. government
- ServiceScape Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026, ServiceScape
- ACES Scholarships – Grant: 3,500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026, ACES Education Fund
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based, OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based, IvyPanda
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027, Voice Talent Online
- Women Scholarship for International Students – Grant: 5,000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026, Merit-based, educations.com
- The PhD Prep Fellowship – Grant: 10,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026, Merit-based, Admit Lab
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based, Salvado Law
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – Grant: 3,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based, Anonymous Hope Fund
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based, Leopold Figl Foundation
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – Grant: 1,500 USD, Deadline: Not specified, IELTS from 6 to 9
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – Grant: 12,000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027, The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
