Studying abroad is like a dream come true for many aspiring Indian students. Every Indian student dreams once in their lifetime to study overseas. Not only are they inspired by their culture but also by the quality of education offered by prestigious universities abroad. Be it Canada, the USA, Ireland, or New Zealand, these countries rank at the top of the student priority list. Talking about New Zealand, this country offers the best and top study courses with its prestigious universities. Indian students willing to pursue their higher education can study PhD in New Zealand without GRE.
New Zealand, being a top destination for aspiring Indian students, has so much to offer them. In simple words, New Zealand has emerged as a top destination for international students, especially students from India. One primary reason New Zealand attracts Indian students for their PhD admissions is that no GRE is required for PhD in New Zealand for Indians. So, let’s understand every detail of GRE-Free PhD Programs in New Zealand.

What is the GRE all about?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a test that many countries ask for, mainly when you apply to master’s or PhD programs. This test examines how a candidate is in maths, reading, and analytical writing. GREs are still required in some of the programs, but many universities, including those in New Zealand, don’t need them for PhD admissions, making the process a bit simple and easy.
Why Study PhD in New Zealand Without GRE?
New Zealand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for higher education, especially for Indian students. Apart from not requiring the GRE test, this country offers several advantages to Indian students, such as:
World-Class Universities: New Zealand has eight top-notch universities, all ranking in the top 3% globally. Universities such as the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington are termed the prestigious universities of New Zealand.
No GRE Requirement: The primary benefit for Indian students getting into PhD programs in New Zealand is that this country does not require GRE scores for PhD admissions. Instead of the GRE score, institutions in New Zealand focus on students’ academic qualifications, research proposals, and relevant experience.
Affordable Tuition and Living Costs: Indian students applying for PhD in New Zealand without GRE benefit greatly from the university. From tuition fees to the cost of living, PhD students here benefit in every sphere.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD in New Zealand without GRE For Indian Students

To study PhD in New Zealand without GRE, Indian students must meet certain eligibility criteria mentioned below.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic performance.
- Have a research supervisor who agrees to guide the PhD research.
- Proof of English language proficiency through IELTS (generally 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL.
How to Apply for a PhD in New Zealand Without GRE?
- Identify your research interests and ensure they align with the expertise of faculty members at your target universities.
- Connect with professors whose research matches your interests.
- Create a detailed proposal highlighting your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- These may include your academic details, CV, letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal.
- Apply directly through the university’s online portal, ensuring all required documents are uploaded.
Note – Some international universities conduct interviews to assess candidate suitability for the PhD program.
GRE-Free PhD Programs in New Zealand
Many universities in New Zealand offer PhD programs without requiring the GRE. Instead, they focus on academic qualifications, research experience, and the quality of the research proposal. Here are some of the top GRE-free PhD programs in New Zealand:

University | Programs | Requirements | Scholarship |
University of Auckland | Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Business | Master’s degree, research proposal, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and acceptance by a supervisor | University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships |
University of Otago | Humanities, Health Sciences, Business, and Science | Academic transcripts, research proposal, and supervisor approval | University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships |
Victoria University of Wellington | Arts, Education, Engineering, Health, Science, Law, and Business. | Master’s degree or equivalent, research proposal, and academic references. | Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | Business, Law, Creative Technologies, Health Sciences, Engineering | Research proposal, English proficiency, and alignment with a research supervisor | AUT Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarships |
Massey University | Agriculture, Business, Engineering, Humanities, Sciences, and Creative Arts. | Relevant master’s degree, research proposal, English proficiency | Massey University Doctoral Scholarships |
University of Canterbury | Engineering, Science, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. | Master’s degree, research proposal, English language test scores | UC Doctoral Scholarships |
Lincoln University | Agriculture, Environmental Science | Research proposal, academic qualifications, and supervisor agreement | Lincoln University Doctoral Scholarships |
Conclusion
Pursuing PhD in New Zealand without GRE is an excellent opportunity for Indian students. New Zealand’s education system, research opportunities, and supportive visa policies make it a preferable destination because no GRE is required for Indian students pursuing PhD in New Zealand. So, if you plan to study in New Zealand, this is the right time.
Click here to learn more about the GRE Exam.
FAQs
Do students need GRE scores to apply for a PhD in New Zealand?
No, most New Zealand universities do not require GRE scores for PhD admissions. They primarily focus on the candidate’s academic background, research proposal, and relevant experience.
How long does it take to complete a PhD in New Zealand?
A PhD in New Zealand usually takes 3-4 years to complete, depending on the candidate’s research progress.
Is there a post-study work visa available?
New Zealand offers a three-year post-study work visa to PhD graduates, allowing them to gain work experience.
What are some of the best universities in New Zealand that offer a PhD in New Zealand without the GRE for Indian students?
The University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Canterbury are some of the best universities in New Zealand that offer a PhD without a GRE for Indian students.
Is a fully funded PhD in New Zealand without GRE available for Indian students?
The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) is a prominent option for international students seeking a fully funded PhD. It does not require a GRE.