Overview

A PhD in Law from Victoria University of Wellington sets you up to practise law in New Zealand, as well as overseas in places like Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Victoria University of Wellington is #1 in New Zealand for law, due to its excellence in teaching, research, and engagement for the subject of law (latest Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Rankings by Subject).

Choose from a range of flexible, relevant study options—from advanced degrees of international reputation, to short courses for busy professionals.

Key facts

Victoria University of Wellington's Faculty of Law is frequently ranked among the top 50 law schools in the world, confirming our place as one of the very best places to study the PhD in Law.

We are ranked first in New Zealand for research quality, according to the Tertiary Education Commission’s Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) Quality Evaluation.

Get more details

Visit programme website

Programme Structure

Courses include

Be part of New Zealand's leading centre for academic legal research.

Faculty staff combine their academic work with practising law—as legal advisers, counsel and arbitrators—so their research is topical, relevant and respected all over the world.

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

More details

Apply by 1 March, 1 July or 1 November, and start studying once you have a final Offer of Place.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

58

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Wellington, New Zealand

Disciplines

Patent & Intellectual Property Law International Law View 3 other PhDs in Patent & Intellectual Property Law in New Zealand

Explore more key information

Visit programme website

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

58

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Research degree such as Honours or Master's by thesis from a New Zealand university with an average grade of B+ or higher, an approved international equivalent, or other approved evidence of adequate training and ability.

You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Victoria University of Wellington and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Make sure you meet all requirements

Visit programme website

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

International fee: TBC

Visit programme website

Living costs

Wellington

New Zealand

1000 - 2300 NZD / month

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

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Visit programme website

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for PhD in Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

Living costs

Wellington

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners