NEW! 2026 Leadership Programme

Applications have opened for our inaugural Doctoral Leadership Programme – a powerful foundation for your personal and professional growth, cultivating self-aware, purpose-driven leadership. It includes three group mentorship sessions, as well as six workshops:

1. Tue 3 March (10am to 12pm): Leadership Strengths (City Campus)
2. Mon 30 March (1pm to 3pm): Communicating Effectively (City Campus)
3. Tue 21 April (10am to 12pm): Time for Research (online)
4. Mon 4 May (10:30am to 12pm): Looking after Yourself (online)
5. Tue 16 OR Wed 17 June (10am to 12pm): Team Dynamics (City Campus)
6. Wed 15 July (10:30am to 12pm): Managing Conflict (online)

Who can apply?

Currently enrolled doctoral candidates who have been confirmed before 1 February 2026 and intend to submit their thesis after 31 October 2026.

Places are limited. Closing date for applications is Friday 13 February.

Join the Pride Month celebrations

Pride Month is celebrated across New Zealand each year in February, and this year is no exception. We encourage you to join in the fun, with three events to choose from:

Doctoral Morning Tea
Wednesday 11 February
Our theme for this month's Doctoral Morning Tea on City Campus is Pride Month. This is a welcoming space for LGBTQIA-Takatāpui-MVPFAFF+ students and allies to share experiences and build connections. You'll also have the chance to connect with Mae Basi Raab, the University's new Rainbow Support Adviser, and other rainbow student leaders. All candidates are welcome, and light refreshments will be provided. Book here.

Big Gay Out
Sunday 15 February
We encourage you to visit the University's stall at the Big Gay Out at Coyle Park, Auckland (12pm to 7pm). The Auckland University Students' Association (AUSA) and the University's various Rainbow clubs will all be part of it.

Auckland's Rainbow Parade
Saturday 21 February
Join the University of Auckland at this year's Auckland Rainbow Parade celebration, which starts in Tole Street, Ponsonby, at 7:30pm, with pre-parade entertainment from 5:30pm. Sign up to walk in solidarity with the University's Rainbow community. Register now.

Preparing for your Confirmation Review

Calling all first-year doctoral candidates! If your confirmation review is coming up in the next three to six months, we suggest you sign up for this highly recommended Zoom workshop, where we'll demystify the whole confirmation review process. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from academics and doctoral candidature advisers, and ask all your burning questions. Don't miss out! Monday 16 February. Book here.

Preparing for your Doctoral Examination

Are you a final year doctoral candidate? If you're planning to submit your thesis within the next six months, then this Zoom workshop is a must! Come along to hear first-hand from experienced academics about what you need to prepare for thesis submission and your final oral examination, including crucial insights into what your examiners will expect from you, and how they will examine your thesis. Monday 9 February. Book here.

Other opportunities

Te Pūnaha Matatini: Capital City Complex Systems Symposium
Tuesday 24 February (Wellington)
Learn more

Research to Innovation Hatchery: Create Social and Economic Value
Monday 23 March to Thursday 25 June (City Campus)
Learn more

Don't forget to tell SGS!

A reminder that you are required to notify SGS three months before your planned submission date. When you provide sufficient notice of your intention to submit your thesis, this makes your examination process faster and more efficient. 

• If you are on Wahapū, you should fill in the Intention to Submit form. You will receive an acknowledgement in Wahapū within two weeks. If you have queries, please ask your supervisor for assistance.
   
• If you are not on Wahapū, you should email your details (including your name, student ID, and intended submission date) to doctoraladvice@auckland.ac.nz.