PhD in Southeast Asia Research Initiative

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

28

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Europe:

10%

North America:

5%

Africa:

1%

South America:

1%

Asia:

15%

New Zealand:

70%

Others:

9%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Job Placement

95%

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$35,400 / year

Overall Cost

$50,400 / year

FAQs

• What is the SEARI postgraduate student community like?
  
  SEARI has an active postgraduate community, including students from across Southeast Asia and New Zealand. Students participate in workshops, seminars, and the Southeast Asian New Zealand Studies group, providing opportunities for networking and academic exchange.
• How is the PhD program structured?
  
  The PhD is a research-only degree, typically completed in three years of full-time study. Students work closely with supervisors to develop a research topic, often including fieldwork in Southeast Asia. The final output is an original thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field.
• What are the main admission requirements for the PhD?
  
  Applicants must have a research-focused honours or master’s degree (First or Second Class Honours, or Distinction level, or equivalent). International applicants must have their qualifications assessed for equivalence. In exceptional cases, candidates without the typical academic background but with demonstrated research ability may be considered.
• What research areas can PhD students pursue within SEARI?
  
  PhD students can focus on a wide range of topics, including: Political parties, elections, and democracy Political economy and development Civil-military relations Local politics Nationalism, religion, ethnicity, and identity Information science (e.g., health information seeking) Human-computer interaction Students are also encouraged to propose other Southeast Asia-related topics in consultation with supervisors.