Thesis Submission for Examination

The link below provides an overview of the thesis submission process. To submit your thesis for examination you must:

  1. Submit a PDF of your thesis to the Postgraduate Office – this PDF will be sent to your thesis examiners

If the format of your thesis is such that a PDF version is not appropriate then you are still allowed to submit the soft bound copies if you prefer

  1. Ensure that your fees up to date
  2. Complete the “Use of Thesis” form after discussion with your supervisors
  3. If needed complete and return the Co-Authorship Form

Once your thesis has been examined and degree awarded, a copy of your thesis is deposited in the University Library and is available for public access. It is possible for the thesis to be embargoed for a period of time (usually no more that 24 months) if necessary (e.g., due to contractual arrangements with external agencies). For more information on the availability of theses for consultation and copying, and the related form and policy, see restrictions on the use of your thesis (Library website).

  1. If you are an International student ensure that you have an appropriate visa Contact Enrolments (Student Services Centre) following submission of your thesis to discuss you visa situation.
  2. Immigration New Zealand encourages students to apply for a 12 month open work visa (Graduate Work Visa) as soon as practicable so that suitable employment can be obtained. GWV.PhD.web info.pdf
    Alternatively, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa for the reminder of your stay in New Zealand.

How to Submit Your Thesis - Information Sheet (Word)

What Happens After You Submit Your Thesis - Information Sheet

Appointment of Examiners and Organization of your Oral Examination

When you submit your thesis for examination your supervisors are asked to nominate examiners to the Dean of Postgraduate Research who formally appoints these examiners.  The underlying principle in guiding the selection of examiners is to ensure that the thesis should be examined in a fair and transparent manner by independent experts. Further information can be found at the following link. (Guidelines for Appointment of Examiners)

Once examiners are nominated you will be informed of their names and you have the opportunity to raise any concerns about their appointment with the Dean of Postgraduate Research – concerns may relate to the expertise of the examiners and/or issues of conflict of interest.

Following receipt of the written reports on the thesis, you normally proceed to an oral examination. The oral examination is an important part of the examination for the award of a PhD/DMA in which the examiners will ask questions of clarification and elaboration. Following the oral examination you may be asked to complete some final amendments to your written thesis before it is submitted to the University Library and your degree can be conferred.

We aim to have the written reports received approximately 6-8 weeks after the thesis has been sent to the examiners with the oral examination scheduled for approximately 8-10 weeks after submission. The date of the oral examination will be discussed with you at the time of the appointment of examiners. You will receive the written reports 3-7 days prior to your oral examination. A senior academic will be appointed as the chair of your oral examination – s/he will oversee the organization and conducting of the examination and will communicate with you about arrangements.