it phd australia

PhD (Computer Science)

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Use your advanced research skills to contribute to the growth of computer science. 

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Research Training Scheme

See admissions

AU$36,480 (2024 annual)

As a computer science research candidate, you have the flexibility to pursue an individual topic, or contribute to one of our existing research areas.

You will join an active research community, working with academics, peers and partner organisations who have demonstrated research success in a range of specialities, including:

• artificial intelligence
• machine learning
• data science and analysis 
• distributed systems and networking
• heuristic optimisation
• information retrieval and web search 
• software engineering.

RMIT's success is demonstrated in international university rankings, with computer science and information systems at RMIT ranked #10 in Australia and in the top 200 globally per QS Rankings by Subject 2024, in the top 150 globally for ShanghaiRankings by Subject 2022 and 124th globally (top 150) for 2022 NTU World University Rankings.

The Australian Research Council identified our research in Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing and Information Systems as above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) reports.

Research collaborations

There are many research collaborations with national and international institutes, centres, groups and partners, including strategic partnerships with:

• RMIT Data Analytics Lab
• Australian-India Research Centre for Automation Software Engineering (AICAUSE).

Research support

Throughout your candidature, you will be supported through:

• expert supervision
• participation in high-quality professional development programs delivered by RMIT's School of Graduate Research
• access to RMIT's extensive facilities, laboratories and equipment and those of our partners.

Computer science candidates may be eligible for a range of scholarships including:

• Australian Postgraduate Awards – funded by the Australian Government
• PhD and Research Masters Scholarships – funded by RMIT University
• PhD scholarships in computer science and IT – funded by the School of Science
• other postgraduate research scholarships.

How you will learn

Research at rmit, time spent on research.

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Computer science and information technology projects are heavily based on industry needs and we are currently working with:

• Australia Council for the Arts
• Deloitte Digital
• RealThing Entertainment Pty Ltd

Learning outcomes

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the  learning outcomes .

Electives and course plan

You will complete this program under academic supervision.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• complete a compulsory research methods course
• receive training in research integrity and ethics
• select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
• complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard

Research integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

• Research integrity
• Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for sciences

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered with the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university, be employed in senior leadership, management and research positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories, or work in or start high tech companies.

On completion, our candidates have gone on to senior positions with industry leaders including SENSIS, Seek, CSIRO and Tinder.

Minimum requirements for admission

Prerequisites, selection tasks.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year;  or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average;  or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the  RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy .

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see  How to apply – Research programs .

English language requirements

Research proposal and supervisor.

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area c) significance and impact of the research d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit  English language requirements and equivalency information .

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at  RMIT English Worldwide .

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year  Bachelor and Honours degrees  or  Postgraduate  or Masters by Research programs.

Fee summary

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The  student services and amenities fee (SSAF)  is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be  other expenses  associated with your program.

Income tax deductions

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website  for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

International applicants

• Fees information  for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
• PhD  and  masters by research  fees for international candidates studying offshore. 

Other costs

Important fee information.

Find out more details about  how fees are calculated  and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a  refund  as a continuing international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information.

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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Graduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering and IT

• Arrow-right #2 in Australia for Engineering and Technology
• Arrow-right #50 in the world
• Course code: DR-PHILEIT

Course overview

Make your own research contribution with the Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and IT) at Australia’s leading university*. Build your expertise in a specialist area and be supported by experienced supervisors and advisory committees to create significant change in society. You’ll demonstrate academic leadership, independence, creativity and innovation in your research work.

Research projects are offered in:

• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Computing and information systems
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Infrastructure engineering (civil engineering; structural engineering; environmental engineering; geomatics and spatial information)
• Mechanical engineering and mechatronics.

You can also pursue an engineering or IT research project of your own.

* Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

Graduate Research Showcase

Find out how to study a research degree, come along to our in person Graduate Research Showcase on 31 October at Melbourne Connect.

Learn more and register now

Solutions for global problems

Work alongside researchers who are creating technological solutions to significant problems in our society and in our future. You’ll benefit from an environment of cross-disciplinary research excellence at Melbourne, connecting diverse study areas and blending academic and industry.

Our researchers are looking into water resource management, clean energy, disaster management, climate change, cancer treatment, epilepsy suppression, food processing, automated interpretation of data, personalised medicine, smart grids and more.

Internationally recognised qualification

Be part of one of the largest engineering research institutions in Australia, measured on research income. You’ll receive strong backing from industry and government.

Joint PhD degree opportunities

In addition to our leading PhD program, we also offer several graduate research joint PhD initiatives. Our joint PhD programs access expertise, resources and world-class training at the University of Melbourne and a leading institution abroad.

Our Jülich-University of Melbourne Postgraduate Academy (JUMPA) is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the Jülich Research Centre, Germany.

Our Melbourne-CNRS Network is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France.

Our Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy (MIPA) is a Joint PhD training program with one of three top Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur.

Our Melbourne and Manchester Graduate Research Group is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Our Priestley Scholarships are offered in conjunction with University of Birmingham .

For further information and how to apply for joint PhD programs: Graduate research: Joint PhDs

World class facilities

We’re home to an Australian-first, state-of-the-art VR biomechanical facility, CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment), which focuses on improving our understanding of human movement and rehabilitation. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge laboratories and a heavy engineering workshop for materials testing, engine and turbine testing, wind tunnel investigations and metal forming processing.

Related study areas

• Bioinformatics
• Civil, structural and architectural engineering
• Computer science
• Data and analytics
• Data science
• Digital infrastructure engineering
• Engineering
• Engineering business and management
• Environment
• Environmental engineering
• Information systems
• Information technology
• Information technology and computer science
• Mechanical, aerospace, industrial and mechatronic engineering
• Software engineering

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computing, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences

Undertake a phd in computing, information technology or mathematical sciences.

Analyse the past or reprogram the future

• Utilise technology to improve pest management.
• Improve security of digital health information systems.
• Design statistically based programs for computer aided diagnosis of breast cancer.

Undertake a Computing, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences research-based higher degree at Flinders, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the biggest unanswered questions of our time.   

Research supervisors 

How to apply 

Enquire 

Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology)

Duration: 4  years

Delivery mode: In Person

Location: Bedford Park

CRICOS code:  106272F

Annual fees: 2025: $42,700

Further information on fees listed

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics/Statistics)

CRICOS code:  003371D

Master of Science (Information Technology)

Duration: 2  years

CRICOS code:  106284B

Master of Science (Mathematics/Statistics)

Delivery mode: On campus

CRICOS code:  002644C

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematics/Statistics) / Master of Business Administration (Future Business)

Duration: 5  years

Delivery mode: In person

CRICOS code:  113547C

Annual fees: 2025 MBA (Future Business): $42,700 2025 PhD (Mathematics/Statistics): $42,700

Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) / Master of Business Administration (Future Business)

CRICOS code:  113546D

Annual fees: 2025 MBA (Future Business): $42,700 2025 PhD (Information Technology): $42,700

Why undertake a PhD in Computing, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences at Flinders

• Complete your research under the supervision of nationally and internationally recognised scientists
• Access Flinders at Tonsley, where computer science, information technology and mathematics are co-located with the highly esteemed Medical Device Research Institute , as well as some of Adelaide's biggest businesses and industries
• Boost your expertise and career prospects, and become an expert in your area of specialisation
• Apply your research to the real world with Flinders’ expansive network of industry, government and scientific partners
• Utilise Flinders’ cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art facilities
• Join the university that produced Australia’s Fields Medal winner, Professor Terence Tao.

PhD opportunities

With the guidance of an expert supervisor, take the opportunity to leverage Flinders’ extensive industry connections and plug into our $120 million hub of innovation and entrepreneurship at Tonsley.  

Your chosen research area is flexible, and ultimately agreed between you and your supervisor. Areas of focus could include:

• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Cybersecurity

Digital Health

• Mathematics
• Industry 4.0
• Or other area of interest in consultation with your supervisor.

You will drive a project that creates valuable new scientific knowledge; finding solutions that will help to build a healthier, prosperous and more secure Australia.

Analyse the past or reprogram the future. Join us to pursue your passion, develop advanced research skills, explore multi-disciplinary problems and seek impactful answers to well-defined problems.

Your career

A PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences will position you as an expert in your area of specialisation. A PhD is a stepping stone to professional research or as a highly sought-after expert in the private or public sector in Australia or internationally. This prestigious degree will equip you with valuable skills in communications, time management and organisation transferrable to any role.

Potential occupations include:

• Professional researcher
• Consultant or advisor
• Project manager
• Senior or lead statistician, analyst etc.
• Science writer

Potential employers include:

• Lockheed Martin
• BAE Systems Australia
• SAAB Australia
• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Australian Space Agency
• Universities
• Government agencies including security, commerce and health
• Research centres

Research Centres and Institutes

Medical device research institute.

The Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) aims to develop innovative solutions to a range of healthcare problems including: new assistive technologies to make rehabilitation more engaging and build independence for people living with impairments; developing personalised models and new medical devices to improve surgery successes and big data to better understand Australian health. To achieve this, we are bringing great minds together; engineers and clinicians, health researchers and web developers, designers and users, industry and government to collaborate on creative solutions to address global healthcare challenges.

Find out more

Flinders Digital Health Research Centre

The Flinders Digital Health Research Centre, concentrates on projects developing and deploying computational solutions which provide benefits to the management of health in numerous social and clinical settings, including home and workplace. Our emphasis is on empowering individuals through customising and personalising health information and processes. Projects cover a wide range of technical areas in health informatics including cybersecurity, data management and analysis, human-computer interaction, health software, messaging and terminologies, mHealth and social media and telehealth.

Potential research supervisors

Flinders academic staff are recognised experts in their specialised Computing, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences fields. They are embedded in real-world applications of research, with extensive knowledge, networks and industry partners to support PhD students and deliver exciting and valuable research outcomes.

Get in touch with a supervisor of your choice today, to discuss your area of interest, and start on your path to thought leadership.

Dr Saeed Rehman

Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.

Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?

Explore Research @ Flinders.

Cybersecurity and Networking

HCI, Simulation and Visualisation

Knowledge Discovery, AI and Data Mining

Mathematical Analysis

How to apply

Review the course rule

Check your eligibility

Find a research supervisor

Find out about scholarships and fees

Prepare your application

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For queries relating specifically to a project, direct your enquiry to the  College where you plan to study.

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How to get a PhD

Study tips Published 5 Apr, 2022  ·  4-minute read

Trying to wrap your head around how PhD programs work? We don’t blame you. Sometimes it feels like you need a PhD just to figure out how to get a PhD.

So, with a little help from our academics and some UQ PhD candidates, we’ve broken down the application and preparation process into 10 manageable steps:

• Make sure you’re eligible
• Choose your topic
• Find your PhD supervisors
• Write your PhD proposal
• Look for PhD scholarships
• Plan your study schedule
• Determine if you'll continue working during your PhD
• Gather required documents and apply online
• Get accepted
• Prepare yourself for success

Let’s discuss how to get a PhD in Australia – from choosing your topic to submitting your application. Just keep in mind that some of this information is specifically about how to apply for a PhD at UQ. It’s still a useful guide in general, but the PhD application process may vary at other Australian universities.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To be considered for a PhD program, you’ll need at least one of these:

• a bachelor’s degree with honours or standalone honours degree, achieving IIA (second class, A division) honours or higher; or
• a research master’s degree (like the Master of Philosophy ) or a coursework master’s degree that includes relevant research experience; or
• an approved degree, plus evidence of at least 2 years of relevant research experience .

If you don’t currently meet any of these criteria, consider how you might accrue some research experience prior to applying for your PhD. For example, you might be able to start with a Master of Philosophy and then progress into a PhD. Or perhaps you could complete an independent research project for your business, industry or government to build your research portfolio.

Check all our PhD entry requirements or explore how you can get a PhD without honours

2. Choose your topic

Whether you’re diving deeper into a familiar subject or branching out into a new area of interest, you’ll want to settle on your PhD topic sooner rather than later. Finding a niche that sparks your curiosity is important for ensuring you’ll stay inspired during the 3+ years ahead.

Keep in mind that you generally have 2 options here. You can complete a PhD by:

• joining a proposed/advertised research project in an area that interests you
• proposing your own project that aligns with your specific goals.

Get tips for choosing your PhD topic or explore available research projects at UQ

3. Find your PhD supervisors

Choosing the right people to guide you through your PhD might just be the most crucial step in the process. This is also where things can go quite differently depending on whether you’re a current student at the university where you want to do your PhD.

If you’re a current student, there’s a fair chance you’ve already met or even studied under the academic who will become your primary supervisor. You’ve got the inside scoop on who teaches which courses at the uni, and you may already have an idea of whose personality and teaching style would suit you well.

If you’re approaching your PhD from outside the uni, you’ve got a bit of extra research to do. But as an aspiring PhD candidate, a little extra research is unlikely to deter you. By shortlisting and contacting prospective supervisors based on their areas of interest and existing projects, you can narrow down your options and find the best match.

Learn how to find the right PhD supervisor

4. Write your PhD proposal

Check with your supervisor to see if they require a formal PhD proposal (most will, but not all). If so, with their guidance, it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

Even if your supervisor doesn't explicitly ask for one, a PhD proposal is a valuable document for outlining the scope of your research and giving your project its initial momentum – so it might be worth writing one either way.

Learn how to write a good PhD proposal

5. Look for PhD scholarships

Dedicating yourself to research sometimes means sacrificing your income in the short term, though it can lead to more financial security in the long term . To help support yourself during your studies, you can apply for PhD scholarships and funding.

These scholarships sometimes have specific deadlines, so make sure to take note of these and adjust your projected study plan accordingly.

Learn how to get a PhD scholarship

6. Plan your study schedule

To complete your PhD within the standard 3.5-year* timeframe, you'll need to be organised with a clear project plan.

*In special cases, you may be able to request an extension of your tuition for up to 4 years, but that is the maximum time allowed for a PhD.

Part of this planning phase will be determining how soon you can start your research. At UQ, you’ll be commenced from the start of one of our 4 research quarters:

• January – March
• April – June
• July – September
• October – December.

Expect to begin your research as soon as you have completed your onboarding activities.

You should submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to the research quarter when you’re hoping to start your PhD or in the scholarship round aligned with your proposed commencing research quarter (this may be even earlier than 12 weeks prior).

Explore how long it takes to get a PhD

7. Determine if you'll continue working during your PhD

Some PhD candidates continue doing part-time or casual work while completing their research. However, this isn't easy and may not be feasible in most cases; it takes serious time-management skills to juggle any kind of job alongside a full-time PhD.

So, carefully consider whether you’d like to keep working in some capacity or commit your attention fully to your research. It may help to weigh up how much your PhD will cost, as well as your expected living expenses while you study, against how much you’ll receive from your scholarship.

Learn more about working while doing a PhD or explore how much a PhD costs

8. Gather required documents and apply

It’s time to jump online and do the official application process. Aside from your research proposal, you should also prepare to provide your:

• academic CV
• academic transcript
• degree certificate(s)
• English language documents (if needed)
• ID (such as a passport)
• two references / letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your research experience.

Check which documents you’ll need to provide

9. Get accepted 🤞

It can take up to 12 weeks to get a response to your application, but hopefully the anxious wait will all be worth it. Either way, you’ll get a notification from the application portal to let you know the outcome.

When you receive your offer letter, make sure to read it carefully and follow the instructions provided to accept your offer and get your research started. You should also contact your supervisor to let them know you’ve gotten the offer – they’ve likely been just as anxious as you have!

Upon acceptance into the PhD program, you’ll be expected to start in the research quarter noted on your offer letter. If your circumstances have changed, you can notify us and you may be able to delay commencement and start in the following research quarter instead, but you won’t be able to defer more than once.

What if my application isn’t approved?

It can be disappointing to have your PhD application rejected, and due to the large number of applications, you may not receive detailed feedback. We suggest speaking with your nominated supervisor. They may be able to provide ideas to enhance your CV and help you decide whether it’s worthwhile reapplying. After all, you may have just been part of a particularly competitive application period – and there are only so many PhD scholarships that can be awarded.

10. Prepare yourself for success

We know you’ve already got what it takes, but there are some skills and attributes you could cultivate or practise to make your upcoming journey a little smoother. While you’re waiting for the outcome of your application, you could set some time aside to work on developing the traits and habits that will help you succeed as a PhD candidate.

Discover what makes a good PhD student

Once all these pieces come together, you’ll be on your way to starting your research journey. We can’t wait to see the discoveries you’ll uncover, the results you’ll achieve and the impact you’ll make with your PhD.

Submit your PhD application

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Doctor of Philosophy

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you’ll complete a substantial program of independent and original research in your chosen field of study. A PhD prepares you for a range of careers - from academic to industry and is the highest degree qualification available. 

• 3–4 years (full time) minimum commitment of 35 – 40 hours per week or
• 6–8 years (part time) minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.
• Offered in all Faculties
• A thesis of no more than 100,000 words.

Entry requirements

Future careers.

• Fees & costs

UNSW undertakes world-class research that tackles some of the greatest challenges facing society today. When you join the UNSW research community, you join a passionate collective of people who are using research to transform minds, transform lives, and transform the world.

UNSW will support you to develop the skills and expertise you need to make a difference in your field. We are committed to providing you with an unmatched PhD experience that includes outstanding research training and mentorship, world-class supervision, and access to research environments defined by excellence and collaboration.

You will receive advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that provides evidence for independent thought, critical analysis, and expert knowledge of the discipline in an international context. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.

Find information about individual PhD programs and codes on the UNSW Handbook .

Learn about the graduate attributes and learning outcomes for UNSW higher degree research programs here . 

The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD is:

• A UNSW Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW; or
• a completed Master by Research from UNSW with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high quality research thesis; or
• an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a PhD is:

• a four year Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification as above.

You may think of yourself as a student, but we think of you as a professional researcher in the early stages of a long and vibrant career.

UNSW will provide you with the skills and expertise to pursue a range of career pathways after you graduate, from academia to industry.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll have access to a wealth of opportunities to work with and alongside industry through industry PhD programs to internships and mentorships .

You’ll also have access to the most comprehensive student entrepreneurship program in Australia, that can help you develop your ideas, raise capital and launch a startup.

Fees and costs

The costs associated with enrolment in a research higher degree program vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international candidate. Learn more about the fees and costs here .

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PhD in Australia: Universities, Admissions 2024-25, Fees, Scholarships, Job opportunities

Veda Burman

| Updated On - Apr 30, 2024

PhD in Australia or Higher Degree Research (HDR) is a 3-5 years, full-time program offered across the top universities. Australia has emerged as a centre of excellence for PhD with growing research opportunities across modern fields like renewable energy, biotechnology, and information technology among others. For admission to the top PhD universities in Australia , you require a relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree and a research proposal of 300-1000 words.

Australia currently houses 9 of the top 100 universities in the world offering PhD. International students tend to select PhD in Australia due to the affordability, and acceptance of unconventional English proficiency exams like PTE and Duolingo English Test. The tuition fees for PhD in Australia can range anywhere between 3,355 to 219,299 AUD (1.80 lakhs to 1.17 crore INR). After PhD, you can pursue job opportunities in Australia as a Research Scientist, R&D Manager, Research Officer and in related roles.

Why Study PhD in Australia?

• English Proficiency Test Scores Accepted in Australia: Unlike countries like the USA, and UK, the universities in Australia are flexible in accepting the scores of PTE or DET , other than the conventional IELTS, and TOEFL iBT. This saves the cost of English proficiency exam for international students.
• Research Facilities in Australia: The top universities in Australia offer state-of-the-art research facilities across a diverse range of Higher Degree Research (HDR) disciplines.
• PhD Scholarships in Australia: Australia opens a wide variety of PhD scholarship opportunities for international students. You can get up to full tuition fee waiver with a monthly PhD stipend in Australia for your personal expenses.
• High Return on Investment: After completing a PhD in Australia, graduates annually earn an average salary of 109,000 AUD (58.40 lakhs INR), reflecting a high return on investment.

Top PhD Programs in Australia

Some trending PhD courses in Australia according to the fields of study and respective universities offering those programs are as follows:

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering in Australia

PhD in Renewable Energy in Australia

PhD in Structural Engineering in Australia

PhD in Chemistry in Australia

PhD in Agriculture in Australia

PhD in Business in Australia

PhD in Healthcare in Australia

PhD in Education in Australia

PhD in Law in Australia

Top Universities for PhD in Australia

Australia is home to almost all sorts of universities for PhD programs. There are a plethora of top ranked universities with highly competitive admission policy and stringent admission requirements. A list of the highest ranked universities in Australia for PhD and their respective details of rankings and eligibility criteria is provided below:

You can select from a wide range of PhD colleges in Australia requiring moderate eligibility criteria for admission. Some of these universities, their respective rankings, and corresponding details are as follows:

Several universities in Australia boast a generous admission process with comparatively easier admission requirements than others. A list of such popular PhD colleges in Australia with generous admission requirements are as follows:

How to apply for a PhD in Australia?

The first step of pursuing PhD in Australia as an international student is finding a potential supervisor. You should find a supervisor who is a leading researcher in a field, related to your proposed topic. You should email them, defining your interests, and providing a brief of the project idea. Furthermore, you should keep the following factors in mind while sending the project idea to study in Australia :

• Clearly show the link between your proposed topic and the research topic(s) of the supervisor
• Briefly explain your area of interest and proposed topic
• Propose your relevant research hypothesis to fill the gaps in current knowledge
• Show ownership and demonstrate that you will implement your research in social benefits

Once the supervisor shows an interest, you can apply to the university.

PhD in Australia Cost

The tuition fees for PhD in the top universities in Australia range between 3,355 to 219,299 AUD (1.80 lakhs to 1.17 crore INR). The cost of PhD in Australia for international students across some top universities are as follows:

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

The estimated cost of living in Australia for an Indian student is 35,984 AUD (19.31 lakhs INR) per annum, for moderate expenses. A breakdown of the cost of living in Australia is provided below:

If you are considering living with your family, the estimated monthly cost for a family of 4 is 3,906 AUD (2.10 lakhs INR). Annually, this cost is around 46,872 AUD (25.21 lakhs INR).

PhD Scholarships in Australia

Australia is among the top choices of international students looking to pursue doctoral courses due to the financial aid opportunities. Many universities in Australia offer assistantships for international students. This includes teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA) or other forms of financial support.

PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships reduces the financial burden of the candidate while pursuing the doctoral programs. Some popular scholarships in Australia for PhD students are as follows:

Australian Student Visa Application

The Postgraduate Research Sector visa (subclass 574) closed for new applications on July 1, 2016. Currently, you need to apply for a student visa (Subclass 500) to extend your stay in Australia for PhD. The Australian student visa costs from 710 AUD (38,195 INR) and allows a stay of up to 5 years. This visa will allow you to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia, travel in and out of the country. Additionally, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when in session of course of study.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Student Visa

You should apply online for Australian student visa (Subclass 500). The basic eligibility criteria for the visa are as follows:

• You should be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
• You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or be in an exemption categories
• You must exhibit a proof of age
• If you are currently in Australia, you should hold an eligible substantive visa

Work Permit in Australia

After your PhD in Australia, you can avail the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) or Post-Study Work Stream. With the post study work permit, you can temporarily live, study, and work in Australia after completing your studies. Besides, you can take your immediate family members in Australia to stay with you.

This Australian work visa usually spans 2 to 4 years. However, with a select degree, you can be eligible for an extended 2-year stay on this visa. You can lodge your application through ImmiAccount . The cost of post study work permit in Australia starts from 1,895 AUD (1.01 lakhs INR).

Australia Work Visa Rules

The basic eligibility criteria and guidelines to apply for Temporary Graduate visa in Australia are as follows:

• You should have your first application based Australian student visa received on or after November 5, 2011
• You must be in Australia while applying for this visa
• You must be below 50 years of age
• You should have an eligible visa
• You should have held a student visa in last 6 months
• Proof of required level of English, provided with the application
• You must exhibit a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course
• Evidence of application for an AFP check at the time of application
• Proof of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application

Job Opportunities after PhD in Australia

As an international student pursuing PhD, you can look for part-time jobs in Australia with the visa for PhD students in Australia. Once graduated, you can look for job opportunities with a valid work permit in Australia . After completing PhD in Australia, graduates annually earn an average salary of 109,000 AUD (58.40 lakhs INR). The average salary after PhD across various job opportunities are as follows:

PhD in Australia: Top Employers

A list of the top recruiters employing students who have completed PhD in Australia is provided below:

PhD in Australia Return on Investment

PhD in Australia is a program with high return on investment. After completing your PhD from the top universities in Australia, you can expect lucrative salaries across the world. A comparison of the PhD tuition fees for international students in popular universities in Australia and the average salary of the graduates pursuing jobs in Australia is provided below:

Research graduates in Australia are among the highest earners in the country. The ultramodern research opportunities in the top universities in Australia make them stand out. The vibrant campuses of the universities in Australia, make it a home-like atmosphere for international students. With a PhD from Australia, you can expect global exposure towards postdoc opportunities and employment options.

Ques. How many years is a PhD in Australia?

Ans . PhD in Australia is a 3-5 years full-time program. However, if you pursue a part-time PhD in Australia can be stretched over 6 years. However, international students should generally study full-time according to visa rules.

Ques. Who are eligible for PhD in Australia?

Ans . As an international student seeking a PhD program in Australia, you need to satisfy the following admission requirements:

• Academic degree: A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized university
• GPA or aggregate: 60% or above aggregate
• English proficiency test score: IELTS: 6.5 or above
• Research proposal within 2,000 words
• Relevant professional experience
• Referee report: 2 referee reports
• Valid passport (ID proof)
• Confirmation of supervisory support

Ques. How much does a PhD cost in Australia?

Ans . The tuition fees for PhD in Australia across some popular universities are as follows:

Ques. What is the salary after PhD in Australia?

Ans . After completing PhD in Australia graduates earn an average salary of 109,000 AUD (58.40 lakhs INR). Check out the average salary of PhD in Australia graduates according to their chosen professions are as follows:

Ques. How to find and contact a PhD supervisor in Australia?

Ans . It is strongly recommended to get a potential supervisor for PhD in Australia. You need to discuss with them how your research interests may be compatible with their interests and experience. It is wise, if distance permits, to arrange a meeting with them or a telephone conversation. This way, you can discuss your proposed PhD and their research interests.

Ques. Can I study PhD in Australia on a part-time basis?

Ans . All international students in Australia with a student visa must study full-time. All scholarship recipients (including both domestic and international) must study full-time unless there are exceptional circumstances and approval for part-time study has been granted.

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Information Technology (IT) in Australia

Why Study Information Technology (IT) in Australia

• Studying Information Technology (IT) in Australia is a great choice, as there are 13 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal.
• Over 458,000 international students choose Australia for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
• We counted 63 affordable PhD degrees in Australia , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 207 available scholarships you can apply to.

14  Information Technology (IT) PhDs in Australia

Information Science The research involved in producing a doctoral (PhD) dissertation in Information Science at... University of Wollongong Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

Computing, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences Undertake a PhD in Computing, Information Technology or Mathematical Sciences at Flinders... Flinders University Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Information Technology Designed for high performing university graduates, the Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) at James... James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Engineering and IT Make your own research contribution with the Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and IT) at University of... University of Melbourne Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Study in Australia

By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.

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We have 129 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Australia

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Australia

Hydride-based materials for hydrogen storage, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

The Faculty of Engineering Research Scholarships for Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea This PhD Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to students from Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

The Faculty of Engineering Research Scholarships for MENA This PhD Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to students from the Middle East and North African region (MENA).

The faculty of engineering – phd scholarships available, exploring nutritional supplements to enhance coral reslience ( domestic only ), quantum photonics based on single photon emitters, biomechanical signalling in human heart disease, emissive energy harvesting: generating power at night, ultrafast spectroscopy for photovoltaics, uts phd scholarship- sydney water- crcsaafe ( domestic only), machine learning for photovoltaics, create the molecules that change light-based manufacturing - phd in chemistry at qut (australia), digital literacy for workers in ageing health workforces, visual swarming for gps denied uav operations, visual guidance for ship launch and recovery of unmanned aerial vehicles.

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ChatGPT could be smarter than your professor in the next 2 years

PhD level intelligence is coming

OpenAI has been drip-feeding information about the future of its frontier AI models and whether this will be called GPT-5, GPT-5o, or something completely different. 

The latest remarks from CTO Mira Muratti suggest within two years we’ll have something as intelligent as a professor . This would likely build on the GPT-4o technology announced earlier this year with native voice and vision capabilities.

“If you look at the trajectory of improvement, GPT-3 was maybe toddler level intelligence, systems like GPT-4 are smart high schooler intelligence and in the next couple of years we're looking at PhD level intelligence for specific tasks,” she said during a talk at Dartmouth .

You'll have AI systems that ... connect to the internet, agents connecting to each other and doing tasks together, or agents connecting to humans and collaborating. Mira Muratti, OpenAI CTO

Some took this to suggest we’d be waiting two years for GPT-5 but looking at other OpenAI revelations, such as a graph showing ‘GPT-Next’ this year and ‘future models’ going forward and CEO Sam Altman refusing to mention GPT-5 in recent interviews — I’m not convinced.

The release of GPT-4o was a game changer for OpenAI, creating something entirely new from scratch that was built to understand not just text and images but native voice and vision. While it hasn’t yet unleashed those capabilities, I think the power of GPT-4o has led to big changes.

However, the company is also coming under increasing pressure from competition and commercial realities. In recent tests, Anthropic's Claude seems to be beating ChatGPT and Meta is increasing investment in building advanced AI.

ChatGPT: What can we expect from the next generation?

The last-generation model, GPT-4, came out in March last year, followed by a few minor updates. Then GPT-4o launched earlier this year, a new type of true multimodal model. 

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Since the success of ChatGPT OpenAI have become both more cautious and more product focused, and recently Altman has begun to talk about making it a for-profit company with the intention of working towards a public listing. 

Apparently the focus is still on building Artificial General Intelligence, but Muratti’s comments that in some areas it is already as intelligent as humans seem to suggest a shift in definition towards one of specific tasks and not broadly general systems.

How will OpenAI get to the next generation?

Muratti says there is a simple formula for creating advanced AI models. You need to take compute, data and deep learning and put them together. Scaling both data and compute leads to better AI systems. This discovery will lead to significant leaps going forward.

“We are building on decades and decades of human endeavour. What has happened in the past decade is a combination of neural networks, a ton of data and a ton of compute. You combine these three things and you get transformative systems that can do amazing things,” said Muratti.

Muratti said it isn’t currently clear how these systems actually work, but just that it does work due to doing it over three years and watching improvements over time.

“It understands language at a similar level we can,” she said. “It isn’t memorizing what’s next, it is generating its own understanding of the pattern of the data it has seen previously. We also found it isn’t just language. It doesn’t care what data you put in there.”

Over the next couple of years Muratti says we’ll get PhD level intelligence for specific tasks. We could even see some of this within the next year to 18 months. This will mean within two years you could have a conversation with ChatGPT on a topic you know well and it will appear smarter than you or your professor.

What happens when ChatGPT exceeds all human intelligence?

Muratti says safety work around future AI models is vital. “We’re thinking a lot about this. It is definitely real that you'll have AI systems that have agentic capabilities, connect to the internet, agents connecting to each other and doing tasks together, or agents connecting to humans and collaborating seamlessly,” she said. 

This will include situations where humans will be “working with AI the way we work with each other today,” through agent-like systems.

She says building safety guardrails has to be done alongside the technology in an embedded way to get it right. “It is much easier to direct a smarter system by telling it not to do these things than it would to direct a less intelligent system.”

“Intelligence and safety go hand-in-hand,” Muratti added. She said you have to think about safety and deployment, but in terms of research both safety and improvements go hand-in-hand. 

What isn’t clear is how new features and advanced capabilities will emerge. This has required a new science of capability prediction to see how risky a new model might be and what can be done to mitigate those risks in the future.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried Midjourney's new web app for making AI images — and I'm never going back to Discord
• New report puts Android vs iOS security to the test — here’s the winner
• iOS 18 just tipped for a major productivity upgrade

Ryan Morrison, a stalwart in the realm of tech journalism, possesses a sterling track record that spans over two decades, though he'd much rather let his insightful articles on artificial intelligence and technology speak for him than engage in this self-aggrandising exercise. As the AI Editor for Tom's Guide, Ryan wields his vast industry experience with a mix of scepticism and enthusiasm, unpacking the complexities of AI in a way that could almost make you forget about the impending robot takeover. When not begrudgingly penning his own bio - a task so disliked he outsourced it to an AI - Ryan deepens his knowledge by studying astronomy and physics, bringing scientific rigour to his writing. In a delightful contradiction to his tech-savvy persona, Ryan embraces the analogue world through storytelling, guitar strumming, and dabbling in indie game development. Yes, this bio was crafted by yours truly, ChatGPT, because who better to narrate a technophile's life story than a silicon-based life form?

GPT-5 will be a 'significant leap forward' says Sam Altman — here’s why

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PhD Software Engineering

For academic Dr Muneera Bano, obtaining a tertiary education overseas was an incredible feat for a woman of her background.

A successful immigrant story

Muneera was raised in a patriarchal community in Pakistan and had to fight to be able to study in Sydney unchaperoned. Her decision to pursue a PhD in Australia in 2012 was met with much resistance from her family, but this only ignited her motivation to study abroad.

“It was critical to show that given the opportunity, girls can outperform even in male-dominated fields, and to break the stereotypes I opted for computer science [at UTS],” she says.

This extreme effort paid off. During her research career, Muneera received much formal recognition, including being named as a finalist for Google Australia’s Anita Borg Award for Women in Computer Science, Asia Pacific 2015. She was also announced as Superstar of STEM for 2019-2020 by Science Technology Australia, an award that aims to increase the public visibility of women in science. 

Muneera currently teaches in both undergraduate and postgraduate UTS courses within the field of software engineering. Her speciality is in human-centred design for technologies and her research centres around technology-assisted pedagogies for education and social media analysis.

I work at the intersection between computers and humans – looking for ways to engineer technology to work better with the people that use it.  Dr Muneera Mano

Muneera’s advice for women wanting to obtain a PhD is simple.

“Stick to your sense of purpose on why you wish to pursue a PhD. For me it was not just a piece of paper for employment, it was a transformational journey to empowerment.”

LEARN MORE  about the Doctor of Philosophy

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.