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  • PhD Degrees

PhD Degrees in Australia

A PhD is the highest degree awarded at global universities. PhD study is based on a substantial research project in an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which must be defended in an oral examination at the end of the program. All PhD students are assigned a supervisor, and the duration of a PhD is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.

Very few research degrees feature taught modules, and as such a, student is expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule. Universities in Australia are known for their academic excellence and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, along with their support for enterprise partnerships.  

PhD Entry Requirements

Australian institutions are free to admit anyone to a PhD program, with admission generally conditional on the prospective student having completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours, as well as a master's degree . English language ability proof is a must, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is generally required. There is usually a first-year assessment of the remaining study, and the thesis is submitted at the end of the completed program.

Once you have decided on an area of research and have looked into how you will fund your study, there are a number of documents required when submitting your application. They include:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Academic references
  • Personal statement
  • Research proposal

- PhD Research Proposal

A research proposal is required by all students when applying to study for a PhD. The proposal should address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. A panel of experts must accept the proposal before your program can begin.

How much does a PhD cost in Australia?

Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive. In Australia, candidates can expect to pay 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD. Dedicated scholarships can help support your PhD, and it is rare for a PhD student not to be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship .

Study a PhD in Australia

If you are interested in studying for a research degree in Australia, arrange a free consultation with SI-Australia today.

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A Guide to Doing Your PhD in Australia

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If you’re an international student who has completed higher education studies, you might now be considering studying a doctorate degree, also known as a PhD. In Australia, this is the highest level of study and, once completed, can unlock doors to better employment, higher wages, and industry recognition.

Here’s a handy guide on how to apply, what to expect, and where to find further information for your exciting next step.

What is the difference between honours, a master ’s and a PhD?

An honours  is an extra year of study in Australia. To qualify you need to have completed your undergraduate degree, otherwise known as a bachelor’s degree, to a high standard. This is often considered a stepping stone to further postgraduate study.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree might consider a graduate certificate, which usually takes one semester of full-time study and can help you specialise in your chosen career path. One step up from a certificate is a graduate diploma. This type of study takes one year of full-time study and can often be continued on from the graduate certificate.

A master’s by coursework is similar to a graduate diploma but takes a little longer and is regarded as a higher qualification. In most cases, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree; however, in certain circumstances, extensive relevant work experience might be accepted instead. This type of course typically takes 18 months to complete. A master’s by research takes two years of full-time study and is based on a research project supervised by a university academic.

A doctorate by research or a PhD is the highest level of study offered in Australia. A PhD requires submission of a thesis that is assessed by examiners who determine whether the research is worthy of the qualification. A PhD student must show through their thesis that they have made a significant contribution to their field. Once graduated, the candidate may use the title of Doctor.

How does a PhD work in Australia?

A PhD in Australia is usually studied over the course of three years. While some students take a little longer, extensions are subject to funding, as well as other important factors. Domestic students may have the option to study part-time but as an international student, you must study full-time in order to be eligible for a student visa .

According to the Australian Government , fees to study a PhD range from A$19,000 to A$78,000 per year, depending on the education provider. There is a chance you may not have to pay the full amount if there is funding available, which is common in Australia. Most universities have funding for promising PhD students set aside. Get in touch with your chosen university directly to find out what scholarships are available to international students. The Australian Government also runs Destination Australia , which funds eligible education providers in regional areas to offer scholarships to both domestic and international students. The government also offers the Research Training Program for participating universities.

International students also need to consider the cost of living while abroad to qualify for their visa. You’ll need at least roughly A$21,041 for each year of your study in your bank account in order to be granted a visa.

Do I need honours to apply for a PhD?

In most cases you will need an undergraduate degree with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Division A) – also known as ‘upper second-class’ honours – to apply for your PhD to demonstrate you have significant research experience. However, many education providers offer research-based qualifications to give you this experience if you didn’t complete an honours degree originally.

What is the basic structure of a PhD?

PhDs in Australia are usually research-based and, while they may contain other aspects, the focus of your studies will be on working towards your doctoral thesis.

In general, a PhD begins with a literature review that collects, analyses and summarises the current research published on your chosen subject. This then provides the basis for designing, implementing and analysing your own research that you’ll write about for your thesis.

In Australia, you are not required to undergo a viva voca , which is an assessed oral exam in defence of your research topic, method and predicted results. Instead, you are assessed solely on your thesis.

How do I apply for a PhD?

To apply for an Australian PhD, the first step is to contact a university academic working as a supervisor for PhD projects. You contact them, usually about four months before you wish to commence your studies, with the research topic you would like to propose. The person you choose should be the lead researcher for the institution you wish to apply to, in the relevant field you wish to study.

Once you have what is known as an ‘expression of interest’ from a provisional supervisor, you can begin your formal application to the university. Most universities won’t consider an application without an expression of interest from a supervisor, so make sure you have this first.

What else do I need to know?

To study as an international student in Australia, you must have a student visa (subclass 500) from the Australian government. Unless you are exempt, the application fee for this visa is AUD$710. You can read more about student visas and their requirements here .

Australian PhDs are delivered in English and have language skill requirements. There are various tests you can take to verify your English language skills including the IELTS, CAE and PTE. The score you need is usually specified on the universities website and will depend on the test you take.

International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in order to be granted their student visa. There are a variety of providers to choose from, including many universities, but the policy you choose must adhere to the Overseas Student Health Cover guides. Explore your options in greater detail here .

The new international student working limit of 48 hours every fortnight does not apply to international students who are pursuing a doctorate or a master’s degree through research. These students are not restricted in terms of the number of hours they can work. However, your actual work hours should align with your study requirements and also require approval from your academic supervisor. This is to ensure that your employment does not interfere with your primary objective of completing your academic research.

PhD study is an excellent way to enter the Australian workforce and graduate visas are available that can entitle you to stay in Australia for up to four years after you have finished your PhD. In other words, if you have dreams of both furthering your education and settling long-term in Australia, a PhD could be the perfect way to make those dreams a reality.

Sarah Price

Originally from the UK, Sarah has worked as a freelance writer for nearly 10 years, both at home and now in Perth where she lives. Once an international student in South West WA herself, she loves to help new students feel welcome, confident, and ready to make the most of their study abroad. Having lived in Perth and explored a lot of WA, Sarah knows just how wonderful it is to discover this beautiful state.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Postgraduate students studying to be a Juris Doctor

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 .

Have questions? Contact us

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Why study in Australia

For many, Australia means kangaroos in the outback, or the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at New Year. But when you look beyond those, you’ll discover why so many international students choose to study in Australia, and it often ranks in the top 10 best countries to study abroad .  

If you're looking to study at a university in Australia , you will find numerous study opportunities, combining excellent education with beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities. It also boasts world-class universities, a diverse and welcoming population, and one of the world’s most generous grants and bursaries. And it’s all backed by a national culture that welcomes visitors so much that they often decide to stay. 

Why choose Australia for study? Here are a few reasons: 

  • Generous funding for international students. Australia is one of the world’s most generous nations when it comes to education, offering a range of bursaries and grants for students. 
  • World-class universities. Australian universities regularly feature in the top 100 of world rankings, but with a rigorous education system, you can be sure of a top-quality education wherever you study in Australia. 
  • The stunning natural landscape. Australia is renowned for its diverse beauty, from gorgeous beaches and reefs to breathtaking desert plains and mountains. The Australian landscape and wildlife are like nowhere else on earth. 
  • A welcoming nation. Australia has been welcoming people for hundreds of years, and it’s just the same for students. International students can study any topic, and the student visa enables them to work — whether that’s to support their education or fund their adventures exploring the country. 

The Australian welcome is not just down to the national history and culture though, the government has set explicit standards that universities must meet for international students to ensure that they have all the support they need while they are studying. 

Australia has 43 universities, mostly publicly funded. And all are research institutions, helping to support their academic credentials and making it the world’s fourth most popular destination (after the UK, US and France) for PhDs. 

Combined with Australia’s vibrant culture — whether it’s relaxing or surfing on the beaches or sampling the nightlife of the cities — and the opportunities that its generous student visa offers, the country has become a leading destination for students, with over half-a-million students heading to Australia every year to earn their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. 

Culture in Australia

Australia’s culture is similar to many Western nations, especially the UK, from where many Australians trace their heritage. However, the country’s history and unique geography have also shaped that culture. 

Aboriginals are believed to have lived in Australia for as much as 60,000 years, but the influx of Westerners from the late-eighteenth century onwards transformed the nation. Used first by the Europeans as a prison colony — criminals were often deported for relatively minor crimes — it was deportees and their families that shaped modern Australia’s early years. 

Combined with the sometimes inhospitable nature of the Australian landscape, people living here take pride in hard work and overcoming adversity. Alongside this, Australians tend to have a sense of egalitarianism and a self-deprecating sense of humour because most can trace their family to humble beginnings, and this is often exhibited in a friendly, ‘mate-ish’ culture. 

Cultural diversity in Australia

However, the country’s young age (compared to other nations) makes it hard to define uniquely Australian culture and traditions. Indeed, although the country has seen immigration from everywhere in the world, much of the culture remains influenced by the UK, which has, historically, provided the largest number of immigrants. 

Food culture  

Food culture is a good example of British cultural influence in Australia. Early settlers imported livestock, whether looking for home comforts or finding the local animals unappealing. The result is that English staples like beef and lamb remain a key part of the Australian diet. And where there has been some fusion with other cuisines, for example from Southeast Asia, there remains little to differentiate it from UK food. 

Languages spoken in Australia  

The UK influence can also be heard in the languages spoken in Australia. Although there is no official language, in practice it is English. And although there are some small groups with a different first language, almost everyone will have some fluency in English for day-to-day life. 

How to choose a university in Australia?

The right university is a very personal choice. Factors like the university’s reputation and subject choice will be important, but you should also consider things like the size and structure of the university. Although Australia has relatively few universities when compared to some other countries, it’s worth creating your own choosing-a-university checklist to make sure you are considering everything that’s important to you. 

Here are a few suggestions for what to include:

  • Think about the subject or field that you want to study or research. Although most Australian universities offer a full range of subjects, some do have some specialism and are members of networks like the Australian Technology Network or the Innovative Research Universities network. This can help you create a shortlist. 
  • Think about the student and living experience you want. Unlike many countries, Australia does not have a city or cities that dominate culture or specific sectors. However, nine out of ten people live in urban areas, which tend to be along the eastern and southern coasts. If you are looking for a beach, you are in luck! But if you would prefer a more campus-based experience, then you might want to consider universities like some of those in the Verdant University League, which have campuses built alongside unspoilt bushland and nature reserves. 
  • Think about the cost of living. Unfortunately, Australia is often listed as one of the world’s most expensive countries. But the expenses you incur will vary depending on where you study. Studying and living in central Sydney will be pricier than living on campus at a regional university. 
  • Consider the cultural experience you want. Australia remains a country that has high-levels of immigration: around one-third of the population are immigrants. However, this is not reflected in diversity, since the vast majority are from countries like the UK or New Zealand. While each university will have an international community, most immigrants tend to reside in the larger cities. 

What are the best universities in Australia

What makes a university ‘the best’ is a matter for debate, but the Times Higher Education ranking for 2023 suggests that the top five are: 

  • University of Melbourne . Australia’s second-oldest university, it has also produced more Nobel Laureates than any other Australian university and is arguably the country’s leading research university. 
  • Monash University . Another leading research university, Monash is the only Australian member of the M8 Alliance of Academic Health Centers, Universities and National Academies. Its world-leading research resulted in the first IVF pregnancy, the development of antiviral drugs, and the breakthroughs in stem cell research. 
  • The University of Queensland . Offering a strong research focus, the university has over one hundred research centres and institutes, with many focusing no medicine and technology.  
  • University of Sydney . A consistently high-ranking university, both in Australia and globally, the University of Sydney is particularly strong in arts and humanities, and social science and business subjects. QS ranks it as the fourth most employable university in the world. 
  • Australian National University . Organised into colleges that lead teaching and research, one is the Asia and the Pacific college, making it a world-leading centre for study and research into the history, culture, and policy of the Pacific region. 

All five appear in the world top one hundred, where they are joined by UNSW Sydney and the University of Adelaide . 

>>> Click here for the full list of university rankings in Australia. 

What are the top student hubs in Australia? 

Melbourne tops the league in the QS rankings of student cities , coming fifth in the world thanks to its high student satisfaction scores. For international students, Melbourne is perhaps Australia’s most diverse city, with approximately 94,000 international students. 

Second (and ninth in the world), is Sydney . Perhaps unsurprisingly, Sydney’s cosmopolitan outlook, combined with a concentration of Australia’s best universities, makes it an attractive destination for any student. 

However, Australia, unlike most other countries, is notable for not having a dominant set of cities. And this perhaps explains why a further five Australian cities — Brisbane , Adelaide , Perth, Canberra , and Gold Coast — make a total of seven in the QS world top hundred best cities for international students. 

Tuition Fees in Australia

Education in most of the world is expensive and, sadly, Australia is no exception. Fees vary between universities and courses , but the Australian government’s Study Australia website offers a single place to get an overview of the courses available and their costs . 

For both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, fees range between AU $12,000 to as much as AU $65,000 a year. Typically, most are between AU $25,000 and AU $35,000 a year. Fees are broadly the same for both on-campus and online options. 

Domestic students, which includes not just Australians, but also New Zealanders, pay significantly lower fees. Students are required to contribute to their tuition, which is based on ability to pay and capped. It means that some students will not have to make any contribution, but no one will pay more than the maximum. 

The government caps vary to encourage students to study subjects where there are more employment opportunities. Law degrees, for example, have the highest cap at more than AU $15,000. However, for subjects like agriculture or nursing, the contribution will be just over AU $4,000. 

Like most places, there will be incidental costs that the student will be expected to meet, such as books and equipment. However, Australia also requires students to take out health insurance with an approved provider, which typically costs around AU $50 a month. However, students from New Zealand and some European countries can gain an exemption because of reciprocal healthcare arrangements. 

>>>Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee by clicking the top right Sort button.  

Can I study in Australia for free?

Although some countries do offer free education, they are becoming increasingly rare and usually targeted to domestic students or areas where there is a skills shortage. Sadly, there is no free education in Australia for international students. 

Australian and New Zealander applicants will have their course significantly discounted, although their maximum contribution can still be sizeable. However, there is a range of financial assistance packages available, ranging from a reduced contribution for families with lower incomes, to support to access education for those from Aboriginal or regional communities. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Australia

The aid you can access will depend on where you are from, your status and where you are studying. But regardless of your situation, there will be options available for you. However, if funding is an issue, it’s well worth investigating the scholarship options before you apply. Not only might it affect your choice of university, but some are only open before you have secured a place at a university. 

>>> We have compiled a list of scholarships that you can apply for when you are studying in Australia. 

Types of scholarships on offer

There are a range of awards available, including those awarded based on your academic ability or financial means, and as both grants and loans. Our article on the different types of scholarships and how to apply will help begin your search. 

You should always check the eligibility criteria, but, typically, there is no limit to the number that you can apply for (although they are likely to place limits on how many you can accept!) so it’s sensible to apply for several. It is far better to have too many options than none. 

Where you can find scholarships

Mastersportal scholarship search is a great place to start. It lists over 1,500 scholarships from both universities and outside bodies that offer support to students in Australia. 

It’s also worth checking the Studyportals Scholarship . Our International Distinction Award is open to all international students, and you can find out more by reading our FAQ.  

The Australian government’s scholarships page is also a useful resource, containing details of the scholarships that are organised by or with relevant departments. 

Finally, check with universities that you are interested in. All universities will have a range of scholarships and bursaries amiable for students, and you might be the ideal candidate not just for a course, but also for one of their bursaries. 

How to apply

Once you’ve done your research and identified the scholarships that you are interested in, it’s time to complete the applications. Remember that most are competitive, so there’s no guarantee that, however good a match you think you are, that you will be successful. It’s sensible to apply for more than you need. 

The following steps are a useful guide for making your applications: 

  • Check the eligibility criteria and make sure you meet all the requirements. These might include your academic record, nationality, age, subject, even your family background. Every scholarship will have many applications, so if you don’t fully meet the criteria, even if you think you are close, don’t waste your time applying. 
  • Gather all the documents you require. Each scholarship will detail the evidence they require for your application. While you might be lucky if you forget something and get a chance to submit that forgotten transcript or statement, it will usually mean your application is rejected. 
  • Complete the application. These may have different formats, ranging from simple forms to personal statements. Whatever the format, take the time to get someone to check the form. Someone like a tutor will be ideal since, even if they do not administer scholarships, they will have an idea of the sort of things the scheme will be looking for. 
  • Send your application! This might seem like a simple step, but one that is often missed as people delay while they review and revise their form. Set yourself an application deadline that is before the actual deadline to make sure you get it all sent off in good time. 
  • Wait for the response. This might be a tense period, but you will need patience. Depending on the scheme, you might have to attend an interview or provide additional evidence. If you will have to attend an interview, use this time to take a look at our advice on how to do well. 
  • Accept the offer. The best part, but make sure you don’t just accept. There will be terms and conditions that you should make sure you fully understand and can meet before you accept. And if you have other applications that are not decided yet, you might want to wait to make sure you commit to the best option available to you. 

What to include in your application

Each scheme will state what they want to see from you and the format they require it in. However, they will always want to know why you are applying for financial aid and how it will help you meet your academic goals. This will usually be requested in the form of a personal statement or a letter of motivation . Like any application you make in your career, while the underlying reasons may be the same, it’s worth personalising your applications, so they are relevant to the scheme you are applying to. 

Other information that applications are likely to require are: 

  • Personal information, this might be simple factual information, but some schemes may be interested in your family background, for example if they are targeting first-generation students. 
  • Your academic history, such as certificates or transcripts. 
  • Letters of recommendation, which might be provided by teachers, tutors, or employers. 
  • Financial information, which can establish your need for financial aid. 
  • Supporting materials, this might be a portfolio of your previous work, or an essay required for the scholarship to demonstrate your abilities. 

Interested in scholarships for Australia? Check out our scholarship search page.

Apply to university in Australia

For domestic students, applications to universities are done through a number of state-based central admissions systems, for example, the Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre for universities in Victoria or the Universities Admissions Centre in New South Wales and ACT. Although there are differences between each scheme, candidates can make multiple applications, listing universities by preference in each, meaning they are able — with just a handful of formal applications — to apply to dozens of universities. 

Unfortunately, international students, regardless of the level of course they are seeking, are not included in the process. Instead, international students have to apply directly, and individually, to each institution. 

Exactly how you apply for university in Australia will depend on the institution. Each university has its own application process. While these are all very similar, there may be slight differences between each, so make sure you carefully check the requirements of everywhere that you want to apply. Missing a deadline or a crucial document could make the difference between getting your dream course and having to settle for something else. 

Typically, the application process is completed entirely via the university's website, and most have a useful guide, so you know exactly how to apply to a university online before you start. 

Assuming you have already identified the course you want to study, the first thing to check will be that you are eligible to apply. The eligibility criteria will be listed on your course page and typically include having a recognised qualification and meeting the English proficiency requirement. You will need to evidence that you meet these in your application. 

You will also need to submit a range of documents as an international student. These will, obviously, include your academic records, but also some personal documents, such a copy of your passport and documents attesting to your identity. In some circumstances, universities may also be required to confirm your eligibility to enter Australia. 

How much does it cost 

While you do not have course fees to pay before you apply to university, you will often be required to confirm that you understand the fee structure and will pay when required. Some scholarships are not available after you have applied and accepted a place, so make sure you are clear that you have the finances in place before you apply. 

Finally, although you do not have to pay course fees, you do have to pay to apply to university, more specifically, you will be charged an application processing fee. This fee is levied by almost every university and is usually between AU $50 to AU $150. 

How many times can you apply 

As an international student, you do not have a limit on your applications, so you can apply to more than one university at the same time, or even multiple courses at the same university. However, the application processing fee is likely to be your limiting factor, along with the time taken for each application, so you are likely to want to focus your applications to those where you really want to study and have a reasonable chance of success. 

What’s the structure of the Australian academic year

Australia’s academic year is similar to many other Western universities and operates a semester-based year. 

  • Undergraduate degrees are typically three years, or four years for an honours degree. Postgraduate degrees are one or two years for a Masters, and three for a PhD. 
  • Most universities have two semesters a year (although a few operate with three trimesters) 
  • The academic year starts in March. 
  • Many universities and courses offer two starts a year, but not all, so check if you want a September start. 

When to apply for Australian universities

Because international students apply directly, and most universities offer two starts a year, applications are almost always open for international students. Check with the university, though, since some do close applications at specific periods, or have courses that only offer a single intake a year. 

Generally, the deadline to apply for university depends on the preferred start date. For those hoping to start in the first semester, applications must typically be made by December at the latest, while second semester starts should apply by the preceding May. 

However, it’s sensible to apply as early as possible. Many universities will process applications quickly, and if you are not accepted, that means you have more time to consider and apply to alternatives. 

Documents needed to apply for university

Typically, Australian universities will ask for the same documents needed to apply for university anywhere. These will include: 

  • a copy of your passport 
  • copies of relevant qualifications 
  • evidence that you meet the language requirements for the course 
  • evidence of any scholarship you are receiving 
  • a reference or letter of recommendation from a school or tutor 
  • evidence of any additional requirements listed for the course 

In some cases, you may have to provide additional evidence of your right to enter Australia. And if your documents are not in English, you will also have to provide a translation provided the issuing body or a government-certified translator. 

Language requirements

As an English-speaking country, all courses in Australian universities are delivered in English. You will therefore have to demonstrate fluency. Either by being a native English speaker or having passed English language tests. 

Individual universities and even courses may have their own requirements. However, most major English language tests are recognised and accepted. 

  • IELTS . This test scores between 0 and 9 for listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. A typical requirement will be an overall score of at least 6.5, with no individual skill below 6. 
  • TOEFL-IBT . Like IELTS, the TEEFL-IBT gives individual scores for listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a maximum of 30 in each category. You will usually need at least 85 overall, with minimums of 17-19 in each category. 
  • PTE Academic . This test gives scores for speaking, writing, listening and speaking, each with a maximum score of 90. Universities often ask for a score of around 60, with a minimum of 55 in each of the 4 skills.

Student housing in Australia

You will need somewhere to live while you are studying . The options available to you will depend on your university, its location, and your preferences. 

  • University provided accommodation. Many universities will have accommodation they manage for students. But few will have enough to house all their students, though, so it is often prioritised for particular groups, such as international students and first year undergraduates. Check with your university to see what they have on offer and how you can apply. 
  • Managed student accommodation. Privately run student accommodation is becoming increasingly common, especially in urban locations. These will typically include a room which shares communal facilities such as living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. They will usually include costs like energy and internet, some will even include things like servicing, or have canteens on site. 
  • Private renting or leasing. Although more common for the second year and after, when you have established friends with whom you can share, there are lots of sites that can help you find places to rent, often targeted at students. 

When to apply for student accommodation

You can find out when to apply for university accommodation through your university website. However, if you are considering private options, it’s sensible to start looking as soon as you have confirmation of your place. There is usually a high demand for accommodation, especially in cities, where students can find themselves competing with everyone else to find somewhere to live. 

Useful resources for finding accommodation 

  • Amber is a portal that lists private student accommodation across the world. 
  • Student is another portal which focuses on helping international students identify accommodation 
  • Property is a general real estate sales and rental site, but features properties that will be suitable for students. 

Cost of living in Australia

The cost of living can be subjective, and much will depend on your expectations. Students are often masters at living inexpensively in even the most expensive locations! However, most independent sources suggest that Australia is one of the most expensive places to live in the world, with a cost of living that is significantly higher than, say, the UK or USA. 

The government’s Study Australia website provides a cost of living calculator that indicates the likely costs you will incur, even looking at the frugal lifestyles tends to suggest annual costs of around AU $20,000. 

Perhaps predictably, the most expensive cost is accommodation, which can be more than AU $2,000 a month for an apartment in Sydney city centre. But even ‘cheap’ activities can be expensive, a typical meal in a low-cost restaurant will be around AU $25. 

Cost of food in Australia 

The cost of food in Australia, like everything else, is high when compared internationally. While the prices will vary depending on lifestyle — a vegetarian diet will be cheaper than a meat-eating diet — you can typically expect to spend around AU $500 a month on food, and significantly more if you eat out regularly. 

Work and study in Australia

The Australian student visa allows students to work while they are in Australia. This can be useful whether you need the income to fund your studies, or simply want some extra cash to enjoy the experiences that the country has to offer. 

Are international students allowed to work in Australia?

Working hours for international students in Australia are limited to 48 hours every two weeks during semesters, and unlimited during vacations. However, unlike some countries, there are no limits on where that work is, or what sector it is in. It means that students have a wide-range of job options. 

Indeed, apart from the limit on working hours, student visa holders have the same benefits and work protection as any Australian, even having the right to start their own business. 

Where can I find jobs?

The first place to start is with your university. Their career service will usually have a host of jobs that suitable for students, often from employers that are specifically looking for student employees. 

However, there are also lots of other places to look, including Student Job Board , SEEK , and Indeed . 

>>> Read this article for Tips on Finding Part-Time Jobs for International Students , including ideas of how to get an internship or a work from home job for students. 

Is Australia safe?

Australia is generally seen as a safe country. However, the question of whether Australia is safe, or safe for international students, will depend on exactly where in Australia the question is being asked. It is a vast country, and the dangers can vary dramatically. 

Typically, crime in Australia is low, and it follows a similar pattern to other Western countries, being higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas, with the types of crime driven largely by opportunity. 

However, safety is not just about crime. Many sites will warn travellers not against the dangers of theft or robbery, but to be aware of some of the dangerous plants and animals that inhabit parts of Australia! 

Wherever you are, or whatever you are doing in Australia, simple common sense can keep you safe. 

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are somewhere unfamiliar. 
  • Avoid dark areas where there are few people around. 
  • Be careful in busy areas, especially at night, when opportunities are created for thieves and pickpockets. 
  • Be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs 
  • Remember the emergency number. Australia uses 000 for emergency services, but 112 can also be used from mobile phones. 

Healthcare options 

Australia operates a mixed private-public healthcare system, providing free healthcare as needed to Australian citizens . However, many will also have health insurance to cover medical needs that are not available in the public system, or to provide extras if treated in the public system. 

Most international students, however, will not be eligible for free healthcare. Unless they are from one of the countries that have a healthcare agreement with Australia — such as New Zealand and many European countries — they will need to have health insurance in place. 

Take care when researching your insurance options, so you have the level of cover that is right for you. As well as being a requirement, healthcare can be very expensive. Even if you consider yourself fit and healthy, an accident or unexpected illness can result in a very large bill. 

Student insurance in Australia

Overseas Student Health Cover is the only insurance that is mandatory for international students. Only approved insurers can provide this, and it is available in a range of covers, for example including additional benefits or covering a dependent family if they are travelling with you. Typically, you can expect to spend at least AU $500 a year for this, but you might be able to get cheaper quotes by shopping around or committing to multi-year cover with your insurer. 

However, it’s also sensible to consider what other insurance you might need. Your circumstances will determine the type and level of cover that is appropriate for you. It is sensible to consider insurance for your possession, since things like your computer and even textbooks can be expensive to replace if stolen or damaged. But you might also want to consider other policies like renters’ insurance for college students or travel insurance if they are appropriate to you. 

>>>  Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.

Support services available for international students

Your university or college will provide student support services, and almost certainly will have services dedicated to international students. Before the Covid-19 pandemic there were over half-a-million international students registered at Australian universities, and since the pandemic the number has been returning to that level. International students represent a major part of the education sector economy and, through that, the Australian economy. 

As a result, the Australian government also operates its own international student service. While this is largely dedicated to ensuring that individual universities provide support, it offers its own resources, and can be an especially useful source of information whether you are thinking about Australia or are already there. 

Most other resources are organised on a state level, so when you have a place, it’s worth researching the services that may be on offer to you in that state. However, it is worth noting that most statewide organisations prioritise the support they offer to students that cannot get support from their university. 

Student organisations

Nationally, there is the Council of International Students Australia , which acts as a representative organisation for international students. However, most other student organisations are organised on a state, city, or university basis. An example is the Oz International Student Hub in Sydney. Some others are available for particular groups, such as the Asian International Students of Australia . Your university will be the best starting point to identify the organisations that best represent you. 

Things to do for students on a budget

The high cost of living in Australia does not mean there is a shortage of things to do, even when money is tight. There are plenty of cheap and free things to do in Australia. But remember that Australia is vast, it’s not just the world’s sixth-largest country, it’s also the smallest continent! We’ve listed some ideas here and tried to pick things from different parts of the country, but a little research will find plenty of things for you to do wherever you are. 

Top urban attractions for students

  • Can you go to Australia without visiting Sydney Harbour? With the iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge it’s one of the most recognisable views in the world. Free walking tours are available, so you can find out more about the buildings, or find your way to some of the area’s best food-and-drink spots. 
  • Melbourne has a rivalry with Sydney, and a Melbournian will be quick to assure you it’s the best city. It is a centre for art and culture, but if you want something different, head to the suburb of St Kilda, where you spot the penguins roosting at the end of the pier every night. 
  • Head to the Gold Coast, which is also well-known for the high-rise towers that loom over the golden beaches. If you can resist (or hate) the sand between your toes, the city offers everything you need for an urban escape, from retail therapy in glamorous malls, to adrenaline-fuelled fun in theme parks. 
  • Brisbane also lays claim to being an Australian cultural centre. It is the only place in Australia where you can spend a morning enjoying the culture of museums and galleries before heading to a man-made inner-city beach to relax on the sand! 
  • Perth is home to a large part of Australia’s history, and the port of Fremantle offers a range of attractions celebrating Australia’s maritime past, and Fremantle Prison, the state’s first jail. 

Top 5 Outdoor Attractions

  • Uluru is probably Australia’s most recognisable natural landmark. A large sandstone rock, it has enormous cultural significance for the Aboriginal people and visitors can no longer climb it. However, its size means it has to be seen to be appreciated, and it is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable sight even from ground level. 
  • The Great Barrier Reef stretches for over 1,400 miles off the coast of Queensland. The largest coral reef system in the world, it is even visible from space. Boat trips are available to visit the reef, while the more adventurous can try snorkelling or scuba diving to see parts of it close up. 
  • Litchfield National Park is a few hours from Darwin and showcases the stunning diversity of Australia. The forest contains a series of pools and waterfalls that are popular spots for people to take a dip. 
  • Lake Hillier, on the West Coast, is perhaps the most famous of the pink lakes. The water takes on a pink hue believed to be caused by organisms in it (and making it a subject of ongoing research). It is especially vibrant when viewed from overhead, and several companies offer tourist flights. 
  • The Great Ocean Road is an ideal way to not just take in Australia’s beauty, but also enjoy a fantastic road-trip. Around 150 miles long, it is easily travelled in a day, but with delightful seaside towns, the opportunity to see some of Australia’s more unusual wildlife, like the platypus, and sights like the Twelve Apostles, it can easily be a multi-day road-trip. 

Travelling in Australia

Being an English-speaking nation is a great advantage to international students because there is no shortage of opportunities to practice, even before you get there. If you are not from an English-speaking country, you will almost certainly know English-speakers that can help you. But there are plenty of other ways to practice. 

  • Try watching English TV shows and movies, with subtitles if you need. 
  • Download English podcasts, some are designed for various levels of English fluency, so you can practice listening to English speakers 
  • Read English books, newspapers, or websites. 
  • Use apps like Duolingo. 

Living as an expat in Australia

After you have finished your studies in Australia, you might decide that you want to stay there. If you do, you want be alone, a lot of the expats in Australia never intended to stay, until they fell in love with the country. 

However, your student visa stops being valid when your course ends, so you will have to apply for a new or different visa. Australia is very strict about immigration, so if you want to remain in the country, it’s worth preparing well before you graduate. 

Expat communities in Australia

Australia has an incredibly large expatriate community, with more than one-in-four Australian residents born elsewhere. However, it is not necessarily the most diverse group of expatriates: over a million of them are from the UK, attracted by a Western culture, common language, and significantly better weather than at home! 

However, there are still plenty of communities from across the world living in Australia. After the UK, the largest foreign-born populations are from India (around 700,000 people), China (approximately 600,000), and New Zealand (560,000). According to the most recent Australian census, there are sixteen countries that have a population of more than 100,000 people living in Australia. 

The largest foreign-born populations are found in the cities, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth having the largest populations. 

Australia Immigration rules

How your immigration status changes after graduation.

Your student visa is only valid for the duration of the course you applied for, to a maximum of five years. When your course finishes, or five years have passed, you must apply for a new visa to remain in Australia. 

The Australian immigration process does have many options, though, and it’s likely there will be a suitable visa that you can apply for. However, although the Australian student visa immigration process is quite straightforward, the rules for other visas can be complex, even considering factors like whether you studied at a rural university. It’s worth taking the time to identify the right visa for you. 

Types of Visa

Australia’s immigration and citizenship service lists over 70 types of visa, but for international students who are about to graduate, the most important ones are likely to be those in the ‘working and skilled visa’ category . 

For those who have a job, it may be possible to obtain a visa sponsored by an employer. However, for others, the Temporary Graduate visa allows graduates from Australian universities to remain in the country for between two and four years, depending on the qualification. Those who graduated from a regional university can apply for a follow-on visa, which will give them another one to two years. 

Immigration processing times

Processing times and costs for visas will vary depending on the type of visa requested. A graduate visa costs AU $1,730, and around half of applications are granted within four months. However, official statistics state that 10% take longer than 15 months, so you should plan well ahead if you want to remain after your course finishes. 

Job opportunities in Australia

The Australian economy is one of the world’s largest and typically has low overall unemployment rates and high employment rates for professionals. It makes it a great place for graduates to seek work . Most graduate and postgraduate level jobs will tend to be focused in and around cities, and as a developed economy will have a similar mix of job-types as elsewhere. 

However, do bear in mind Australia’s immigration rules. These can limit job opportunities in Australia for foreigners because it can be harder to secure a visa. Those with qualifications that match identified shortages within Australia, such as engineering, will find it a lot easier to get a visa since they can apply for a skilled worker visa. Others might be reliant on having, or finding, an employer that will sponsor them to enter the country. 

If you are looking for graduate work in Australia why not try: 

  • Indeed is an international recruitment site, so you can find graduate level jobs anywhere you want. 
  • SEEK is an Australian jobs site. 
  • GradAustralia is a specialist site and can help you find internships and placements as well as jobs. 

Continue your studies in Australia

If you are coming towards the end of your course and are keen to continue studying, there are plenty of options. Remember, though, that you will need a new student visa, and if you are already in Australia, you will have to apply before your previous visa expires or leave the country. 

One thing to note is that, generally, you can only apply for a student visa to study at the same or higher Australian Qualification Framework level than you have previously been granted. The exception to this is at the very top, when you can apply for a student visa to undertake further Master’s level study after a PhD. A bachelor’s degree is level seven.  

  • A postgraduate certificate or diploma. Although often seen as around the same level as a degree academically, these are at level eight on the AQF. They are typically more specialised and often a prerequisite for some careers. 
  • A Master’s degree. Sitting at level nine on the AQF, if you already have a Bachelor’s degree, or sometimes have relevant life and career experience, you might consider applying for a masters’ degree. We list over 3,300 Master’s degrees in Australia . 
  • A doctorate. A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is the highest-level qualification you can get — level ten on the AQF — and usually takes at least three years of original research, which should add to the sum of human knowledge. We list over 180 PhDs offered by Australian universities . 

Frequently asked questions

1. do international students need a visa to study in australia .

Yes, international students need a visa to study in Australia. The Student visa (subclass 500) lets you remain for up to five years while your course lasts, allows you to work while in Australia, and entitles a partner and dependents to apply for a visa to join you. 

2. Is studying in Australia worth it? 

Australia has some of the world’s best universities, as well as some of the world’s best student cities. With plenty of scholarship opportunities, and the potential to remain in Australia with a graduate visa, it’s a very attractive option for more than half-a-million international students every year. 

3. What is the cost of studying in Australia? 

Fees vary between universities and courses. However, they are typically between AU $25,000 and AU $35,000 a year, although some specialist subjects can be as much as AU $65,000. 

4. How much money is required to study in Australia? 

Australia has a high cost of living. You can expect, even with a frugal lifestyle, to need at least AU $20,000 a year. 

5. Can I study in Australia without IELTS? 

You will need to demonstrate enough fluency in English to cope with your course. If you’re educated in an English-speaking country, this may not be necessary. Alternatively, all universities accept PTE Academic and most also accept TOEFL-IBT. 

6. What are the requirements to study in Australia? 

You will need to have secured a place at a recognised institution through their application process. Once you have this, you must apply for a student visa to allow you to travel to Australia. 

7. What exams are required to study in Australia? 

The exact exams and results will vary between courses and universities. For undergraduate courses, these will be the equivalent of Australia’s secondary education certificate (which itself varies between states), such as A-levels, International or European Baccalaureate or the American SAT. For postgraduate courses, it will be a relevant undergraduate qualification. 

8. How to get permanent residency while studying in Australia? 

Interesting programmes for you, find phds degrees in australia, what subject to study in australia.

  • Agriculture & Forestry 5 Masters
  • Applied Sciences & Professions 11 Masters
  • Arts, Design & Architecture 34 Masters
  • Business & Management 59 Masters
  • Computer Science & IT 53 Masters
  • Education & Training 25 Masters
  • Engineering & Technology 75 Masters
  • Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 30 Masters
  • Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 3 Masters
  • Humanities 49 Masters
  • Journalism & Media 2 Masters
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  • Natural Sciences & Mathematics 56 Masters
  • Social Sciences 53 Masters

PhD Degrees in Australia

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 419 programmes
  • Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) 3 programmes
  • Doctorate (Doctorate) 30 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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PhD by Distance

Become world-ready, from wherever you are in the world, with a UTS PhD by distance mode.

If your research is based internationally but you want access to UTS's world-leading researchers and reputation, you've been required to complete a PhD for your career but you don't want to relocate, or you want to expand your global networks to create real-world research impact, the PhD by distance mode might be right for you. 

A UTS PhD by distance mode empowers you to develop your future as a researcher in a global context —all without applying for a visa or subletting your apartment.

What you can expect

  • full enrolment as a PhD student at UTS
  • supervision and mentorship from a panel of experts
  • administrative support and guidance from your faculty
  • PhD from a Top 100 global university
  • access to UTS online facilities and resources
  • high-quality research training and professional skills development 

Study requirements

The study expectations of PhD by distance mode students are the same as on-campus students. This means that you will:

  • need to meet the same admissions requirements , including English-language proficiency
  • be supported by a panel of supervisors
  • complete any mandatory coursework
  • go through the same candidature stage assessments as other PhDs from your faculty
  • be subject to the same student rules that govern PhD study at UTS
  • have the same expected timelines for your study as other PhD students
  • be liable for the same course fees as other international students unless you are assessed as eligible for a tuition fee scholarship

Support and development

As a fully-enrolled UTS student, you’ll have access to a variety of forms of support for your research, your professional development as a researcher, and your own health and wellbeing, including:

  • UTS Library’s extensive digital catalogue and one-on-one researcher support
  • online skills development workshops and training modules, including in areas like research writing, software training, and project management
  • personalised advice from UTS Careers and access to online resources 
  • inclusion in the online research student Teams channel

Find more information about the support available to you as a distance mode PhD student  (PDF, 0.8MB).  Please note that not all benefits available to on-campus students exist in digital form or translate to distance study.

Find out more: Distance mode is available for international students. Read all admissions requirements → There are scholarships that can help with fees. Find out more about the costs of a PhD by distance → Ready for the next steps? Explore the application process → 

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.

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Postgraduate research degrees

Our research is driven by the big picture. The University of Sydney is home to leading researchers who are finding solutions to the world's most pressing issues by changing the way they look at them. 

We are home to 90 world‑renowned multidisciplinary research and teaching centres that tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as health, climate change and food security. These centres include the Charles Perkins Centre, the Brain and Mind Centre ,  The University of Sydney Nano Institute , the Sydney Policy Lab , the Sydney Environment Institute , and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre .

Our interdisciplinary approach means that students are part of a community of scholars that unites experts in fields as diverse as medicine, arts, social sciences, engineering, information technologies and science. 

As a researcher at Sydney, you'll work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics. You can access high-calibre facilities and unique international partnerships with top-ranked institutions, including Stanford, UCLA, the University of Edinburgh, Utrecht University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Hong Kong.

Types of research degrees

Master's degree by research.

A master's degree by research at Sydney:

  • is the second-highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework
  • can be a gateway to study at a PhD level
  • is usually one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time*
  • is awarded based on a supervised thesis, which makes a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned.

*Part-time is not available to international student visa holders.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD at Sydney:

  • is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework
  • comprises of independent research and writing on an approved topic toward a thesis for examination
  • may be undertaken in all faculties and divisions, or across disciplines
  • is usually 3.5 years of full-time or seven years of part-time* study.

If you’re interested in a Joint PhD program, you need to follow the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) application steps 1-3. In addition, your proposed supervisor will need to complete a proposal to negotiate a student agreement form. If accepted, you will also be required to sign an individual student agreement. After your student agreement is finalised, you will then be sent an application form for the Joint PhD program.

Please refer to the University's Dual and Joint Degree Policy for full policy details.

Download our  Joint PhD programs factsheet (pdf, 116KB)  to learn more.

Professional doctorate

A professional doctorate at Sydney:

  • allows candidates to pursue rigorous scholarship alongside advancing their practice in many fields
  • is usually three to four years of full-time or six to eight years of part-time* study.

Internship opportunities

Grow professionally and academically through a paid 3-6 month internship with an industry partner as you complete your degree.

The University of Sydney has partnered with  Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern)  to provide domestic and international HDR students with internship opportunities  in a range of sectors and disciplines.

A paid internship will allow you to:

  • Develop competencies that will contribute to your research
  • Gain industry experience, develop skills and build networks
  • Enhance your employability
  • Earn additional income

HDR coursework 

HDR coursework is mandatory for some of our research degrees. HDR coursework adds to your researcher toolkit so you can graduate with a robust set of skills, for a career in academia or industry.

Your faculty may elect to define certain units of study as mandatory for a given degree, or define any other studies as required by the progress evaluation panel of the research project. Refer to the relevant course in the  handbook .  

Frequently asked questions

Getting started, do i need prior research experience.

Yes, all HDR courses require prior research experience. This is because HDR courses are largely self-driven, requiring pre-requisite research, time and project management skills.

If I have no prior research experience how can I get started?

If you do not have any previous research experience, there are ways to gain what you need. Both the one-year honours and masters by coursework degrees containing substantial research components are great pathways into research. These courses will allow you to gain the research skills necessary to apply for the PhD.

What is the difference between a Master of Philosophy/Research and a PhD?

The PhD is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework. The PhD is usually three years full-time or six years part-time.

The Master of Philosophy/Research is usually one to two years full-time or four years part-time (part-time is available to domestic students only). A PhD thesis is generally around 80,000 words while a master’s thesis is 50,000 words.

How do I find a supervisor?

To browse through the profiles of our researchers and learn about their current and past research, please refer to Find a Researcher . Here, you will also be able to access the publications lists and contact details of our researchers. 

My research idea crosses two disciplines – is this a problem?

No. Interdisciplinary research is highly regarded in the world of academia and working across disciplines can be very beneficial in developing and demonstrating different analytical skills. Working on research from two perspectives can also offer insight that you would not be able to achieve from one discipline perspective.

What are the English language requirements for a PhD?

Please check your  course page  for the requirements of each course. Generally, the English requirements are between 6.0 to 7.0 IELTS overall or equivalent in other accepted English proficiency tests.

How much do HDR courses cost?

There are no course fees for domestic students – fees are covered by the government Research Training Program (RTP) fee offset. However, fees apply to international students. Please refer to the  course page  for fee details.

What scholarships are available?

We have one of the largest research schemes in Australia. Opportunities include the Australian government-funded Research Training Program (RTP) stipend scholarships, and the University of Sydney and faculty-specific awards. Explore your options .

Degree progression

Do i have to undertake hdr coursework.

It depends on your degree. Your faculty may define certain units of study as mandatory for a given degree. Where this is not the case, you may still have the opportunity to complete units of study that you find useful to support your learning and research. 

Can I transfer from the Master of Philosophy into a PhD?

It is possible for students to move to the PhD after the first year of study, if you have made satisfactory progress and if the transfer is approved by your Faculty. It is important to inform your supervisor of your plans early so that you can work on a timeline together to achieve this goal.

Support during your studies

Am i able to work while studying my hdr course full-time.

Yes, you can work during your PhD. How many hours you take on is at your own discretion, and you must ensure that you still allow time for the completion of your research. International HDR students can generally work more hours than coursework students. Please check your individual visa for specific restrictions.

Will the university employ me during my PhD?

There are sometimes opportunities for PhD candidates to engage in paid employment at the University, but this is not guaranteed and is dependent on the Faculty/Department. If opportunities do arise, they may be in the form of teaching, marking, acting as a research assistant, or other roles.

What support services are available to research students?

There is extensive support for research students at Sydney, including 100+ multidisciplinary research and teaching centres.

Other services:

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  • 100% of our research is ranked at world standard and above by the Australian Research Council
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5 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Australia for International Students

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fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students

Table of Contents

Australia has some of the world class research centers and highly ranked universities offering doctoral studies for international students. A typical PhD course in Australia takes about 3 years to complete. Most of the programmes include taught modules that focus on progression and professional development. The PhD structure in Australia is similar to that of the UK beginning with a literature review, moving on to analysing source materials, producing experimental results, and collecting survey data.  Keeping in mind the importance of tertiary education, the Australian government opens doors for students to pursue their research studies which is why there are many fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students.

Studying PhD In Australia | Fully Funded PhD Scholarships In Australia For International Students

If you wish to pursue a PhD in Australia as an international student, as per the norms of the Australian student visa , you have to take up a full time PhD course which takes about 3 years to complete. At the end of your studies, you will be required to submit a written thesis that summarises your findings and includes the evidence for them. There is no viva voce required for an Australian PhD unlike other countries. Your PhD result is based on the recommendation of the examiners wherein you are either

  • Awarded a doctorate degree without any corrections
  • Asked to make changes to your thesis, or
  • Denied the PhD

fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students

Cost Of Studying In Australia |  Fully Funded PhD Scholarships In Australia For International Students

The cost of studying in Australia is relatively high and includes tuition costs, costs of living like accommodation costs, travel and transport, and other miscellaneous expenses. While the average PhD tuition fees for international students is estimated between AUD $18,000 – AUD $ 42,000, the approximate cost of living in Australia is AUD $21,041. This is when fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students come handy and enable students to divert their focus only towards their research studies.

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List Of Fully Funded PhD Scholarships In Australia For International Students

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1. Australia Awards Scholarships 

This program is administered by the Department of Education and the Australian Agricultural Research Centre (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs. It is one of the only fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students that aims towards the betterment of developing and neighbouring countries by means of covering full tuition fees, providing for travel allowances, establishment allowance, living expenses, introductory academic program fees, and health insurance. In the year 2021, this program offered 818 scholarships to students from 20 developing countries around the world.

2. Adelaide Scholarships International

fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students

The University of Adelaide offers fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students to outstanding graduate international students who will be commencing their Masters or their doctoral research studies. They provide a 100% tuition fee waiver for all the three years of the PhD course. Additionally, they also provide a monthly stipend towards living, health insurance and are exempt from tax payments. This program is available in all disciplines for international students from all countries except Australia and New Zealand.

Related and Important Blogs, You Must Definitely Explore :

  • How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia
  • Australian Scholarships you may Missed
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  • Guide to Commonwealth Scholarships Australia

3. Australian Government Research Training Program 

This program is available for both domestic and international students who wish to pursue their Master Research degrees or a PhD from any Australian university . This research training program (RTP) offers student funding in three ways:

  • RTP Fees Offset that pays for the students’ tuition fees for higher degree education which would have otherwise been paid by the student. 
  • RTP Stipend to assist students with their accommodation and other essential overhead costs. 
  • RTP Allowances to help students with ancillary expenses such as travel and relocation. 

4. Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships

Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (FIPRS) are awarded at Flinders University to suitably eligible candidates for a higher degree in full-time research, up to two years for a Research Masters degree, and up to three years for a Research Doctorate degree. The scholarship includes international tuition fees for students, living allowance, allowance for the establishment, cost of relocation, and airfares.

5. University Of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

Established by the University of Melbourne, the Graduate Research Scholarship is awarded to highly qualified domestic and foreign research students. This is one of the fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students that covers tuition fees, living expenses, housing allowance, relocation grants, and health insurance.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog on Fully Funded PhD Scholarships In Australia For International Students. If you are interested in knowing more about scholarships in Australia like the ones mentioned in this blog, check out the different scholarships available on UniScholars and choose from a wide range of scholarships.

1. Can I get a scholarship for PhD in Australia?

For sufficiently outstanding applicants, Australian universities frequently have their own studentships and financed PhD positions available. International students may be eligible for special financing at some institutions.

2. Is PhD in Australia fully funded?

Most international PhD candidates will have to self-fund or rely on scholarships to cover the whole cost of their education.

3. Is PhD free in Australia for international students?

According to the Australian government, median foreign PhD fees range from AUD $18,000 to $42,000 (USD $13,065 to $30,485) per year. Only if you have a fully financed scholarship may you study for almost nothing.

4. How can I get a free PhD in Australia?

The University of Adelaide offers fully financed PhD scholarships in Australia to outstanding overseas graduate students who will be starting their master’s or doctorate research studies in Australia. They offer a tuition cost-free for the entire three years of the PhD programme.

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PhD In Australia

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

PhD in Australia

Let’s take a look at what’s involved in studying a PhD in Australia.

Pre-application for a PhD in Australia

Potential PhD students in Australia need to have an excellent academic record and those with a 1st class undergraduate degree or a very high upper second class undergraduate degree will have the necessary academic record to apply for a PhD research position. Once an applicant has established that they have the necessary academic record they should see which academics in universities in Australia  would be a good fit for their field of study. This can be done by searching through publications and research areas to see if the academic is interested in the same topics as they are. Potential PhD students should make initial contact with a potential supervising academic outlining what they wish to research into. In the initial contact, the PhD applicant should also include an outline of relevant experience, qualifications and any academic publications they have had. At this point the applicant could also include a brief  research proposal . 

Application process in Australia

Once a PhD applicant has made contact with a supervisor, they will discuss the applicant’s research proposal further and they will either agree to support the application or will recommend another colleague. Alternatively they could decline to support the application altogether – but in this scenario they will hopefully be able to suggest ways that the student could improve or amend their research proposal in order to get it accepted. If an applicant does not know which academic to ask to supervise but is interested in an individual university  then they should make contact directly to the university through an expression of interest, And the university will then direct them to any appropriate academics. 

Admissions process in Australia

Once the student has an academic supervisor who has agreed to support the PhD application they will need to make a formal application. This will need an excellent research proposal that links the study area with the interest areas of the academic supervisor. This is the main part of the application for the PhD, and the university being applied to will offer guidance on writing the research proposal. Potential PhD students in Australia also need to gather documents providing information such as grade transcripts, English language skills, and a CV. If the applicant is an international student  institutions may require passports or proof that the PhD student is a  Genuine Temporary Entrant , Some universities and departments require potential PhD students to attend interviews and others do not. 

Study methods in Australia

Part-time PhD students will have to prove that they can fit in their studies and complete their research within the time limits set by the university. In Australia, only domestic students are usually able to undertake their PhD on a part-time basis and international students would not gain a student visa  with a part-time place. The vast majority of PhD students in Australia are researching full-time on-campus. 

Fees for a PhD in Australia

Students from Australia and New Zealand or those students with permanent residency visas for Australia will often have their tuition fees paid for by the Australia Government through their  Research Training Program (RTP) . Very few international students will qualify for the RTP, but it is always worth checking as some countries with historic or modern links with Australia qualify. Students apply via their university for the RTP . Most international PhD students will have to pay the full tuition fees by self-funding or with scholarships . 

Funding your PhD in Australia

The Australian Government also offers a stipend for PhD students to live on while they research as part of the RTP. If your research qualifies for the RTP and you come from a qualifying country or are considered a domestic student, then you will also qualify for the stipend. There are also significant  scholarships  available in Australia that are advertised through the department or university and are sponsored by the university. International students are usually recommended to find funding from scholarships from outside of their university in Australia or their home country. 

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PhD duration

If a PhD student has taken funding for the tuition fees and the stipend to pay for living costs while they study, then they need to complete their PhD within four years, but it usually takes three years. Part-time PhD students are unusual, because of the funding issues, but they will be expected to complete their PhD in no more than six years. Some PhD students complete their research within two years, but this is very unusual.

International PhD students' visas

In Australia,  international PhD students  no longer have a specific research student visa and must now apply for the  standard student visa  like all other students. A student visa lasts for five years in Australia, so international PhD students can apply as early as possible as this is longer than the three to four years that students will take to complete their research. 

Number of PhD students in Australia

The number of PhD students has increased over recent years as this table illustrates.

PhD Students in Australia

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PhD in Australia: Requirements, Cost and Application Process

Total Cost For Studying In New Zealand

A PhD is more than just a degree; it's an exciting journey of learning and development. During this journey, we will learn about what a PhD is and why Australia is the best place for obtaining a degree. It's not just studying; it's exploring new ideas, doing research on exciting topics, and adding your own knowledge to the world.

Australia is known for welcoming students from all over the world. It's not just about studying; it's about having an awesome time while you learn. So, get ready to uncover the secrets of PhDs and why Australia is the perfect place for your educational adventure.

Study in Australia

Why Study PhD in Australia?

Choosing Australia for your PhD journey is like picking the perfect destination for an unforgettable adventure. Here's why studying for a PhD in Australia is the best idea:

  • Best Universities: Australia is home to world-class universities known for their excellent academic standards, where you will learn from the best minds in a vibrant and supportive environment.
  • Diverse and Inclusive Culture: Australia welcomes people from all over the world, making your academic journey not just about studying but also about connecting with people from different backgrounds.
  • Research Opportunities: The vastness of Australia is not just breathtaking; it also offers unique opportunities for research. Whether you're into science, technology, or the environment, Australia has exciting projects waiting for you.
  • Innovative Environment: The collaboration between universities, industries, and the government creates an atmosphere where new ideas flourish. It's a place where your creativity can truly shine.
  • Global Recognition: A PhD from an Australian university is globally recognized and respected. It opens doors to opportunities not just in Australia but around the world.

PhD Requirements in Australia for International Students

While specific criteria may vary across universities, there are common standards for admission to a PhD program in Australia. Candidates must meet these criteria to secure admission. Here's a breakdown:

  • Educational Background: A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, including a substantial research component.
  • Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 5.5 on a scale of 7.0 is necessary.
  • GRE or GMAT Scores (for Business PhD): For a PhD in business, a GMAT score of 680 or a GRE score of 324 is required.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores: Proficiency in English is crucial. An IELTS score of 7.0 or above, or a TOEFL score of 96+, is necessary.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): Submission of a 1-2 page Statement of Purpose outlining your interest in the program and your future plans.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Provision of a minimum of 2 academic LOR.

Remember, each university might have its unique requirements, so it's advisable to check the specific criteria of your chosen institution.

Cost of Studying PhD in Australia

Considering a PhD in Australia involves looking at specific study-related costs. Here's a breakdown to help you plan the cost of a PhD in Australia for international students:

  • Tuition Fees: PhD tuition fees for international students can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 per year on average. However, this can vary based on the university and the field of study.
  • Health Insurance (OSHC): Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a must for international students. The cost is around AUD 500 to AUD 700 per year. This ensures you have health coverage while studying in Australia.
  • Research Expenses: Depending on your research field, you might incur additional costs. This could include specialized equipment, software, or fieldwork expenses. Research costs can vary widely.

How to apply for PhD in Australia: Application Process

If you're dreaming of pursuing a PhD in Australia as an international student, here's a guide to the key requirements:

  • Select Your Area of Study: Choose the specific field or subject you want to focus on for your PhD.
  • Research Proposal: Craft a clear and compelling research proposal. This document outlines what you want to study, why it's important, and how you plan to do it. It's like the roadmap for your PhD journey.
  • Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the university's online application form. Provide accurate and complete information, and ensure you attach all required documents.
  • English Proficiency: As classes and research are conducted in English, international students must prove their English proficiency. Commonly accepted tests include IELTS , TOEFL, or equivalent. Check with the specific university for their requirements.
  • Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Prepare your academic records, including transcripts and certificates from previous educational institutions. These documents help the university assess your academic background.
  • Visa Requirements: Check and fulfill the visa requirements for international students in Australia. This includes providing proof of financial capacity and meeting health insurance obligations.
  • Application Fee: Be aware of any application fees. Ensure that you submit your application before the deadline, and pay attention to the specific requirements set by the university.
  • Review and Submit Carefully: Review your entire application before submission. Ensure all necessary documents are attached and all information is accurate. Submit your application well before the deadline.
  • Wait for Confirmation: After submission, patiently wait for a response from the university. Regularly check your email for updates on your application status.

Top Universities Offering PhD in Australia

Here are some of the top universities in Australia offering PhD programs:

  • Australian National University
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Queensland
  • University of New South Wales
  • Monash University
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of South Australia
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Newcastle
  • University of Wollongong
  • Macquarie University
  • University of Technology Sydney

These PhDs in Australian universities are recognized for their commitment to research excellence and provide a conducive environment for PhD candidates to pursue their academic and research goals.

Popular PhD Courses in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of popular PhD courses across various fields. Some of them are:

  • PhD in Engineering
  • PhD in Environmental Science
  • PhD in Health Sciences
  • PhD in Computer Science and Information Technology
  • PhD in Business and Management
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences
  • PhD in Psychology
  • PhD in Education
  • PhD in Social Sciences
  • PhD in Creative Arts and Design
  • PhD in Biotechnology
  • PhD in Materials Science

These programs cover a wide range of topics. As usual, it's advised to look through the websites of each university to get full information about the PhD programs that are offered.

Obtaining a PhD in Australia opens up a lot of exciting possibilities because it is recognized and valued around the world. If you're thinking about doing a PhD, AusStudies is here to help. Take advantage of the chance to help with important new studies, learn from other cultures, and start a journey that goes beyond traditional schooling. We at AusStudies are excited to help you get started on your academic journey in Australia.

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Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher. 

With the guidance of an advisory team, you'll undertake a research project, produce an 80,000-word thesis and complete an oral examination.

A PhD takes 3 to 4 years full-time. Under guidance, you'll develop advanced research skills and knowledge in your chosen field.

The thesis is a substantial document that makes an original contribution to your field of research. Your thesis may involve an alternate format .

You'll need a strong academic background and you may need to submit a research proposal and other documents to support your application. About 1,000 PhD candidates join UQ each year researching a wide range of topics.

Research at UQ

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Program highlights

  • Be inspired and challenged to explore new ideas and develop greater understanding of complex questions with leading researchers.
  • Access premier resources including one of Australia’s largest libraries, with more than 2 million physical resources and 116,800+ journal subscriptions.
  • Foster and improve your skills through the Career Development Framework, created with industry.
  • Learn from researchers whose work addresses national and global cultural, environmental, economic and social challenges.

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Supervision

You have to find and contact a thesis supervisor before you apply

This supervisor will support, guide and mentor you through your research, and can introduce you to professional networks that will start your career.

Find a supervisor

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The showcase event for research candidates is the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT). 

3MT is held each spring.

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Entry requirements, gpa equivalent.

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA you need to be considered for this program.

Meeting the GPA requirement doesn’t guarantee admission.

Academic entry requirements

You have to prove you are prepared for PhD study. You do this by showing you:

  • have completed some research experience
  • have completed an approved university degree  and
  • can meet the English language requirements.

Approved degrees

An approved degree needs to be:

  • in an area relevant to your proposed PhD project and
  • completed no more than 10 years ago.

You need one of the following approved degrees to apply for a PhD:

  • Master of Philosophy (or another research master’s degree); or
  • Bachelor’s degree from an approved university with at least honours class IIA or equivalent; or
  • Coursework master’s degree with an overall grade point average of 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale which includes relevant research experience, approved by the dean; or
  • Postgraduate degree (at least one year full-time or equivalent) with an overall grade point average of 5 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours class IIA will be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
  • Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant research experience , including research publications.

Research experience

You'll meet the requirements for admission into a PhD in terms of 'research preparedness' if you can provide evidence that you've planned and executed project work and/or a body of research with some independence.

To demonstrate this, we'll ask you to provide one of the following:

  • with completed courses that aim to develop research skills (minimum value of #1 unit e.g. 50 per cent of a #2 unit course), and/or
  • the completion of a supervised research project that includes an individually graded written report with a combined minimum course volume equal to #4 units at UQ.
  • Scholarly papers involving a substantial contribution as an author, appearing in recognised academic journals or in volumes published by recognised academic publishers.
  • Research or technical reports prepared for industry, government or business, which adhere to the broad conventions of academic publishing (i.e. contain an up-to-date review of relevant literature, a description of relevant research methods and an evaluation of results, etc.) and which identify you as a significant contributor.
  • A portfolio of published creative work together with published critical discussion of some or all of that work, or of a comparable body of work by others, and which demonstrates your development of a scholarly approach to creative work as research investigation.
  • Demonstrable industry or work experience where you can demonstrate that you have planned and executed a project, working with a high level of independence.

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Doctor of Philosophy are eligible to apply for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

This program has two CRICOS codes:

  • 0100213 – Architecture, creative arts, education, health, information technology, management and commerce, mathematical sciences, social and cultural studies
  • 0100214 – Agriculture and environmental studies, dentistry, engineering, human movement, medical studies, natural and physical sciences, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science

Discuss your proposed project with us to determine which CRICOS code is most relevant for your visa application.

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Additional entry requirements

Many departments will have additional entry requirements and may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.

Additional application information

Minimum English language proficiency requirements apply, please refer to the English proficiency policy .

English language requirements

There are a few ways you can meet our English language requirements. If you sit a test, the following scores are needed for PhD admission:

TestMinimum overall scoreMinimum additional scores
IELTS (clinical projects)7.07.0 in every sub-band
IELTS (all other disciplines)6.56.0 in every sub-band
TOEFL (paper-based)5705.0 in TWE (written), and 54 in reading & listening

Read our English language requirements

Scholarships

There are several types of PhD scholarship:

  • tuition fee scholarship : this covers the fees charged by UQ for PhD study
  • living stipend scholarship: this is a   fortnightly payment (or stipend) to support your daily expenses
  • top-up scholarship: may be provided by external organisations, supervisors, or philanthropic donations. When awarded, they provide an additional payment on top of a living stipend scholarship. They cannot be held without a living stipend scholarship.

Each year, we award more than 600 scholarships to attract and support the highest quality higher degree by research applicants.

View all postgraduate research scholarships

University scholarships

UQ scholarships include:

  • Graduate School Scholarships
  • Graduate School Tuition Fees Scholarship
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships
  • Earmarked Scholarships
  • The Graduate School Scholarship

Other scholarships

Throughout the year we advertise a range of other research scholarships, including top-up scholarships, travel grants and external scholarships, including:

  • Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

How to apply for a scholarship

You can apply for many scholarships using the same form as your PhD application. External scholarships might have different ways to apply. 

Our Scholarships website explains how to apply for each scholarship. If you are applying for a non-UQ scholarship, outcome dates may vary.

Fees and costs

Tuition fees.

Your fees will vary according to your academic field, study load and whether you study internally or remotely.

Learn more about postgraduate research fees

Research costs

The department you enrol with will meet all necessary costs for your project, including:

  • resource and facility costs: at UQ, which may include other organisations in Australia or overseas
  • travel costs: to complete fieldwork, collect data, or to visit libraries or other repositories
  • coursework costs: for courses studied outside the department
  • relevant training: in particular methodologies or techniques.

How to apply

Before you apply, 1. check your eligibility.

Check your eligibility by reviewing the entry requirements for UQ's Higher Degrees by Research. If applying for a scholarship, check the scholarship's eligibility and important dates.

2. Approach a potential supervisor or find a project

You'll either need to find:

  • a supervisor in your field who will support your proposed project.  Identify a researcher .
  • a project you can join that suits your interests.  See available projects .

If you're choosing a researcher, you'll need to find one with relevant expertise and get agreement to support your PhD and project.

Many departments will require additional information to make a decision around your motivation, understanding, commitment, and financial support required.

They may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.

3. Gather your documents

You will need to compile the necessary documents. We will accept scanned copies of original documents, but you will have to keep all original documents for the duration of your studies.

Upload all documents as PDFs and name your files like this: LASTNAME_firstname_document-name.pdf

If any of your documents is in a language other than English, you will need to send both the original document and an official translation.

Send the following documents with your application:

An academic CV assists us to determine your readiness to commence a higher degree by research. For the purposes of this application, your academic CV should be current (i.e. no more than 6 months old) and include information under the following headings:

Personal details

  • your full name
  • your contact details (phone number, email address, city and country of residence)
  • nationality
  • languages spoken and proficiency level for each
  • your ORCID ID or other research output identifier (such as Google Scholar) if you have one (see the ORCID ID and research identifiers information provided by UQ Library).

As the purpose of this academic CV is to determine your academic suitability for a higher degree by research program at UQ and your competitiveness against other applicants, we only require information that is of direct relevance to our decision-making processes. With this in mind, please do not include the following in your academic CV:

  • photographs/head shot
  • marital status
  • driver’s license
  • date of birth/age
  • hobbies and interests.

Educational qualifications and academic awards

List each of your formal educational qualifications in reverse chronological order (i.e. with the most recent formal educational qualification listed first). For each qualification, include:

  • the commencing and end dates (month and year) for the qualification
  • the full title of the qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Arts instead of B.A.)
  • the institution attended and the enrolling school/administrative unit
  • the city and country where the institution is located
  • your Grade Point Average (GPA) for the overall qualification
  • any academic achievement awards (e.g. Dean’s awards, subject prizes, University medals, thesis prizes etc.) received for the qualification
  • if a research thesis was part of the qualification, include the title and word length of your dissertation.

As part of your application, please submit academic transcripts and degree certificates for each educational qualification you list.

Please do not include:

  • high school qualifications
  • the individual subjects/courses undertaken throughout your qualifications or the grades awarded for these
  • training courses/professional development activities not resulting in a formal qualification.

Professional affiliations and memberships

List any professional/disciplinary associations or committees that you a member of and include:

  • the commencing and end date (in years) for the affiliation/membership
  • the name of the professional association or committee
  • your membership type (e.g. student member, affiliate member, full member etc.) or role (e.g. committee member, secretary, president etc.).

Employment history

List each of your previous employment roles in reverse chronological order (i.e. with the most recent/current employment listed first) and include:

  • the commencing and end dates (month and year) for the employment
  • the title of each position
  • the name of the employing organisation, the city, and country where you were based
  • your main duties or accountabilities in that role, providing detailed information on any research-related activities
  • any achievements during that role that are relevant to your proposed field of research .

Other research experience

List any voluntary, unpaid, or extra-curricular research-related projects or experiences you have undertaken (e.g. summer research projects, internships etc.) and include:

  • the commencing and end dates (month and year) of the experience
  • the name of the organisation, the city, and country where you were based

Research outputs

In reverse chronological order (i.e. the most recent output first) list your research outputs,  including for example research published or accepted for publication, research reports, and research by creative practice.

If needed, use sub-headings to separate refereed journal articles, published conference proceedings, edited book chapters, books, creative works, industry reports, invited papers, patents, media commentary, conference presentations and posters, invited talks etc. If applicable, use additional sub-headings to indicate if outputs are published , accepted for publication (but not yet in print), or (submitted but) under review .

Do not include any outputs/publications that are ‘in preparation’ .

For all research outputs, include:

  • the output/publication reference using an official bibliographical style (such as Turabian/Chicago, APA, Harvard), including listing all authors in the order that they appear in the work with your name in bold
  • the Digital Object Identifier (DOI), PubMed Identifier (PMID), International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or URL where applicable
  • the standing of the journal or conference and the impact of the work (e.g. impact factors, citations and other metrics indicators)
  • relevant indicators of national or international significance
  • rejection rates for the outlet etc.
  • how much of the original research you were responsible for (i.e. what was your role in the conception and design of the project and how involved were you in the analysis and interpretation of the research data on which the publication is based?)
  • the extent to which you authored the paper.

Research grants and relevant awards

Include only those research grants and relevant awards that you have received at the time of making your application (i.e. do not list grants or awards that you applied for and did not receive or are awaiting a decision on). For each research grant/award, include:

  • the name of the granting/awarding body and the country in which they are based
  • the name of the grant/award
  • the year(s) in which the grant was active or the year in which the award was made
  • the amount of the research grant/award
  • if relevant (e.g. for research grants), the title of your application.

Applicants from creative and professional-based disciplines may also include non-research grants and awards related to their creative or professional practice.

Research achievements relative to opportunity (optional)

In recognition of the diverse personal and professional pathways that applicants have experienced, you are invited to provide information ( maximum 200 words ) to contextualise your research outputs and achievements, relative to the opportunities that you have had to participate in research-related activities.

This section of the CV is optional and should only be included if you believe there are factors relevant to your research achievements that you would like the selection panels to know. Examples of factors include (but are not limited to):

  • study/career disruptions due to illness, caregiving, natural disasters etc.
  • non-linear academic or career progression, or a change in career direction
  • reduced ability to take up research-related opportunities (e.g. attend conferences) due to caregiving responsibilities.

Academic referees

Please provide us with two referees who can comment on your academic work. For each referee, include their:

  • honorific and name
  • employing organisation and the city and country where they are located
  • contact details, including office address, telephone, fax and email (preferably an institutional, rather than private, email address)
  • an indication of the capacity in which you know this person (e.g. were they a lecturer or thesis supervisor, an employer, how long you’ve known them etc.). 

If possible, please include at least one:

  • senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organisational unit) closely associated with your current work, and
  • person who is not a member of your proposed advisory panel/supervisory team.

Formatting and document specifications

We recommend that you use the below formatting settings to improve the readability of your CV:

  • margins of at least 1.5 centimetres
  • single line spacing
  • no smaller than 12 point Times New Roman font (or equivalent)
  • left justify text (not full justify)
  • include your name and page number on each page
  • be consistent in your formatting and spelling throughout
  • limit the use of bold, underline, italics, and multiple font types.

Please proofread your CV carefully before uploading it to your application.

Save as a PDF and name your file: LASTNAME_firstname_CV.pdf

There is no page limit to your academic CV – it can be as long as required to include the information requested here.

Please include in your CV all the headings listed above – if you do not have any content to add for a particular heading please list ‘None to date’ under that heading .

An academic CV for employment purposes within Australia would not include the information requested here outlining your three most significant publications or your research achievements relative to opportunity. It would, however, include information about professional and service activities undertaken and may include a summary of your relevant research/teaching interest areas and skill sets – this information is not required in the CV you submit here for application to an HDR program.

This should show all study you have undertaken since secondary school, whether complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale. The grading scale is often found on the final page or the reverse page; be sure to include all pages.

An academic transcript can also be called an:

  • academic record
  • diploma supplement
  • statement of learning
  • record of achievement.

A degree certificate is a legal document, imprinted with a university seal. It should state the name of your qualification and areas of study.

Include all degree certificates (testamurs) for post-secondary study with your application. If you studied in China, you must provide a:

  • award certificate and
  • graduate statement/certificate.

All applicants have to prove they can meet English language requirements . Any test scores have to be valid at your proposed commencement date.

Include a copy of the information page (with your photo) in your passport. This will verify your identity and ensure we can make offers correctly.

Include the contact details of two referees who will support your application. These referees will need to provide insight into your research experience.

We will contact your referees for a report, but you will need to enter their details into the application form.

Other documentation, originals or certified copies, may be required depending on your individual circumstances, for example:

  • evidence of change of name
  • proof of citizenship, if you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand by birth
  • evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
  • previous research program information .

If you don't provide us with all documents it will take us longer to process your application. Your start date might then be delayed, or you might miss an admission or scholarship deadline. 

4. Apply online

Once you have prepared your application and contacted a potential supervisor, use the online application form to apply. Your application can only be assessed once your referees have responded to us, and all outstanding documents and school/institute endorsements have been received.

Important dates

The academic year for research students is divided into four research quarters (RQ).

To commence byYou must apply by
RQ 1: January30 September
RQ 2: April31 December
RQ 3: July31 March
RQ 4: October30 June

Candidates applying for a Student Visa or UQ scholarship may need to apply earlier. Make sure you check  scholarship round application deadlines  and outcome dates before applying.

The agreed start date will be included on your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Find out more about research quarter dates

The academic year for research students is divided into four research quarters (RQ). You can start a PhD in any quarter, as long as the Census Date hasn't passed.

Candidates applying for a UQ scholarship may need to apply earlier. Make sure you check scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying.

The agreed start date will be included on your offer of admission.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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Research degrees

Quick links.

Explore our graduate research degrees and the supervisors, infrastructure, supports and services available.

Scholarships

Explore our scholarship opportunities that recognise talent and support graduate researchers.

Find a supervisor

Find the right supervisor for you and learn how they can support your research.

How to apply

Start your research journey by applying for graduate research as a domestic or international candidate.

Why research with us

Join Australia’s leading research university, pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Discover research at Melbourne

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Your research options

Discover the types of graduate research we offer, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and masters by research.

Explore our research areas – from arts, humanities and social sciences to veterinary, agricultural and food sciences and learn more about your opportunities  as a graduate researcher, including interdisciplinary and international experiences.

Explore your options

Your study experience

Discover what life is like as a researcher at Melbourne, including learning on campus, living in Melbourne, and the facilities and services available to you.

Life as a researcher

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Support for Indigenous researchers

We encourage and support our Indigenous graduate researchers. Find out about the services and opportunities available to Indigenous applicants and join a close-knit Indigenous research community that shares your culture, challenges and knowledge.

Where could your degree take you?

Engage with industry.

Find out how our graduate researchers can engage with industry.

Entrepreneurial programs

Access a range of entrepreneurial opportunities through the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC).

Commercialising your research

Understanding intellectual property and copyright can be challenging. We're here to help you manage these aspects of your research.

Interdisciplinary research

Challenging current thinking and translating knowledge through unexpected connections.

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  • I met the eligibility requirements for my first preference of exchange university. Why didn’t I get an offer there?
  • Why do I have an alert in MyAdelaide? Updated
  • Can I have a replacement testamur issued if I've legally changed my name since conferral?
  • Can I enrol from overseas?
  • What accommodation options will I have on exchange, and how do I secure my accommodation?
  • Where can I go on a Study Overseas exchange?
  • Where can I start looking for employment?
  • How do I order an official academic transcript? Updated
  • What if I cannot meet a milestone deadline for my thesis?
  • Who will meet me if I book the airport pickup service? Updated
  • What are my options to apply for a scholarship if I am experiencing financial hardship?
  • What are the changes to Teaching Degree Programs from 2022?
  • What is Show Cause? Updated
  • Where can I return my library books?
  • I'm having troubles viewing an Echo360 presentation.
  • My testamur was damaged or destroyed by an Australian natural disaster (i.e. bushfires/flood). How do I obtain a replacement?
  • How can I verify my education details for a prospective employer?
  • Where can I find information about academic integrity? Updated
  • What types of accommodation are available for students? Updated
  • How will exclusion from my program as a result of unsatisfactory academic progress affect me? Updated
  • Following the Academic Progress process, if I achieve successful grades in consecutive teaching periods, will my GPA improve? Updated
  • What does it mean to have a Negative Service Indicator on my account?
  • Where can I find the most recently released LinkedIn Learning courses? Updated
  • How many level 1 courses do I need to enrol into for my program?
  • I've committed to my exchange offer from Study Overseas. What's next?
  • What is a supplementary exam?
  • Is a First Aid certificate required before undertaking a teaching placements?
  • I am an international student and am bringing my family with me to Australia. What kind of support services are available? Updated
  • How can I pay my fees? Updated
  • I have received an Academic Progress notification and have been asked to complete a survey. What is the purpose of this? Updated
  • Can I study a combined Honours program in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • What do I do if I need technical support to help me set up ProctorU? Updated
  • I have two passports. Which one should I travel on for my Study Overseas experience?
  • How do I renew my student ID card? Updated
  • Can I change my major or minor? Updated
  • Is there a way to keep access to electronic resources after I’ve finished studying?
  • Why have I been enrolled in the English Assist Program? Updated
  • How do I find out how much my HELP debt is?
  • Why can't I see my class in my timetable? Updated
  • What happens if I don't have a Tax File Number?
  • Can I enrol into a level I, II and III course at the same time? Updated
  • What are my login details? Updated
  • How do I order a replacement ID card? Updated
  • Where can I go to get course advice if I'm thinking of changing my degree?
  • What are the minimum technical requirements necessary to sit an online proctored exam? Updated
  • How do I notify the University of my change of citizenship or residency status?
  • I've already received credit towards my degree from previous studies at another institution. Can I still study overseas and receive credit towards my degree?
  • I think I may have been sexually assaulted. Who can I turn to for help? Updated
  • Where do I go for non-emergency medical help? Updated
  • What is Studiosity? Updated
  • Are there enrolment information sessions I can attend?
  • I will complete my program at the end of the year. Can I apply for a postgraduate program before I graduate?
  • I'm affected by the Australian Government temporary travel restrictions. Can I still do the English Assist Program? Updated
  • How do I obtain a replacement transcript or ID card if it was destroyed in an Australian natural disaster (i.e. bushfires/flood)? Updated
  • What do I do if I need to change to part-time study but my scholarship requires a full-time enrolment?
  • How can I change the order of names to appear on my testamur?
  • What are my assessments going to be? Updated
  • How will my change in residency affect my fees?
  • How will Pass Non Graded (PNGs) be used in my application to Medicine, Dentistry or Oral Health? Updated
  • How do preferences for Study Overseas exchange experiences work?
  • Where can I pay my parking fine?
  • Why do I have to provide more than one preference in my Study Overseas exchange application?
  • When can I go on an overseas exchange?
  • How do I arrange my teaching placements?
  • What is the correct abbreviation of my award title to place after my name?
  • Can I have extra time for the exam if English is not my first language?
  • Are there any parenting rooms on campus? Updated
  • What can a Disability Advisor help me with? Updated
  • Can I apply for a refund?
  • What Scholarships are available for Study Overseas experiences?
  • Are there any courses I can take online for free?
  • Is there a gym on campus? Updated
  • What type of information will be collected by ProctorU? Updated
  • Where is the lost property? Updated
  • What are some things that may affect my scholarship?
  • Do I have to have OSHC with the University’s preferred OSHC provider? Updated
  • How soon after transferring into a new program can I enrol?
  • What happens once I have completed the English Assist Program? Updated
  • Where are PASS classes held? Updated
  • How is privacy managed in LinkedIn Learning? Updated
  • Can I start a language midyear?
  • I’ve received a Risk 1 Notice. Where can I get some help? Updated
  • I am dissatisfied with my exclusion from my program due to unsatisfactory academic progress - what can I do? Updated
  • Can I apply to Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology as a higher education applicant?​​​​​​​ Updated
  • Can I receive more than one scholarship at a time?
  • How do I search for library resources?
  • I am an elite athlete and have commitments during the exam period. How can I make alternative arrangements to sit my exam? Updated
  • How do I make an appointment to see a counsellor? Updated
  • How do I know if my exam is in-person or online proctored? Updated
  • Where and when can I collect my guest tickets for my graduation ceremony?
  • Where can I buy my textbooks? Updated
  • How will my privacy be protected? Updated
  • I am in South Australia and want to take my exam online. Can I? Updated
  • Why is my ID card not working? Updated
  • When can I drop a course?
  • What happens if someone is caught cheating in an exam? Updated
  • Can I study two languages in a Diploma in Languages?
  • Who can access LinkedIn Learning? Updated
  • I am feeling stressed and anxious about my exams. Who can I talk to?
  • Will my scholarship affect my Centrelink payments?
  • What is an online teaching period? Updated
  • Can I take a leave of absence or break from Honours in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • As an international student, can I stay in Australia for a holiday after I finish my program? Updated
  • I want to see the original exam paper that I sat for. How can I get access to this?
  • If I'm due to graduate from multiple programs, can I receive all of my testamurs at one ceremony?
  • Who do I contact for advice or assistance in preparing my Show Cause submission? Updated
  • Will I receive any time reminders during my online exam? Updated
  • What process do I need to follow for science field trips?
  • How can I get in contact with the Adelaide University Law Students' Society?
  • Is there a limit to how much HELP I can get?
  • Why are some of my results missing from my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
  • Are there showers on campus? Updated
  • How do I become a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) leader? Updated
  • I am undertaking my studies from another country. Can I use a VPN to access MyUni? Updated
  • Are there any restrictions regarding where I can go on a self-reporting program?
  • My first language is English, should I still do the English Assist Program? Updated
  • Who can I direct feedback to about LinkedIn Learning? Updated
  • What happens if I fail a course while I’m on an overseas exchange?
  • How do I know if I am eligible for assistance in relation to a disability? Updated
  • Can I get extra help with my English language skills while studying at the University of Adelaide? Updated
  • What is a Degree Check? Updated
  • What if I have a concern about the proctor during my exam? Updated
  • As an international student, where should I go if I am having problems? Updated
  • Can I make up my own double degree if the two programs I want to study are not offered as a set double degree? Updated
  • Do I have to get credit for an overseas study tour in order to participate?
  • Can I join a sporting club? Updated
  • How do I enrol correctly to complete my degree during the time period specified in my Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)? Updated
  • What are the deadlines for course changes?
  • Who are our alumni?
  • Do I have to get credit for my exchange program?
  • How do I find out when my exam is scheduled?
  • Can I request a particular school for my first or second year teaching observation placement?
  • Can I print without my student ID card? Updated
  • I've paid my overdue account, why can't I enrol? Updated
  • How do I get in touch with my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider? Updated
  • I can’t access a library electronic resource, what should I do?
  • Why does MyUni say a course is 'unavailable'?
  • What is the AIM Overseas program?
  • How do I submit my assignments to the Adelaide Law School?
  • Can I park on campus?
  • What do I do if my program is not available through internal transfer?
  • How do I pursue an assessment complaint or request a re-mark or review of a grade? Updated
  • How do I contact a Chaplain? Updated
  • When should I book my flights for an overseas study tour?
  • What do I do if my exams clash?
  • Who could I ask to be my referee on my job applications and resume?
  • Do I need to apply for travel insurance for my Study Overseas experience?
  • If I study online, what will my testamur(parchment) say? Updated
  • If someone declines an offer to my first preference of exchange university, can I be kept on a waitlist to take their place?
  • How do I apply for credit to go towards my program? Updated
  • What is the Religious Centre? Updated
  • Does the University Health Service have female doctors?
  • Can I borrow a laptop from the library?
  • How do I connect to the University's wireless network? Updated
  • What is the Student Services and Amenities Fee?
  • How long will it take for me to receive my OS-HELP payment?
  • A file upload (e.g. a handwritten document) is required as part of my online exam. Do I get extra time? Updated
  • What online support will there be during my ProctorU exam? Updated
  • Is the English Assist Program included in my academic record? Updated
  • Will ProctorU be used for all exams? Updated
  • How is my exchange reflected on my University of Adelaide transcript?
  • What is a graduate program?
  • I have received an Academic Progress notification and have been asked to Show Cause. What should I do about my current enrolments and/or classes? Updated
  • Do I have to attend a graduation ceremony to receive my testamur?
  • Who can do the English Assist Program? Updated
  • How do I accept or decline my scholarship offer?
  • I am having technical issues with Zoom - what should I do? Updated
  • How do I apply to graduate?
  • Where can I collect my requests from the library?
  • What is the HECS-HELP discount?
  • Can I study a language at the University of Adelaide?
  • Does the University provide a counselling service for students? Updated
  • How can I access LinkedIn Learning outside the University of Adelaide network, on a home computer or mobile device? Updated
  • Do I need to pay for a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)? Updated
  • How do I organise a Welcome to Country? Updated
  • I am a Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology student; where do I submit assignments?
  • Can I enrol into a level II or III course when I still need to complete my level I? Updated
  • As a cross-institutional student, how do I send my results to my home University? Updated
  • How do I remove from my record a SATAC offer I rejected?
  • How much can I earn from part-time employment in addition to my research scholarship?
  • What is Endnote?
  • I have a condition/disability. Can I request an extension for an assignment? Updated
  • I haven't applied to graduate in MyAdelaide and no longer have access. How can I apply now? Updated
  • What are the main exam session times?
  • How do I resolve an enrolment error? Updated
  • Are there Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific scholarships?
  • How can I request that something be added or removed from my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
  • How many guests can I bring to my graduation ceremony?
  • How do I access assistive software? Updated
  • What is EnrolMe? Updated
  • How can I find out who my course coordinator is? Updated
  • What career resources are available to me?
  • Where can I find the Accommodation Service? Updated
  • I have been granted an Additional Assessment due to academic grounds. Is it compulsory to sit the additional assessment?
  • If I have an Access Plan which includes extensions, do I need to apply for an extension using the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment (MACA) Policy? Updated
  • What supports are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students? Updated
  • What are the contact hours for summer or winter school?
  • I am a new international student. When should I arrive in Adelaide? Updated
  • Can I self-source my own Internship?
  • What support can I expect during my studies online? Updated
  • What happens if I lose internet connection during my ProctorU exam? Updated
  • When can I enrol if I commence my program midyear?
  • Can I start the Diploma in Languages in the second or third year of my degree?
  • How long is the graduation ceremony?
  • I am worried that my internet connection is not stable enough to sit the online proctored exam. Updated
  • Can I speak to a student who has been on exchange to my host institution in the past?
  • My student visa will expire soon, but I want to attend my graduation. What should I do? Updated
  • What is the difference between the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) and an official academic transcript? Updated
  • How do I appeal an academic misconduct outcome/penalty? Updated
  • What will my personal information be used for?
  • Can the Writing Centre help me write a resume to use in applying for jobs? Updated
  • Do I need to attend the Faculty Academic Progress Committee meeting in person? Updated
  • What are the Core Competency Courses?
  • What benefits are there for alumni?
  • Can I borrow iPads from the library?
  • What kind of assistance can I get from the University if I am an elite athlete? Updated
  • Can postgraduate research students use the Maths Learning Centre to help with statistical analysis? Updated
  • I am an elite athlete. Am I eligible for the Elite Athlete Support scheme? Updated
  • I’m an international student. Can I go on exchange to another (third) country?
  • What is a self-reporting program?
  • Can I upload my exam questions to a file-sharing or ‘homework help’ website? Updated
  • Can I study core courses or languages overseas as a Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics student?
  • Can I add the Bachelor of Teaching double degree onto my current program?
  • Where can I get help to write a resume?
  • What is an online LMS? Updated
  • When can I collect my testamur if my presentation event is in absentia?
  • Where are the graduation presentation ceremonies held?
  • If I study online, do I have to attend any face-to-face classes or exams? Updated
  • Where can I find initial training for LinkedIn Learning? Updated
  • What should I wear to my graduation?
  • My bike has been stolen. What do I do?
  • Does my OSHC include ambulance cover? Updated
  • What information do I need to provide to verify my identity during my exam? Updated
  • Can I use the toilet during an exam?
  • I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. What is Honours?
  • What courses are available in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)? Updated
  • How do I know if I’ve been granted a Replacement Examination, Assessment Extension or Additional Assessment?
  • What is the High Use Collection? How long can I borrow these items for?
  • Do I have to complete SELT surveys?
  • What is a Dean's Certificate and how do I order one?
  • What is the Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy and how could it affect me?
  • If I feel unwell during the exam, what should I do? Updated
  • Who do I contact if I have questions about my online program? Updated
  • Where is the Roseworthy Student Services Office? Updated
  • Do I need to make appointments for the Writing Centre? Updated
  • I'm getting a login error with the Echo360 app. What do I do?
  • How do I login to access library resources?
  • When are Academic Progress Review Periods? Updated
  • How can I be competitive in my job applications if I don't have any work experience?
  • What do I do if my password is not working? Updated
  • How much time do I need to dedicate per course in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)?
  • Will my fail/withdrawal results be displayed on my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
  • I’m studying two degrees. Can I qualify for OS-HELP using both?
  • How do I get access to a particular building on campus? Updated
  • Is there a Health Service on campus?
  • Are there any scholarships to support conference attendance for research students?
  • Why has my library item been recalled and the due date changed?
  • When and where will my teaching placements take place?
  • Can I study part-time?
  • How can I find out who else is going on exchange to my host institution?
  • I'm a Bachelor of Finance and Banking student; which combination of first-year maths courses should I do?
  • What is a University Medal?
  • What support services can I access while on exchange?
  • Where can I find employment or volunteering opportunities whilst studying?
  • Will I still be able to access the library after I have submitted my thesis?
  • What should I do if I have booked the airport pickup service but there is no one to meet me? Updated
  • I am currently under review for unsatisfactory academic progress, or I have been excluded. Can I apply for a retrospective Withdraw No Fail (WNF) grade? Updated
  • Are there extra eligibility requirements if I want to study in another language on an exchange program?
  • Why have I been given an alternative assessment for my exam? Updated
  • How do I hire a locker in Hub Central? Updated
  • How do I appeal an administrative decision of the University? Updated
  • Is it a problem that I am studying two programs but only have enrolments against one of these?
  • Can I use a tablet device to write answers on for handwritten responses or general working? Updated
  • What time do I need to arrive for my graduation ceremony?
  • How do I provide my Tax File Number?
  • I am a Category A student. Under what circumstances do I need to contact Disability Support? Updated
  • What do I need to bring with me to the Writing Centre? Updated
  • How many hours can I work if I am on a scholarship to undertake a research degree?
  • What printing, photocopying and scanning facilities are available in the library? Updated
  • Can I go on two overseas exchanges back-to-back?
  • What do I do if I missed my exam?
  • How do I borrow from the library?
  • What should I do during my Zoom session? Updated
  • Who will determine if academic misconduct has occurred? Updated
  • What happens if I fail to meet my conditions set as a result of Show Cause meeting? Updated
  • Where can I get more information about a LinkedIn account? Updated
  • I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics; am I eligible to apply for an internship?
  • How do I change some of the information I provided in my application to graduate?
  • Do domestic medicine students need to complete a rural placement? Updated
  • I want to study on exchange at a university that is not in your partner list. How can I do this?
  • What immunisations do I need for clinical placement? Updated
  • Can I graduate with outstanding fees?
  • How do I apply for Honours in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • Will there be reading time before the exam starts? Updated
  • Can I go onto campus to sit my online proctored exam? Updated
  • Can I borrow from the University of South Australia and Flinders University libraries?
  • What is a minor in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • How do I access Studiosity? Updated
  • Can I hire or buy my Academic Dress from a supplier other than GFP?
  • Who gets to see my Access Plan? Updated
  • What scholarships are available at the University, and how can I apply?
  • Can I apply for credit from previous studies? Updated
  • Where is the Sciences Engineering and Technology Student Success located?
  • Can I study Health Science subjects in the Bachelor of Science?
  • What happens if I become a permanent resident during my oral health, dentistry, or medicine degree? Updated
  • Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
  • What am I responsible for organising with an overseas study experience?
  • How long does a Study Overseas exchange application take to complete?
  • Do I need to select a major or minor in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • Where do I direct questions about enrolment at the University of Adelaide while I’m on an overseas exchange?
  • I am undertaking my studies from another country and don’t have a student ID card. What should I use? Updated
  • What is a major in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • What differences should I be aware of when considering a self-reporting program rather than an exchange or study tour?
  • As an alum, how can I stay in touch and get involved with the University?
  • How do I change my bank account details for scholarship payments?
  • What is SWOT Week and when is it held?
  • Do I need extras cover for OSHC? Updated
  • What kind of assistance can I get from the University if I have a disability? Updated
  • What happens if I can't find my immunisation record? Updated
  • How do I apply to my exchange host university?
  • What funding can I receive towards a Study Overseas experience?
  • How can I enter Bonython Hall for my graduation if I require special access due to my disability?
  • Can I use my personal hotspot to take my online proctored exam? Updated
  • What do I call my lecturer? Updated
  • What do I do if I need to go to the hospital? Updated
  • Who can I speak to if I'm not sure I'm studying the right program?
  • How can I appeal my exclusion from my program due to unsatisfactory academic progress? Updated
  • Where is the Careers Service located?
  • Is there an after-hours security escort?
  • I am graduating from a double degree program. Will I receive two Australian Higher Education Graduation Statements (AHEGS)?
  • What is PASS? Updated
  • Will I have enough time to get to my next class if they are back-to-back?
  • When are course offerings and timetables released for next year?
  • If I have an OSHC policy, do I have to see a direct billing doctor? Updated
  • Am I eligible to apply for the Diploma in Languages?
  • Where is Joint Store and how do I request items from there?
  • I need to submit my Show Cause but I don't have all my supporting documentation/evidence yet. What do I do? Updated
  • Can my official academic transcript be posted to me? Updated
  • Where can I find library self-help guides and content?
  • As an international student, can my children attend school while in Australia? Updated
  • How do I apply for the Diploma in Languages?
  • How do I appeal an exclusion from my program? Updated
  • How can I stay involved in international education after my Study Overseas experience?
  • What should I do if I get sick before receiving my OSHC card? Updated
  • Can I borrow from other university libraries?
  • Can I receive an exchange offer to more than one partner university in case one doesn’t accept me?
  • How can I contact Study Overseas?
  • Why give to the University of Adelaide?
  • What after-hours car parking is available on campus?
  • How do I forward my student email to another email account? Updated
  • Does the University have an international alumni community?
  • Where do I fill out a HECS-HELP form for my program?
  • Do I have to enrol into all the classes in a course?
  • Can I book Hub Central for an event? Updated
  • Where do I purchase a lab coat, hard toe boots, overalls and safety glasses?
  • Who are the University Chaplains? Updated
  • Can I get help improving my job interview skills?
  • Can I choose my nursing placement venue? Updated
  • Can I access an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Counsellor? Updated
  • Will I need to pay a gap when using my OSHC? Updated
  • Can I change my offered exchange partner institution if I am not happy with my offer?
  • What cultural support and assistance can I access? What services do the Wirltu Yarlu Cultural Advisors offer? Updated
  • Do language courses enrolled under a Diploma in Languages affect Centrelink benefits?
  • What if my documents do not print correctly? Updated
  • Can I take a toilet break during my online proctored exam? Updated
  • Can Honours be deferred in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • Can I graduate from the Diploma in Languages before my undergraduate degree?
  • I am required to watch a DVD for my course. Can I watch this in the library?
  • Can I do a bridging course to qualify for a prerequisite?
  • How can I become a volunteer at the University of Adelaide?
  • I'm unsure what I need to do for orientation....When is it? How do I find out what's on?
  • How will I know if I can count an overseas study tour towards my degree?
  • How do I apply to be a volunteer at the University of Adelaide?
  • What should my computer specifications be to study online? Updated
  • I don’t speak another language. Can I go on exchange?
  • What tuition fees do I have to pay for my Study Overseas experience?
  • Do I need to pay the Student Services Amenities Fee if I am a student and a staff member?
  • According to MyUni, I'm enrolled in an incorrect course, but when I go into Access Adelaide I have enrolled in the correct course.
  • Where can I get my travel insurance policy number?
  • Does my overseas exchange count towards my University of Adelaide Grade Point Average (GPA)?
  • How do I arrange to be met when I arrive in Australia? Updated
  • What should I do after receiving a notice for overdue fees?
  • How can I listen to what's playing on the big screen on level 4 of Hub Central? Updated
  • How do I apply for Honours in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology?
  • What do I need to prepare for teaching placements?
  • How long will it take me to complete the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)?
  • I have been working in a school environment. Can I receive status toward my teaching placement?
  • Do I really have to get a doctor’s report/a letter from my bank/a reference from an academic/… for my exchange application to my host university?
  • Where can I get research help for my course?
  • What happens if I enrol in a Faculty of ABLE course when I have not met the prerequisites?
  • How do I get in contact with students who are studying overseas at the same time I am, or who have studied overseas before?
  • How can I join the library?
  • Can I do a study tour before or after an overseas exchange?
  • Should I link my account in My eQuals with a private email address? Updated
  • How will I know that I have been accepted into my exchange by my host university?
  • I hold citizenship/have previously lived in the country in which I wish to study on exchange. Is this ok?
  • How do I copy files using ADAPT? Updated
  • Am I still able to get career advice whilst interstate or overseas?
  • Can I use my dictionary or notes during the exam?
  • How do I get credit for my Study Overseas experience?
  • How do I remain enrolled at the University of Adelaide while on a Study Overseas experience if I am not studying here?
  • What is MyUni?
  • Can the Writing Centre edit my work for me? Updated
  • How do I use an eBook?
  • What is a Commonwealth supported place?
  • What is Multi-Factor Authentication/okta? Updated
  • After accepting an offer to study oral health, dentistry, or medicine, what happens if I become a permanent resident? Updated
  • Why are domestic and international student fees different?
  • When will I find out the outcome of my scholarship application?
  • Is an overseas study tour regarded as full-time study?
  • Where do I stay while completing the teaching placement in a country school?
  • Can I do a practice exam to see what it’s like before my real online proctored exam? Updated
  • Does the University have Student Accident Insurance?
  • Can I use scratch paper to write on, or refer to books, during the exam? Updated
  • Can I study a major in psychology as part of my Bachelor of Arts?
  • How can I obtain mobile app access to LinkedIn Learning? Updated
  • How can I get help writing university reports and assignments? Updated
  • Where can I live if I'm studying at the Roseworthy campus? Updated
  • Is there any way for me to get my archived emails back? Updated
  • Can I apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) with a degree from the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics? Updated
  • Are there opportunities for replacement/additional assessment or deferred online proctored exams? Updated
  • What is the minimum number of units credit I need to be approved to receive from my exchange?
  • I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. How many courses do I need to do to complete my degree?
  • When and where do I collect my academic dress from?
  • Can the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) be done as part of a double degree?
  • What if I change my arrival details after receiving my confirmation email for the airport pickup service? Updated
  • I have returned my books, why are they still showing on my library record?
  • When will I receive my scholarship payments?
  • Who can I speak to about where my studies can lead me?
  • I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) I need to study overseas?
  • How do I register as a teacher?
  • When should I apply for a passport for my Study Overseas experience?
  • What is ProctorU? Updated
  • How can I change my contact details?
  • Is there a hearing augmentation system available within lecture theatres and classrooms? Updated
  • How can I keep getting my Centrelink payments while studying overseas?
  • I am struggling with the maths in my course. Can somebody help me? Updated
  • What will happen if there is a state lockdown when my in-person exam is scheduled? Updated
  • Where can I park on the day of the graduation ceremony?
  • What is a study tour and how do I apply?
  • As an international student, where can I look for work in Australia while I am studying? Updated
  • How can I find a Justice of the Peace? Updated
  • When is the last date to enrol in courses? Updated
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  • How do I change or correct the details on my Overseas Student Health Cover? Updated
  • Can I apply for more than one project for the Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship?
  • What happens if I miss my enrolment open time?
  • When can I apply for an overseas exchange?
  • How will I receive my scholarship payments?
  • What is a professional association?
  • What is One Hundred Factorial? Updated
  • Why won't my address save in Access Adelaide/My Adelaide? Updated
  • What is SMART?
  • Where can I get advice to help me plan the practical experience requirement under my Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)?
  • I’m a permanent resident/international student. Do I need to do anything extra regarding my residency if I am going to study overseas?
  • Can I have food or water during my ProctorU exam? Updated
  • What can the Security Office help me with?
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  • Where can I find further information about Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
  • Does enrolling into the course on Access Adelaide mean I am accepted into the overseas study tour?
  • Am I eligible to apply for Honours in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics?
  • How can I access items from other campus libraries?
  • How do I submit a poster for digital display in the Roseworthy Hub? Updated
  • What is the difference between studying the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Science (Advanced)?
  • Do I have to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee if I am studying overseas?
  • Why do I need to take a photo at the start of the exam? Updated
  • What Level III Economics courses can I study?
  • How do I enrol in my exchange courses at my host university?
  • Can I apply to my exchange host university on my own?
  • What happens in a graduation ceremony?
  • How do I renew my OSHC cover before it expires? Updated
  • Can I sit my online proctored exam if I log in late? Updated
  • How do I enrol in an internship course?
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  • What is ADAPT? Updated
  • Are my guests allowed to take photographs during the graduation ceremony?
  • Do I still need to submit a Return from Leave of Absence form if my candidature is about to lapse?
  • I am a student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics studying; how do I structure my major and minor?
  • Why should I volunteer at the University of Adelaide?
  • What is the MicroMasters program in Big Data, and how does it fit into the Masters of Data Science?
  • How can I get a hard copy of my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
  • What happens to my OSHC when I go home for the holidays or take a leave of absence? Updated
  • What languages does the University of Adelaide offer?
  • Can I ask other members of my household for assistance if I don't know the answer to a question in my exam? Updated
  • How can I keep myself safe on campus?
  • How do I find out which study period a course is available in? Updated
  • I think I may have been sexually harassed. Who can I turn to for help? Updated
  • Does the University provide a service to help me travel between campuses?
  • When will I receive my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)?
  • How will the University communicate with me? Updated
  • What is CareerHub?
  • I am from an interstate university. Can I borrow from the library at the University of Adelaide?
  • I'm a Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics student and want to plan an overseas study experience - where do I start?
  • How do I make an OSHC claim for health expenses? Updated
  • Are there any policies around using the library?
  • How many units do I need to be enrolled in at the University of Adelaide while on exchange?
  • How many teaching areas do I need for the Bachelor of Teaching or Master of Teaching?
  • How do I apply for an overseas exchange?
  • Do I need to register for the Elite Athlete Support scheme every year? Updated
  • Is the Maths Learning Centre (MLC)/Writing Centre open outside of teaching weeks/in summer semester? Updated
  • Do I have the right to object to possible examiners of my research thesis?
  • How does ProctorU work? Updated
  • Are there any scholarships available for the students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA)?
  • How do I renew my library items?
  • Can the Maths Learning Centre help students with stats courses? Updated
  • Can someone else collect my testamur?
  • Do I need OSHC if I am an Australian Awards student, or if I have a reciprocal health care arrangement? Updated
  • Does the University provide travel insurance for my exchange or study tour?
  • How can I collect my official academic transcript? Updated
  • Where do I find the Academic Integrity Module for commencing students? Updated
  • How do I manage my enrolment in a Diploma in Languages and my primary degree?
  • What is the program fee associated with the overseas study tours offered via Study Overseas?
  • How do I enrol in Indonesian, Italian or Modern Greek courses?
  • Do I have to stay in university accommodation while on exchange?
  • When's the earliest I can start applying for scholarships?
  • If I'm studying a double degree, do I have to study both programs whilst on exchange?
  • My exchange host university says I need to purchase local health insurance. Is this so?
  • Why am I not receiving any emails from the University? Updated
  • What happens if I don’t return an item by its due date?
  • What Accounting courses are required for CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants?
  • As an international student, do I need to complete the Engineering Communication EAL course?
  • When should I register my self-reporting program in SMART?
  • When will I know where I’m going on exchange?
  • When will the exam timetable be available?
  • What volunteering opportunities are available for students?
  • I am an alum of the University of Adelaide; how can I update my contact details?
  • Are scholarships available for online study? Updated
  • What type of feedback can I leave in the SELT survey?
  • What can I expect from the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) as a mature age student?
  • There is an error on my Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS). What should I do?
  • I have dropped a course. Why is it still appearing in MyUni?
  • Am I eligible for FEE-HELP assistance?
  • What is an assessment centre?
  • What other insurance companies offer OSHC? Updated
  • Will I have to disable firewalls and anti-virus software? Updated
  • I've received my offer, when can I enrol?
  • How will integrity and fairness be ensured for all students taking online proctored exams? Updated
  • Where is the Maths Learning Centre (MLC) and when is it open? Updated
  • Am I eligible for a Study Overseas exchange program?
  • As a recent graduate, what careers services can I still access?
  • How can I change my faculty approval or courses in SMART for exchange?
  • Is there a careers adviser at the University?
  • How do I decide where to go on exchange?
  • I have received an automatic application for conferral - how do I change this to have a different degree on my testamur?
  • I have mobility difficulties and can’t manage stairs. Will I be able to access my lecture theatre/tutorial room? Updated
  • How will I receive information about my conferral and presentation event?
  • What is a Level III Finance course?
  • Do I enrol in my Arts Honours courses as part of my bachelor's degree?
  • How can I give to the University of Adelaide?
  • Who can I talk to if I have disputes with my landlord? Updated
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  • What documents can Ask Adelaide certify? Updated
  • I have a medical condition/disability and need Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEA) to sit my exam. How do I organise this? Updated
  • Who will accompany the group on an overseas study tour?
  • When does my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) cover start? Updated
  • Does the Maths Learning Centre offer tutoring to high school students? Updated
  • How can I get extra help with my studies? Updated
  • Why have I received an email about my Academic Progress? Updated
  • Does the University Preparatory Program (UPP) entitle me to receive Centrelink benefits?
  • How do I apply for a visa for my Study Overseas experience?
  • I'm having a problem downloading lectures.
  • How will I find out if I have been successful in being offered an Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship?
  • Why doesn’t my course appear in MyUni?
  • I have been conferred, can I receive my testamur now?
  • What happens to my Multi-factor authentication (MFA) if I change my phone or phone number? Updated
  • What happens to the previous version of my digital academic transcript when I order a new digital transcript? Updated
  • Why can't I get into a workshop that is full for the English Assist Program? Updated
  • What do I do if I receive an email about an academic integrity concern? Updated
  • How many OS-HELP loans can I get?
  • I've received an exchange offer from Study Overseas. Am I now accepted to the host university?
  • Will the library be open during the holidays?
  • Where is the Writing Centre and when is it open? Updated
  • What's my password? Updated
  • What happens if I miss the Show Cause submission deadline? Can I still lodge a submission? Updated
  • How do I find employers who are looking for graduates in my field?
  • What are tutorial marks for? Updated
  • How do I access my online proctored exam? Updated
  • What textbooks will I need for my courses, and when should I purchase these? Updated
  • Is there Microsoft training available through the University?
  • I am a parent of a student who is thinking of, or already, studying overseas. Where can I get information?
  • Can I add my own travel to an overseas study tour?
  • What is a graduate briefing, and when is it held?
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  • Can I obtain an Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) for an award I completed before 2011?
  • What should I do in an emergency?
  • I have trouble getting around campus due to my mobility difficulties. Who can I speak to? Updated
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  • What type of letters can I get from the Uni? Updated
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Academia Insider

The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

Navigating the complexities of PhD programs, one term often dominates the discourse – “fully funded”.

It represents a golden opportunity wherein all tuition fees and living expenses are covered by the educational institution, allowing students to focus on their research and studies free from financial constraints.

In this blog post, we explore what fully funded really means, share the author’s personal journey of pursuing a PhD in Australia, delve into the policies of various countries offering free or nearly free PhD programs, and provide key tips for securing a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a domestic program or an international adventure, the insights and tips offered here could pave the way to an invaluable, financially stress-free academic journey.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

In 2023, the concept of a “fully funded” PhD program signifies that the entirety of expenses related to the doctoral program is covered. This includes tuition fees, which are either waived or entirely paid for by the educational institution.

Beyond tuition, the program also encompasses a living stipend or allowance given to doctoral students. 

Fully funded PhD programs essentially function as a comprehensive scholarship, covering everything from tuition fees to books and other necessary supplies.

While the stipend amount can vary based on the institution, it is generally sufficient to cater to the basic living expenses of the students, covering rent, food, and transportation costs.

The main aim of providing this stipend to doctoral students is to facilitate a learning environment where they can focus entirely on their studies, research, and dissertation, without the distraction of financial pressures. 

Universities, including public ones, offer these fully funded doctoral programs with the intention to draw in the best students.

These students, in turn, are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of research in their respective fields and derive a high-quality education from their doctorates.

It is important to note that eligibility for these scholarships or stipends requires proof of commitment to the doctoral degree. In my experience, this meant securing a top-class master’s degree. This reassured the university of my dedication to pursuing a PhD and furthering my education.

In recent years, there has been a rise in such fully funded programs online , offering a wider reach for prospective PhDs.

As we move further into 2023, students may increasingly opt for these online PhD programmes, making the pursuit of doctoral degrees more accessible than ever.

Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD

Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country.

Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

Here’s a summary of some of the best countries you could do you PhD in if you want to do it for free.

Czech RepublicNo FeesAdditional costs for international students
SwedenNo FeesStudy grants for some PhD students
GermanyNo Fees€300 administration fee per semester
AustriaNo Fees for EU/EEA students who finish on timeFees for international students, capped by the government
NorwayNo FeesSmall semester fee
DenmarkNo Fees for EU, EEA, and Swiss studentsHigh fees for international students
FinlandNo FeesFees for Masters programs for international students
Saudi ArabiaNo FeesAll fees covered by scholarships, including living costs
NetherlandsNot universally freeMany institutions offer free PhD study to international students, some classify them as employees with potential salary/benefits
SwitzerlandLow Fees (CHF 1500/year)State-funded PhD places with no fees and a maintenance grant for EU, EEA, Swiss students

In the Czech Republic , public universities host a multitude of English-language PhD programs and these programs are free for all PhD students, irrespective of their nationality. However, additional costs may be incurred by international students which might include language courses, health insurance, or student services fees, depending on the university policies.

Sweden maintains a unique policy that not only eradicates PhD fees at public universities but also provides study grants to some PhD students, which serves as a financial aid for their living expenses during the tenure of their studies.

In Germany , public universities offer feeless PhD programs to all students. However, a nominal administration fee, approximately €300 per semester, is required. This fee usually covers student services and perks like public transportation and access to university facilities.

Austria ‘s policy benefits PhD students from within the EU and EEA who complete their doctorates within a stipulated time frame, offering free education at public research universities. International students, on the other hand, have to pay fees, which, nonetheless, are capped by the Austrian government to maintain affordability.

Norway , like its Nordic counterparts, offers free PhD education at public universities to all students, regardless of their origin. But a small semester fee, usually covering student services, is obligatory.

Denmark also practices a policy of free PhD education for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but international students are required to pay fees, which are generally on the higher side compared to other European countries.

Finland doesn’t discriminate in terms of nationality and offers free PhD studies at public universities. However, international students are charged for their Masters programs.

Saudi Arabia stands out with its unique policy where all PhD students are awarded scholarships that automatically cover their education fees, as well as help them with living expenses.

In the Netherlands , PhD study isn’t universally free, but many institutions extend the offer of free PhD study to international postgraduates. Some universities consider the PhD students as university employees, offering them a waiver on fees and potentially a salary or benefits.

Switzerland , although not offering free PhD studies, keeps its fees low at around CHF 1500 per year at public universities. State-funded PhD positions are also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students that come with no fees and a maintenance grant.

Top tips for finding a PhD for free.

Here are the top tips I would give you when Choosing a free PhD.

  • Apply to STEM programs: Many PhD (and Master’s) programs, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields, are fully funded in the US. Most state schools and Ivy League schools have fully funded programs for these fields.
  • Prepare for stiff competition: Because these programs are fully funded, the competition is high. It’s not uncommon for hundreds or even thousands of students to apply to these programs each year, with only a small fraction being accepted.
  • Consider assistantships: Fully-funded programs usually provide a stipend in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. These roles involve either teaching or conducting research under a professor’s supervision.
  • Be ready for some costs: Despite tuition being covered, you may still need to cover some school fees, student insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
  • Don’t consider unfunded programs: Many graduate programs do not fund students, but experts advise against attending these schools. The availability of funding indicates the health of the department in terms of research money and growth.
  • Work on your application: The application process generally starts around September to December. Standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are required, along with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
  • Avoid programs that require you to pay: It’s a common sentiment among experts that if you’re paying to be a PhD student, there might be something wrong with the program.
  • Apply for fellowships: There are graduate fellowships available for international students that cover tuition and offer a monthly stipend.

Fully funded online PhD programs in the US

Here are some examples of PhD programs in the states that are free and fully funded:

  • Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at UCLA are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes “a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships.” Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Connecticut

  • At Yale University, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care.

District of Columbia

  • Georgetown University offers scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years to students in its PhD program in computer science.
  • Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student’s cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.
  • The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students are also eligible to apply for external fellowships.
  • University of Notre Dame doctoral students are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance.
  • The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa provides full funding to “virtually all admitted students.” This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments, and 90% coverage of comprehensive health insurance. Additional funding is also provided for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent research.
  • At the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master’s degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master’s degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Massachusetts

  • The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University offers a PhD in biological sciences in public health, providing expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years, assuming students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Current research involves diseases such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
  • Students enrolled at the Sloan School of Management at MIT have the opportunity to study various fields, such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology. They receive a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,267, medical insurance, new laptops at the start of their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.
  • Doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, but it’s not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships, and short-term research and travel grants.
  • Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The exact amount can vary and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.
  • Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
  • PhD students in computer science or computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support, health insurance, a generous stipend for living expenses, and a new high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as long as students continue to make satisfactory progress towards their degree.
  • Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.
  • All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years.
  • Cornell University offers full funding to all students admitted to its PhD program in chemical engineering. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months, with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.
  • Columbia University provides fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for three years to students enrolled in its PhD program in clinical psychology. This stipend also carries into the student’s fourth year, during which they may be expected to serve as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

North Carolina

  • Doctoral students at Duke University studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university’s student medical insurance plan.

Pennsylvania

  • The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.
  • Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College’s Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and “substantial stipends” toward living expenses.

Rhode Island

  • Brown University guarantees full financial support for five years to its PhD students in computer science. This includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a subsidy for health insurance.
  • Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. This includes full tuition, a “competitive” monthly stipend, and health insurance for up to four years.
  • Rice University offers full financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes a research or teaching assistantship, a tuition waiver, and a $40,000 annual stipend, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
  • All students admitted to the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant.

Washington D.C.

  • American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean’s Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
  • The University of Wisconsin—Madison guarantees full funding for the duration of the time doctoral students are expected to be on campus. This funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, and/or traineeships. In addition, doctoral students receive a benefits package that includes health insurance.

Wrapping up

This comprehensive article delves into everything you need to know about free PhD programs, also known as fully funded PhD programs, including the essential details, benefits, and potential challenges that students may encounter.

The term “free PhD” generally refers to a fully funded program that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to complete their PhD studies without financial burden.

It is crucial to understand why you should never enter a PhD program without proper funding. Hence, pursuing a free or fully funded PhD should be a priority for all PhD students, regardless of nationality or field of study.

These programs may be offered both online and on-campus by various top universities around the world.

Fully funded PhD programs cater to both international and local students, including those pursuing a traditional PhD, online doctorate, or an accelerated executive doctorate of education.

For instance, fully funded online PhD programs in fields like business administration, education policy, and social work in clinical practice are available for students who hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.

The duration of these programs may range from 1 year for fast-track or shortest doctoral programs to several years for other disciplines. Moreover, many programs focus on specialization in subjects like higher education policy, laboratory research, and much more.

One of the perks of these programs is that many institutions provide a stipend to cover living expenses during the course of study, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

is phd free in australia

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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is phd free in australia

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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Online Ph.D. Degrees in Australia

Education degrees.

By studying a degree in Education you will master how to facilitate learning for others, explore teaching methods, psychology, and educational philosophy. Specialisations in the field of Education include Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and Adult Education. Courses cover teaching strategies, technology, psychology, and assessment. Skills include critical thinking, empathy, and communication. Traits like patience and adaptability are vital. Careers include Teacher, Educational Consultant, School Counsellor, Instructional Coordinator, and Education Policy Analyst, with opportunities in diverse settings from classrooms to policy-making corridors.

Not sure if Education is for you?

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.

Can you handle the weather in Australia?

Distance Learning

Distance or online learning is a mode of study that allows students to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. Distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

During this type of education students communicate with the faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based interaction.

The programmes often include a online training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain your current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.

7  Education Online Programmes in Australia

James Cook University

Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Deakin University 

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Avondale University

Rathmines, New South Wales, Australia

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IMAGES

  1. PhD in Australia: Cost, Scholarships, & Admission Requirements

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  2. PhD in Australia

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  3. How to Get a PhD in Australia? A Full Guide for You!

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  4. PhD in Australia in 2024: Top Colleges, Eligibility, Admission

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  5. Top 5 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Australia [Latest]

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  6. Requirements to Study PHD Degrees in Australia for International

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  2. HOW TO APPLY FOR A PHD IN AUSTRALIA

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  6. Master and PhD Scholarship in Australia: a quick start

COMMENTS

  1. PhD Study in Australia

    PhD Study in Australia - 2024. Studying abroad in Australia has a lot more to offer than sun, sea and sand. With world-class research centres and internationally ranked universities, the country is also a vibrant hub for research and scholarship. Australian universities carry out pioneering work in ecology, renewable energy, antibiotic ...

  2. PhD Funding in Australia

    PhD fees. As an international student in Australia you'll pay fees at a higher rate. The Australian government estimates that typical international PhD fees are between AUD $20,000-50,000 (USD $12,740-31,850) per year. This is what you can expect to pay if your project doesn't have funding attached or you're proposing your own topic.

  3. How to get a PhD in Australia

    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.

  4. PhD in Australia: Universities, Admissions 2024-25, Fees, Scholarships

    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. Table of Contents.

  5. How much does a PhD cost in Australia?

    Agriculture and environmental studies, dentistry, engineering, human movement, medical studies, natural and physical sciences, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science. $52,604. $26,304. For the most up-to-date tuition fees, visit the HDR tuition fees page. Of course, everyone's PhD journey differs, and students can take anywhere between 3 ...

  6. Pursue a PhD in Australia

    Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive. In Australia, candidates can expect to pay 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD. Dedicated scholarships can help support your PhD, and it is rare for a PhD student not to be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship. Study a PhD in Australia. If you are interested in studying for a research degree ...

  7. How to get a PhD scholarship in Australia

    Here are some tips for how to get a fully funded PhD project: Make sure your school or institute knows you want a scholarship, as they will need to nominate you for one. At UQ, this means selecting the option in your PhD application that says I would like to be considered for a UQ scholarship…. Choose the right supervisor.

  8. A Guide to Doing Your PhD in Australia

    Domestic students may have the option to study part-time but as an international student, you must study full-time in order to be eligible for a student visa. According to the Australian Government, fees to study a PhD range from A$19,000 to A$78,000 per year, depending on the education provider. There is a chance you may not have to pay the ...

  9. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

    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. ... Sydney NSW 2052 Australia Telephone: +61 2 93851000. UNSW CRICOS ...

  10. Study in Australia: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2024

    Australia's academic year is similar to many other Western universities and operates a semester-based year. Undergraduate degrees are typically three years, or four years for an honours degree. Postgraduate degrees are one or two years for a Masters, and three for a PhD. The academic year starts in March.

  11. PhD by Distance

    Study requirements. The study expectations of PhD by distance mode students are the same as on-campus students. This means that you will: need to meet the same admissions requirements, including English-language proficiency. be supported by a panel of supervisors. complete any mandatory coursework.

  12. Postgraduate research degrees

    Grow professionally and academically through a paid 3-6 month internship with an industry partner as you complete your degree. The University of Sydney has partnered with Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern) to provide domestic and international HDR students with internship opportunities in a range of sectors and disciplines.

  13. Applying for a PhD in Australia

    Entry requirements. You'll normally need a Bachelors and Masters degree in a relevant subject to apply for a PhD in Australia. Universities may admit you without a Masters, but this is less likely. Individual universities will set their own requirements and application process, but you can expect to submit some or all of the following:

  14. Top 5 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Australia [Latest]

    2. Adelaide Scholarships International. The University of Adelaide offers fully funded PhD scholarships in Australia for international students to outstanding graduate international students who will be commencing their Masters or their doctoral research studies. They provide a 100% tuition fee waiver for all the three years of the PhD course.

  15. PhD In Australia

    The number of students starting a PhD in Australia has been increasing for a number of years. However, if you're interested in studying a PhD in Australia it is important to note that the process of applying for a PhD in Australia is slightly different from the process in other countries and it involves working with potential academic supervisors early on in the process of your application.

  16. PhD in Australia 2024 for International Students

    Here's a breakdown to help you plan the cost of a PhD in Australia for international students: Tuition Fees: PhD tuition fees for international students can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 per year on average. However, this can vary based on the university and the field of study.

  17. Doctor of Philosophy

    Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher. With the guidance of an advisory team, you'll undertake a research project, produce an 80,000-word thesis and complete an oral examination. A PhD takes 3 to 4 years full-time.

  18. Research opportunities in Melbourne: PhD and graduate degrees

    Your research options. Discover the types of graduate research we offer, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and masters by research. Explore our research areas - from arts, humanities and social sciences to veterinary, agricultural and food sciences and learn more about your opportunities as a graduate ...

  19. Top 20 Universities for PhD Study in Australia in 2024

    University of Tasmania. 251-300. =307. 201-300. Flinders University. 301-350. 380. 201-300. Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities.

  20. Can I undertake a PhD or a Master by Research without having to pay

    An RTP place entitles you to an exemption from tuition fees for up to four years of full-time candidature for a doctoral degree, or two years for a Masters by Research degree. Both domestic and international prospective higher degree by research students apply for admission and scholarships online. Further information is available here.

  21. The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

    Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD. Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country. Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

  22. PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Australia

    University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Science. The Quantum Materials and Nanophotonics Group at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is offering PhD scholarships for experimental and theoretical projects in solid-state quantum photonics. Read more. Supervisor: Prof MT Toth.

  23. 7 Online PhDs in Education by universities in Australia

    Find online study programmes now. This page shows a selection of the available Online Courses Programmes in Australia. If you're interested in studying a Education degree in Australia you can view all 7 Online Courses Programmes. You can also read more about Education degrees in general, or about studying in Australia.