PhD in Australia also referred to as Doctorate is a premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework. PhD in Australia lasts for 3-5 years on a full-time basis. The minimum admission requirement for PHD in Australia is a bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component with a GPA of 5.5 on a scale of 7.0.
PhD can be undertaken in all faculties or across disciplines in top universities of Australia and comprises independent research and writing on an approved topic toward a thesis for examination. The average annual fees for PHD in Australia is 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD (16- 33 Lakh INR). After completing a PhD in Australia one can work as a Research Scientist, R&D Manager, Research Officer and earn an average salary of 85,000 AUD (46 lakh INR).
PhD in Australia: Course Highlights
| Program | PhD |
| Program Type | Full-time | Part-time |
| Program Duration | 3-5 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | A bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component |
| GPA | 5.5/7.0 |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 7.0 or above | TOEFL: 96+ |
| Tuition Fee Range | 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD (16-33 Lakh INR) |
| Average Salary | 85,000 AUD (46 Lakh INR) |
PhD in Australia: Top Universities
In Australia, there are 43 universities. They are all publicly funded institutions that are supported and accredited by the Australian government. These institutions are also in charge of conducting research and training PhD students.
| QS Ranking 2023 | University | Program | Deadlines | Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Australian National University | Doctor of Philosophy- Clinical Psychology, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Biology | 30 September 2023 | 49,330- 52,100 |
| 33 | University of Melbourne | Doctor Program in Accounting, Medical Science, Philosophy | Rolling Basis | 43,808-63,584 |
| 41 | University of Sydney | Doctor of Philosophy (Law | Business, Medicine and Health | Architecture, Design and Planning) Doctor of Musical Arts | Rolling Basis | 41,000- 51,000 |
| 45 | University of New South Wales | Doctor of Philosophy | 17 November 2023 | 36,240- 52,320 |
| 50 | University of Queensland | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctor of Biotechnology | RQ1 (January): 30 September RQ2 (April): 31 December RQ3 (July): 31 March RQ4 (October): 30 June | 42,672- 48,040 |
Why study PhD in Australia?
- As per QS World University Rankings 2023, 5 Australian universities figure in the top 50 list: Australian National University, University of Melbourne,University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, and a total of 7 universities are in the top 100 list.
- A growing percentage of Phd students in Australia are finding employment in businesses, government and the nonprofit sector. 19 out of the 20 largest ASX (Australian security exchange) listed companies have PhD graduates among their senior executive teams.
- Australia values its PhD students and has generous post-study visas. Your doctorate could allow you to live and work in the country for at least four years.
- In trend terms, in December 2022: unemployment rate remained at 3.5% in Australia and the participation rate remained at 66.7%.
- After completing a PhD in Australia one can work as a Research Scientist, R&D Manager, Research Officer and earn an average salary of 85,000 AUD (49 lakh INR).
PhD in Australia: Admission
For applying to PhD in Australia you can either use the university website or the agents of the universities in your home country. International applicants must submit their admission requests by the application deadlines for Australian universities to avoid delays and ensure that they have sufficient time to obtain a student visa.
PhD in Australia: Eligibility Criteria
Even though there are set criteria for applying to PhD in Australia, there are some common criteria that every candidate has to meet in order to get admission in the course like, a bachelor’s degree in a related field with GPA of 5.5 on a scale of 7, IELTS score of 7.0 or above.
- Academic Degree- A bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component
- Minimum GPA- A minimum GPA of 5.5 on the scale of 7.0 is required
- GRE or GMAT Score- GMAT score of 680 or a GRE score of 324 is required for PhD in Business.
- English Proficiency Test Score- IELTS: 7.0 or above, TOEFL: 96+
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)- A 1-2 page letter showing your interest in the program and your future plans.
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)- A minimum of 2 academic letters of recommendation (LOR) is required.
Explore: Tests to study in Australia
PhD in Australia: Admission Requirements
The following table shows the specific requirements stated by the top universities in Australia offeringPhd in different fields with their respective academic requirements and english proficiency requirements:
| University | Academic Requirement | IELTS Score | Additional Documents (Work Experience, Resume, essay, SOP and LOR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian National University | Bachelor Degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0 | 6.7-7.0 or above | Research Proposal, 3 LOR, CV, Transcripts |
| University of Melbourne | A four-year bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component with weighted average of 75% | 7.0 or above | GMAT- 680/ GRE- 324, SOP, 2 Academic LOR |
| University of Sydney | A four-year bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component with weighted average of 80% | 7.0 or above | SOP, Research Proposal, Indicative Research Proposal, LOR, GMAT (for PhD in Business only) |
| University of New South Wales | A Bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component with first or upper second class Honours | 7.0 or above | SOP, LOR, Research Proposal, GTE, Transcripts, CV |
| University of Queensland | A bachelor degree or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component | 7.0 or above | SOP, 2 LOR, CV, Transcripts |
PhD in Australia: Cost of study
Australia can be an expensive country to live in for International students. The cost of study in Australia can be different for every student depending on the choice of university and the city they are living in. The cost of study includes the tuition fee and the cost of living in Australia. The average annual cost of study in Australia ranges from 60,000 AUD to 90,000 AUD (34-51 lakh INR).
Explore: Australian Student Visa
PhD in Australia: Tuition Fees
The total course tuition fee for PhD in Australia in top universities ranges from 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD .
| University | Total Tuition Fees (AUD) | Fee for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Australian National University | 52,100 | 28.73 Lakh |
| University of Melbourne | 63,584 | 35.06 Lakh |
| University of Sydney | 51,000 | 28.12 Lakh |
| University of New South Wales | 52,320 | 28.85 Lakh |
| University of Queensland | 48,040 | 26.49 Lakh |
Cost of living in the Australia
Apart from the tuition fees, a student applying for higher education in Australia should also consider the cost of living in Australia. The below given cost is the average monthly expenditure for a student living in Australia including accommodation, food, living and traveling in Australia.
| Type of Expenses | Cost Per Week in AUD | Equivalent Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels & Guesthouse | 90-150 | 5,000-8,430 |
| Share Rentals | 95-215 | 5,340-12,000 |
| On-campus | 110-280 | 6,200-15,740 |
| Homestay | 235-325 | 13,200-18,200 |
| Groceries & Eating Out | 140-280 | 7865-15,740 |
| Public Transport | 30-60 | 1,690-3,370 |
| Entertainment | 80-150 | 4,500-8,430 |
Explore: Student Accomodation in Australia
PhD in Australia: Scholarships
Students seeking to study in Australia can avail different scholarships offered by the Australian Government to international students. As pursuing PhD in Australia can get very expensive plus the cost of living, it is highly recommended to the student to go through the list of popular awards and studentships available to them and plan their expenses accordingly.
| Scholarship | Awarded by (private/government/university) | Eligibility | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty Research Scholarships Policy | University of Melbourne | Enroll full-time in a Graduate Research or Doctoral Program in the Faculty of Business and Economics | Stipend- 30,000 AUD or Course Fee- 100% Fee Remission or Relocation Allowance- 3,000 AUD |
| Australian Government Research Training Program | Australia Government | Students pursuing Masters or Research Program in Australia | Tuition fee, living expenses, and other allowances |
| RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship | RMIT University | Available for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral programs at RMIT | 31,000 AUD as tuition fee waiver |
| Endeavor PG Scholarship Awards | Government of Australia | International candidates enrolled in masters or Ph.D. courses in Australia | Tuition fee, travel, and other allowances, health insurance |
PhD in Australia : Jobs and Placement opportunities
After completing a PhD in Australia one can work as a Research Scientist, R&D Manager, Research Officer and earn an average salary of 85,000 AUD (49 lakh INR).
| Profession | Average Salary (AUD) | Salary for Indian Student (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist | 77,845 | 42.93 Lakh |
| Postdoctoral Research Associate | 88,003 | 48.53 Lakh |
| R&D Manager | 100,004 | 55.15 Lakh |
| Research Officer | 74,629 | 41.16 Lakh |
| Senior Lecturer | 120,572 | 66.50 Lakh |
Explore: Jobs in Australia
PhD in Australia: Degree Comparison
The following section differentiates between PhD in Australia vs PhD in Canada on the basis of average tuition fee, cost of living, visa requirements among other parameters.
| Parameter | PhD in Australia | PhD in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-5 Years | 4-6 Years |
| Average tuition fees | 30,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD (16-33 lakh INR) | 6,000 CAD- 22,000 CAD (3-13 lakh INR) |
| Cost of living | 2,000 AUD (1.14 lakh INR) | 1,987 CAD (1.19 lakh INR) |
| Visa | Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Study Permit |
| Average salary | 85,000 AUD (46 lakh INR) | 40,000 CAD (24 lakh INR) |
| English language proficiency tests | IELTS: 7.0 or above TOEFL 96+ | IELTS: 7.0 or above TOEFL 90+ |
Employees who have undergone the rigorous research training leading to a PhD can be regarded as highly skilled in their field. Employers rate postgraduate research graduates considerably higher than others when it comes to adaptability, technical skills and employability. The only skill area where PhD holders are rated only slightly lower than undergraduates is in collaborative skills.
With world-class research centers and internationally ranked universities, the country is a vibrant hub for its research courses. A PhD. in Australia means that you will develop your knowledge and skills, which ultimately increases your chances for employment within Australia and in any country.
Explore: Part-time Jobs in Australia
FAQs
Ques. What is the duration to complete a PhD in Australia?
Ans.Students are expected to complete their requirements for their degree within three years, with the opportunity to extend to a possible maximum of four years.
Ques.How do I find and contact a supervisor to pursue PhD in Australia?
Ans.It is strongly recommended that you make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss with them how your research interests may be compatible with their interests and experience. It is wise, if distance permits, to arrange a meeting with them or a telephone conversation where you can discuss your proposed PhD and their research interests.
Ques.What is the average tuition fee to do a Doctorate in Australia?
Ans.The cost of pursuing a PhD degree will vary, not only because each university will charge you differently but also because there are numerous assistantships you can avail. The average annual fees for PHD in Australia is 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD.
Ques.Can I study for a PhD in Australia on a part-time basis?
Ans.All international candidates who are studying in Australia under a student visa must study full-time. All scholarship recipients (including both domestic and international) must study full-time unless there are exceptional circumstances and approval for the part-time study has been granted.
Ques.What are the minimum requirements to study Doctorate in Australia?
Ans.In order to study Ph.D. in Australia, you will need to have completed a master's degree with at least an A grade, submit language proficiency scores, submit a research proposal and sit for an interview if required.
Ques.What are the top universities for pursuing Ph.D. in Canada?
Ans. Some of the top universities to pursue Ph.D. in Australia are Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales and University of Queensland which feature in top 50 universities of the world.
![Australian National university test1 [ANU]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/studyabroad/logos/college_597_12-11:31_anu_logo_fb_350.png?tr=w-50,h-50,c-force?tr=h-40,w-35,c-force){kind=logo}
![The University of Melbourne [unimelb]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/studyabroad/logos/college_609_20-15:00_mel-Logo.jpeg?tr=w-50,h-50,c-force?tr=h-40,w-35,c-force){kind=logo}
![University of New South Wales [UNSW]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/studyabroad/logos/college_603_29-10:36_logo.jpeg?tr=w-50,h-50,c-force?tr=h-40,w-35,c-force){kind=logo}
![The University of Sydney [USYD]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/studyabroad/logos/college_620_29-11:04_logo.jpeg?tr=w-50,h-50,c-force?tr=h-40,w-35,c-force){kind=logo}
![The University of Queensland [UQ]](https://staticstage.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/studyabroad/logos/college_596_29-11:20_queensland_Logo.jpeg?tr=w-50,h-50,c-force?tr=h-40,w-35,c-force){kind=logo}
