PhD in Australia
Australia is a country known for being multi-cultural and having a welcoming culture. This is why a foreign student can easily adjust to an unfamiliar environment.
The Australian natives have an embracing attitude. The Australian educational institutions have an unwavering reputation, so international students have considered the country their second home over the decades.
Students have chosen to pursue their PhD in Australia because the education system offers the best research experiences.
Table of Contents
- Why should one Study PhD in Australia?
- TOP Universities that are offering PhD in Australia
- Cost of Studying PhD in Australia
- Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living in Australia
- PhD Requirements in Australia
- Exams Required to Study PhD in Australia
- Scholarships to Study PhD in Australia
- Jobs Opportunities After PhD in Australia
- How to Study PhD in Australia?
Why should one Study PhD in Australia?
A foreign student can have tons of benefits by choosing to study PhD in Australia.
The following list shows why you should pursue your PhD in this country.
- In Australia, it is not a requirement to publish a paper during your course, giving you enough time to focus on your thesis and submit it on time to the faculty.
- Once you have completed your PhD program, you'll have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency.
- Tuition fee in Australia is much more affordable than in the USA.
- You can work part-time for 40 hours/week; good to have a decent income and a decent standard of living.
- The world recognizes Australian universities for PhD.
- Australian PhD can easily get you a good and high-paying job
- The Australian climate is favourable for any student to pursue a PhD.
- The library facilities in Australian universities are better than in other countries.
- You'll have good scholarship opportunities in Australian universities.
TOP Universities that are offering PhD in Australia
University Name |
QS World Ranking |
City |
Australian National University (ANU) |
27 |
Canberra |
University of Sydney |
38 |
Sydney |
University of Melbourne |
37 |
Melbourne |
University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
43 |
Sydney |
University of Queensland (UQ) |
47 |
Brisbane |
Monash University |
58 |
Melbourne |
University of Western Australia (UWA) |
93 |
Perth |
University of Adelaide |
108 |
Adelaide |
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
196 |
Sydney |
University of Canberra |
436 |
Canberra |
Cost of Studying PhD in Australia
Compared to other study destinations, the cost of studying PhD in Australia is proportionately high. Still, students can always find funding from universities, the Australian government, and other sources.
Tuition Fees
University Name |
Program |
Duration |
Tuition Fee (AUD) |
Australian National University |
PhD |
3 years |
45,052 |
University of Sydney |
PhD |
3 years |
49,000 |
University of Melbourne |
PhD |
3 years |
44,128 |
University of New South Wales |
PhD |
3 years |
51,000 |
University of Queensland |
PhD |
3 years |
40,736 |
Monash University |
PhD |
3 years |
34,100 |
University of Western Australia |
PhD |
3 years |
34,900 |
University of Adelaide |
PhD |
3 years |
45,000 |
University of Technology Sydney |
PhD |
3 years |
34,080 |
University of Canberra |
PhD |
3 years |
50,000 |
The above costs indicate if you apply for a project without funding or propose your topic. Besides, you can avail an attractive scholarship of up to 100 per cent, including living grants, provided you meet the university's requirements.
Cost of Living in Australia
The location and lifestyle will dictate the cost of living in Australia. It is estimated that you will need at least AUD21,041a for every year of your course.
This is the amount of money you have to show to apply successfully for a student visa. The following list contains the various expenses and the corresponding amount you should include in your budget.
Accommodation |
Costs Per Month (AUD) |
Homestay |
450-1200 |
Student Halls of Residence |
440-1100 |
Apartment Rental |
750-1700 |
Utilities |
750-1700 |
Internet |
200 |
Food Costs |
70-120 |
Transportation |
30-70 |
Books and other study materials |
500-1000 |
Health insurance |
30 |
PhD Requirements in Australia
- Applying for a PhD, you need to ensure that you have found an academic supervisor who agrees to support your PhD application. In most cases, you must have -
- Proof of academic degrees earned after 3 to 4 years of undergraduate study (bachelor's degree with first or upper-class honours) + 2 years of postgraduate study (master's degree which includes a substantial research component).
- The minimum required score in the English language proficiency test (IELTS) with at least 6.5 overall.
Exams Required to Study PhD in Australia
To study PhD in Australia, you may or may not be required to take the GRE (Grade Record Exam). This exam is not mandatory in all universities. Only the English Language proficiency test like IELTS with a minimum band score of 6.5 is required of non-English speaking students.
Every university has a slightly different exam structure, and they are to test the student's knowledge of their major fields. Usually, there is an oral and written component of the exam. Most often, you might be asked to defend your dissertation proposal orally.
The PhD Qualifying Exam is given halfway through the course. It determines whether or not you have finished the first phase and may be eligible for recommendation to candidacy for a PhD.
Exam Name |
Minimum Band Requirement |
IELTS |
6.5 general |
Scholarships to Study PhD in Australia
Scholarships and grants are available to international students looking to study PhD in Australia. Some scholarship providers are the higher educational institutions, the Australian government, and other public and private organizations.
Each provider will establish the application criteria, but these opportunities are available to foreign students.
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility |
Amount (AUD) |
University of Melbourne |
Graduate Research Scholarship |
1st class honours degree |
Tuition fee waiver |
University of Queensland |
Graduate School Scholarship |
Nominated by an Enrolling School |
28,597 stipend |
University New South Wales |
Tuition Fee Scholarship |
Students apply |
28,854 incl tuition |
Monash University |
Maxwell King PhD Scholarship |
Students from AII World Countries |
35,600 stipend |
University of Western Australia |
The Dean’s Excellence in Arts, Business, Law & Education PhD Scholarship |
Academically International & Domestic Students |
33,000+5100 |
University of Adelaide |
Univ of Adelaide Research |
NZ Students |
28,597 stipend |
University of Technology Sydney |
Int’l Research Training Prog Scholarship |
HDR Higher Degree by Research |
Tuition fee + health covers |
Jobs Opportunities After PhD in Australia
A PhD in Australia means that a student has developed their knowledge and skills, and ulotimately, this has improved their chances for employment within Australia and beyond.
Job Profile |
Salary in AUD/Annum |
Senior Research Scientist |
109000 |
Senior Lecturer |
125000 |
Research Officer |
77000 |
R & D Manager |
133000 |
Research Fellow |
92000 |
Lecturer |
87000 |
Research Associate |
83000 |
Research Scientist |
94000 |
International students who have finished their PhD in Australia are considered highly skilled. Employers rated them higher than other applicants regarding technical skills, adaptability, and suitability for paid work.
How to Study PhD in Australia?
Applying for PhD in Australia consists of several steps:
1. Check if you meet the minimum academic requirements at the university where you intend to study.
2. If you do, draft a research proposal for submission and your application, outlining your intended research ideas.
3. Find a supervisor by visiting the Researchers' website. Look for potential supervisors' profiles, expertise, published work, and contact information.
4. Joint or Dual Cotutelle (bilateral doctoral enrollment between your home university and the partner university of another country). This is a part of your application process. This requires you to complete a proposal and submit it to your potential supervisor.
5. You may be required to present some documents with your application. Be prepared to submit the following.
A. Certificate and transcript of your previous studies
B. LOR or Letter of Recommendation from your previous teachers.
C. Test result of English proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. The general score should be 6.5
D. Each university may require additional documents. Some universities may ask you to submit a Statement of Purpose to Study in Australia.
6. Apply.
You may feel overwhelmed and confused about the requirements and processes in this step and the other steps before this. To eliminate your anxieties, why not approach a study abroad consultant like AECC Global. We will help you embark on your journey. It could be daunting for an international student like you to complete the entire process independently.
AECC Global has the skills and the experience to provide you with one-to-one service, making the process trouble-free and giving you all the important information to speed up your application. With our guidance, you can improve your chances of getting admitted.
We are a reputed consultancy to help you take the first steps in reaching your dreams.
7. Receive an outcome. Usually, applications take about 6 - 8 weeks to evaluate. It may be longer if you are applying for a scholarship. You can expect all communications to be sent to your email account.
We will be happy if you can speak with one of our expert consultants for guidance on what steps to take to study PhD in Australia.