| Updated On - Apr 30, 2024
PhD in Australia Course Highlights
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PhD in Australia or Higher Degree Research (HDR) is a 3-5 years, full-time program offered across the top universities. Australia has emerged as a centre of excellence for PhD with growing research opportunities across modern fields like renewable energy, biotechnology, and information technology among others. For admission to the top PhD universities in Australia, you require a relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree and a research proposal of 300-1000 words.
Australia currently houses 9 of the top 100 universities in the world offering PhD. International students tend to select PhD in Australia due to the affordability, and acceptance of unconventional English proficiency exams like PTE and Duolingo English Test. The tuition fees for PhD in Australia can range anywhere between 3,355 to 219,299 AUD (1.80 lakhs to 1.17 crore INR). After PhD, you can pursue job opportunities in Australia as a Research Scientist, R&D Manager, Research Officer and in related roles.
Why Study PhD in Australia?
- English Proficiency Test Scores Accepted in Australia: Unlike countries like the USA, and UK, the universities in Australia are flexible in accepting the scores of PTE or DET, other than the conventional IELTS, and TOEFL iBT. This saves the cost of English proficiency exam for international students.
- Research Facilities in Australia: The top universities in Australia offer state-of-the-art research facilities across a diverse range of Higher Degree Research (HDR) disciplines.
- PhD Scholarships in Australia: Australia opens a wide variety of PhD scholarship opportunities for international students. You can get up to full tuition fee waiver with a monthly PhD stipend in Australia for your personal expenses.
- High Return on Investment: After completing a PhD in Australia, graduates annually earn an average salary of 109,000 AUD (58.40 lakhs INR), reflecting a high return on investment.
Top PhD Programs in Australia
Some trending PhD courses in Australia according to the fields of study and respective universities offering those programs are as follows:
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering in Australia
| Curtin University | |
| University of Tasmania | |
| RMIT University | |
| University of Tasmania | |
| James Cook University | |
| Murdoch University | |
|
PhD in HCI in Australia |
The University of Melbourne |
| Monash University | |
| The University of Sydney |
PhD in Renewable Energy in Australia
|
PhD in Australia in Photovoltaics |
The University of Sydney |
| University of New South Wales Sydney | |
| Australian National University | |
|
PhD in Biotechnology in Australia |
RMIT University |
| The University of Queensland | |
| Australian National University |
PhD in Structural Engineering in Australia
| University of Technology Sydney | |
| University of New South Wales | |
| University of Melbourne | |
|
PhD in Civil Engineering in Australia |
Curtin University |
| Monash University |
PhD in Chemistry in Australia
| University of Tasmania | |
| Deakin University | |
| Flinders University | |
|
PhD in Chemical Engineering in Australia |
Curtin University |
| Monash Engineering | |
| RMIT University |
PhD in Agriculture in Australia
| University of Tasmania | |
| University of Melbourne | |
| James Cook University |
PhD in Business in Australia
| Curtin University | |
| University of New South Wales | |
| Deakin University | |
| Australian National University | |
| University of Technology Sydney | |
| Deakin University | |
| Curtin University | |
| University of Tasmania | |
| University of New South Wales | |
|
PhD in Business Administration in Australia |
University of Canberra |
| University of Technology Sydney | |
| The University of Notre Dame Australia | |
| University of Canberra | |
| University of Technology Sydney | |
| University of Tasmania |
PhD in Healthcare in Australia
|
PhD in Psychology in Australia / PhD Clinical Psychology Australia |
The University of Western Australia |
| University of Wollongong | |
| Flinders University | |
| The University of Notre Dame Australia | |
| Deakin University | |
| Flinders University | |
| Curtin University | |
| University of Technology Sydney | |
| University of Tasmania | |
|
PhD in Public Health in Australia |
University of Technology Sydney |
| University of Tasmania | |
| James Cook University |
PhD in Education in Australia
| Program | Universities |
|---|---|
| Charles Darwin University | |
| Deakin University | |
| Western Sydney University |
PhD in Law in Australia
| The University of Sydney | |
| RMIT University | |
| Monash University |
Top Universities for PhD in Australia
Australia is home to almost all sorts of universities for PhD programs. There are a plethora of top ranked universities with highly competitive admission policy and stringent admission requirements. A list of the highest ranked universities in Australia for PhD and their respective details of rankings and eligibility criteria is provided below:
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | University | Academic Requirements | English Proficiency Test Score | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #14 | University of Melbourne | A masters degree in a relevant discipline with 75% | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 79 to 94 | Referee report | Relevant professional experience |
| #=19 | University of Sydney | Official academic transcripts | No bar | Competitive IELTS, TOEFL, PTE accepted | Final research proposal (Up to 2000 words) | Proof of supervisor | CV | Valid passport | 2 referee reports |
| #=19 | University of New South Wales | 4 year bachelor’s degree | Masters by research | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 90 to 94 | - |
| #=34 | Australian National University | Master’s degree with a significant research/thesis component | Competitive IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE | 2 referee report |
| #42 | Monash University | A bachelor's degree, masters degree | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | PTE: 58 | Research proposal of 2–3 pages | Cover letter |
| #43 | University of Queensland | Bachelors and masters degree with 60% | IELTS of 6.5 and 6.0 | Portfolio | work experience |
| #72 | University of Western Australia | Completed an acceptable preliminary program at any recognized institution | 60-70% in English in Indian educational system | Sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research | Approval of research proposal |
| #89 | University of Adelaide | Honours degree, PG coursework degree | Competitive IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE score | Confirmation of supervisory support |
| #90 | University of Technology Sydney | Senior secondary and tertiary studies comparable to an Australian degree | Satisfactory GPA | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 94-101 | PTE: 65-72 | - |
| #=130 | Macquarie University | Completion of a Master of Research (MRes) with 75% | A 2-year masters degree with 75% | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 83 | PTE: 58 | Substantial research project at masters level |
You can select from a wide range of PhD colleges in Australia requiring moderate eligibility criteria for admission. Some of these universities, their respective rankings, and corresponding details are as follows:
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | University | Academic Requirements | English Proficiency Test Score | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #162 | University of Wollongong | Honours degree and research masters comprising a thesis | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 86 | Research experience |
| #=189 | Queensland University of Technology | Bachelor or higher degree from a recognised Indian institution | 65% in high school English core subjects | PTE: 58 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | Demonstrated research aptitude |
| #183 | Curtin University | Master degree or bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours | IELTS: 6.5 | Capacity to carry out independent research |
| #=285 | Swinburne University of Technology | Masters degree with 70% | IELTS: 6.5 | PTE: 58 | TOEFL iBT: 64 | DET: 120 | Written research thesis | An artefact (creative work or design product) |
| #=173 | University of Newcastle | Bachelor with Honours Class 1 or Honours Class II | IELTS: 6.5 | - |
| #=233 | Deakin University | Masters degree (research) in a related area | IELTS: 7.0 | Research project in a related area |
| #243 | Griffith University | Bachelor’s with first class honours | A record of research | TOEFL iBT: 79 | PTE: 58 | Proposed research topic | 2 academic referee | CV | 1 potential Griffith supervisor |
| #242 | La Trobe University | Bachelors and masters with over 70% aggregate | IELTS: 6.5 | PTE: 56 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | Professional CV | Details of any publication | Copy of Masters thesis | Research proposal (<300 words) | Proof of age and citizenship |
| #140 | RMIT University | 4 years full time bachelors degree including a research component with a thesis | IELTS: 6.5 | - |
| #=307 | University of Tasmania | Equivalent of an Australian bachelor's degree with upper second class Honours or higher | IELTS: 6.5 | Personal Competency Statement |
Several universities in Australia boast a generous admission process with comparatively easier admission requirements than others. A list of such popular PhD colleges in Australia with generous admission requirements are as follows:
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | University | Academic Requirements | English Proficiency Test Score | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #380 | Flinders University | Australian equivalent Class 1 or 2A honours degree | 75% average | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 80 | Research experience |
| #=326 | University of South Australia | Honours years Bachelor’s degree or relevant master’s degree | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL IBT: 94 | Relevant work experience and research work |
| #=375 | Western Sydney University | Honours bachelor’s degree (class 1 or 3) or research master’s or master degree in philosophy degree | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 82 | Research experience |
| #529 | Edith Cowan University | First or upper second UG degree or a master’s degree in research | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 84 | At least 6 months research |
| #=415 | James Cook University | 2nd class honours bachelor’s degree or a master’s in research | IELTS: 65 | IBT: 86| | 3 years full-time professional experience |
| #=431 | Murdoch University | 1st class or 2nd class Honours bachelor’s degree or master's degree involving research project | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 90 | Professional experience involving research experience |
| #=421 | University of Canberra | Bachelors degree with honours, masters degree | IELTS: 6.5 | - |
| #=410 | University of Southern Queensland | Bachelors and masters degree | IELTS: 6.5 | Contact with research supervisor |
| #601-610 | Charles Darwin University | Bachelors degree and masters degree | IELTS: 6.5 | PTE: 58 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | Equivalent of 1 semester of research activity | Comparable levels of research like scholarly publications | Research proposal of 500-1000 words |
| #711-720 | Victoria University | 4 year bachelor’s degree with 70% or master's in research degree or master's degree With 70% average | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL IBT: 70 | Research project |
How to apply for a PhD in Australia?
The first step of pursuing PhD in Australia as an international student is finding a potential supervisor. You should find a supervisor who is a leading researcher in a field, related to your proposed topic. You should email them, defining your interests, and providing a brief of the project idea. Furthermore, you should keep the following factors in mind while sending the project idea to study in Australia:
- Clearly show the link between your proposed topic and the research topic(s) of the supervisor
- Briefly explain your area of interest and proposed topic
- Propose your relevant research hypothesis to fill the gaps in current knowledge
- Show ownership and demonstrate that you will implement your research in social benefits
Once the supervisor shows an interest, you can apply to the university.
PhD in Australia Cost
The tuition fees for PhD in the top universities in Australia range between 3,355 to 219,299 AUD (1.80 lakhs to 1.17 crore INR). The cost of PhD in Australia for international students across some top universities are as follows:
| University | Tuition Fees (AUD) | Equivalent Tuition Fee for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 50,880 to 219,299 | 27.26 lakhs to 1.17 crore |
| University of Sydney | 43,000 to 53,500 | 23.04 to 28.67 lakhs |
| University of New South Wales | 73,000 to 96,500 | 39.12 to 51.72 lakhs |
| Australian National University | 41,030 to 54,880 | 21.99 to 29.41 lakhs |
| Monash University | 19,500 to 21,800 | 10.45 to 11.68 lakhs |
| University of Queensland | 10,512 to 13,151 | 5.63 to 7.05 lakhs |
| University of Western Australia | 36,100 to 56,500 | 19.35 to 30.29 lakhs |
| University of Adelaide | 42,500 to 60,000 | 22.79 to 32.17 lakhs |
| University of Technology Sydney | 19,840 to 34,080 | 10.63 to 18.27 lakhs |
| Macquarie University | 34,500 to 51,900 | 18.56 to 27.92 lakhs |
| University of Wollongong | 59,520 to 168,576 | 31.91 to 90.40 lakhs |
| Queensland University of Technology | 10,512 to 13,151 | 5.65 to 7.07 lakhs |
| Curtin University | 22,601 | 12.16 lakhs |
| Swinburne University of Technology | 34,600 to 42,400 | 18.61 to 22.81 lakhs |
| University of Newcastle | 34,650 to 46,560 | 18.64 to 25.05 lakhs |
| Deakin University | 43,200 | 23.24 lakhs |
| Griffith University | 33,500 to 38,500 | 18.02 to 20.71 lakhs |
| La Trobe University | 11,000 | 5.91 lakhs |
| RMIT University | 39,360 | 21.17 lakhs |
| University of Tasmania | 32,192 | 17.32 lakhs |
| Flinders University | 31,000 to 76,000 | 16.67 to 40.88 lakhs |
| University of South Australia | 34,300 to 39,700 | 18.45 to 21.35 lakhs |
| Western Sydney University | 29,702 to 38,522 | 15.97 to 20.72 lakhs |
| Edith Cowan University | 40,400 | 21.73 lakhs |
| James Cook University | 31,000 to 36,000 | 16.67 to 19.36 lakhs |
| Murdoch University | 16,680 | 8.97 lakhs |
| University of Canberra | 31,000 to 40,600 | 16.68 to 21.84 lakhs |
| University of Southern Queensland | 3,355 to 4,350 | 1.80 to 2.34 lakhs |
| Charles Darwin University | 33,704.80 | 18.13 lakhs |
| Victoria University | 31,990 | 17.21 lakhs |
Cost of Living in Australia for International Students
The estimated cost of living in Australia for an Indian student is 35,984 AUD (19.31 lakhs INR) per annum, for moderate expenses. A breakdown of the cost of living in Australia is provided below:
| Expense Type | Annual Cost for an Indian Student (AUD) | Equivalent Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 15,184 | 8.15 lakhs |
| Transport | 6,708 | 3.60 lakhs |
| Food | 9,776 | 5.24 lakhs |
| Personal | 2,392 | 1.28 lakhs |
| Clothing | - | - |
| Entertainment | 1,924 | 1.03 lakhs |
If you are considering living with your family, the estimated monthly cost for a family of 4 is 3,906 AUD (2.10 lakhs INR). Annually, this cost is around 46,872 AUD (25.21 lakhs INR).
PhD Scholarships in Australia
Australia is among the top choices of international students looking to pursue doctoral courses due to the financial aid opportunities. Many universities in Australia offer assistantships for international students. This includes teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA) or other forms of financial support.
PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships reduces the financial burden of the candidate while pursuing the doctoral programs. Some popular scholarships in Australia for PhD students are as follows:
| Scholarship | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Students from developing countries, pursuing full-time study at a participating Australian universities | Fully funded PhD in Australia for international students, return air travel, establishment allowance |
| The University of Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship | Students with demonstrated academic merit in previous studies | 15% or 30% reduction toward international PhD fees in Australia |
| Australian Government Research Training Program | High quality international postgraduate students enrolling in a research degree at Australian universities | Applying within May 10, 2024 or October 22, 2024 | Tuition fees offset and stipend |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | International students with academic merit of last completed degree, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications, relevant professional experience, or original music composition | Full fee waiver up to 2 years, living allowance of 37,000 AUD per year pro rata for up to 2 years, relocation grant of 2,000 AUD |
| Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships | International student (except New Zealand), full-time higher study, intend to enrol in an area of research concentration | International tuition fees and a stipend |
Australian Student Visa Application
The Postgraduate Research Sector visa (subclass 574) closed for new applications on July 1, 2016. Currently, you need to apply for a student visa (Subclass 500) to extend your stay in Australia for PhD. The Australian student visa costs from 710 AUD (38,195 INR) and allows a stay of up to 5 years. This visa will allow you to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia, travel in and out of the country. Additionally, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when in session of course of study.
Eligibility Criteria for Australian Student Visa
You should apply online for Australian student visa (Subclass 500). The basic eligibility criteria for the visa are as follows:
- You should be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
- You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or be in an exemption categories
- You must exhibit a proof of age
- If you are currently in Australia, you should hold an eligible substantive visa
Work Permit in Australia
After your PhD in Australia, you can avail the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) or Post-Study Work Stream. With the post study work permit, you can temporarily live, study, and work in Australia after completing your studies. Besides, you can take your immediate family members in Australia to stay with you.
This Australian work visa usually spans 2 to 4 years. However, with a select degree, you can be eligible for an extended 2-year stay on this visa. You can lodge your application through ImmiAccount. The cost of post study work permit in Australia starts from 1,895 AUD (1.01 lakhs INR).
Australia Work Visa Rules
The basic eligibility criteria and guidelines to apply for Temporary Graduate visa in Australia are as follows:
- You should have your first application based Australian student visa received on or after November 5, 2011
- You must be in Australia while applying for this visa
- You must be below 50 years of age
- You should have an eligible visa
- You should have held a student visa in last 6 months
- Proof of required level of English, provided with the application
- You must exhibit a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course
- Evidence of application for an AFP check at the time of application
- Proof of adequate health insurance for all applicants at the time of application
Job Opportunities after PhD in Australia
As an international student pursuing PhD, you can look for part-time jobs in Australia with the visa for PhD students in Australia. Once graduated, you can look for job opportunities with a valid work permit in Australia. After completing PhD in Australia, graduates annually earn an average salary of 109,000 AUD (58.40 lakhs INR). The average salary after PhD across various job opportunities are as follows:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist, Biotechnology | 76,886 | 41.20 lakhs |
| Scientific Researcher | 82,577 | 44.26 lakhs |
| Research Scientist | 88,106 | 47.23 lakhs |
| Postdoctoral Research Associate | 91,299 | 48.92 lakhs |
| Software Engineer | 93,612 | 50.18 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 107,047 | 64.98 lakhs |
| Senior Data Scientist | 113,853 | 61.01 lakhs |
| Senior Software Engineer | 120,771 | 64.74 lakhs |
| Research & Development (R&D) Manager | 125,974 | 67.50 lakhs |
| Chief Operating Officer (COO) | 143,732 | 87.24 lakhs |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 212,481 | 1.13 crore |
PhD in Australia: Top Employers
A list of the top recruiters employing students who have completed PhD in Australia is provided below:
| Employer | Popular Professional Roles |
|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services | Applied Science Intern |
| Research Scientist Intern | |
| IBM | Quantum Research Scientist | Cloud Research Scientist | Artificial Intelligence Researcher |
| GSK | Graduate Researcher (12 months paid program) |
| DuluxGroup | Research and Development Scientist |
| AECOM | Environmental Scientist | Senior Environmental Scientist | Associate Environmental Scientist |
| Workforce Australia for Individuals | Research Associate/ Research Fellow in Representation Theory |
PhD in Australia Return on Investment
PhD in Australia is a program with high return on investment. After completing your PhD from the top universities in Australia, you can expect lucrative salaries across the world. A comparison of the PhD tuition fees for international students in popular universities in Australia and the average salary of the graduates pursuing jobs in Australia is provided below:
| University | Tuition Fees (AUD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 50,880 to 219,299 | 88,000 |
| University of Sydney | 43,000 to 53,500 | 103,000 |
| University of New South Wales | 73,000 to 96,500 | 75,000 |
| Australian National University | 41,030 to 54,880 | 78,000 |
| Monash University | 19,500 to 21,800 | 73,000 |
| University of Queensland | 10,512 to 13,151 | 72,000 |
| University of Western Australia | 36,100 to 56,500 | 77,000 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 19,840 to 34,080 | 73,000 |
| Macquarie University | 34,500 to 51,900 | 99,000 |
| Queensland University of Technology | 10,512 to 13,151 | 66,000 |
Research graduates in Australia are among the highest earners in the country. The ultramodern research opportunities in the top universities in Australia make them stand out. The vibrant campuses of the universities in Australia, make it a home-like atmosphere for international students. With a PhD from Australia, you can expect global exposure towards postdoc opportunities and employment options.
FAQs
Ques. How many years is a PhD in Australia?
Ans. PhD in Australia is a 3-5 years full-time program. However, if you pursue a part-time PhD in Australia can be stretched over 6 years. However, international students should generally study full-time according to visa rules.
Ques. Who are eligible for PhD in Australia?
Ans. As an international student seeking a PhD program in Australia, you need to satisfy the following admission requirements:
- Academic degree: A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized university
- GPA or aggregate: 60% or above aggregate
- English proficiency test score: IELTS: 6.5 or above
- Research proposal within 2,000 words
- Relevant professional experience
- Referee report: 2 referee reports
- SOP
- CV
- Portfolio
- Valid passport (ID proof)
- Confirmation of supervisory support
Ques. How much does a PhD cost in Australia?
Ans. The tuition fees for PhD in Australia across some popular universities are as follows:
| University | Tuition Fees (AUD) | Equivalent Tuition Fee for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 50,880 to 219,299 | 27.26 lakhs to 1.17 crore |
| University of Sydney | 43,000 to 53,500 | 23.04 to 28.67 lakhs |
| University of New South Wales | 73,000 to 96,500 | 39.12 to 51.72 lakhs |
| Australian National University | 41,030 to 54,880 | 21.99 to 29.41 lakhs |
| Monash University | 19,500 to 21,800 | 10.45 to 11.68 lakhs |
| University of Queensland | 10,512 to 13,151 | 5.63 to 7.05 lakhs |
| University of Western Australia | 36,100 to 56,500 | 19.35 to 30.29 lakhs |
| University of Adelaide | 42,500 to 60,000 | 22.79 to 32.17 lakhs |
| University of Technology Sydney | 19,840 to 34,080 | 10.63 to 18.27 lakhs |
| University of Wollongong | 59,520 to 168,576 | 31.91 to 90.40 lakhs |
Ques. What is the salary after PhD in Australia?
Ans. After completing PhD in Australia graduates earn an average salary of 109,000 AUD (58.40 lakhs INR). Check out the average salary of PhD in Australia graduates according to their chosen professions are as follows:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist, Biotechnology | 76,886 | 41.20 lakhs |
| Scientific Researcher | 82,577 | 44.26 lakhs |
| Research Scientist | 88,106 | 47.23 lakhs |
| Postdoctoral Research Associate | 91,299 | 48.92 lakhs |
| Software Engineer | 93,612 | 50.18 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 107,047 | 64.98 lakhs |
| Senior Data Scientist | 113,853 | 61.01 lakhs |
| Senior Software Engineer | 120,771 | 64.74 lakhs |
| Research & Development (R&D) Manager | 125,974 | 67.50 lakhs |
| Chief Operating Officer (COO) | 143,732 | 87.24 lakhs |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 212,481 | 1.13 crore |
Ques. How to find and contact a PhD supervisor in Australia?
Ans. It is strongly recommended to get a potential supervisor for PhD in Australia. You need to discuss with them how your research interests may be compatible with their interests and experience. It is wise, if distance permits, to arrange a meeting with them or a telephone conversation. This way, you can discuss your proposed PhD and their research interests.
Ques. Can I study PhD in Australia on a part-time basis?
Ans. All international students in Australia with a student visa must study full-time. All scholarship recipients (including both domestic and international) must study full-time unless there are exceptional circumstances and approval for part-time study has been granted.
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