The Ph.D., commonly known as a doctorate in Australia, is the top research honor and the most advanced degree recognized by the Australian Qualifications Framework.
In this blog, you can get all the information you need about pursuing a Ph.D. in Australia, including information about degree names, prestigious universities, course costs, and visa requirements.
Many top Institutes provide programs for PhD in Australia for international students. For an overseas student, the expense of pursuing a PhD in Australia is from $30,000 to $42,000 AUD. Funding programs are also available in Australia for overseas students, such as studentships, scholarships, grants from the Australian government, etc., which can help cover this expense. A PhD in Australia is often followed by an annual income of 80,000 AUD in the fields of academic and research.
Why you Should Study PhD in Australia?
There are a number of reasons why you should do your PhD in Australia. The quality of education is very good in Australia. Apart from that, Australian institutions are recognized on a global scale. Here are some reasons for why you should study PhD in Australia.
Globally Recognized Institutions
Five Australian institutions appear in the top 50 list of the QS World University Rankings 2021, while a total of seven universities are included in the top 100. These 5 universities are
The Australian National University
The University of Melbourne
The University of the New South Wales
The University of Queensland
The University of Sydney
Increased PhD degree provisions
According to CSIRO, the number of PhDs awarded in Australia has increased significantly, from less than 4,000 in 2000 to almost 10,000 in 2019. (Commonwealth scientific and industrial research organization). It means more aspirants are welcomed and granted degrees in Ph.D. in Australia.
More Job Opportunities
In Australia, an increasing number of PhD candidates are getting jobs in private industry, public service, and charity organizations. Among the top 20 ASX (Australian Securities Exchange) listed companies, 19 have senior management teams that include Ph.D. holders. Special consideration is given to PhD degree holders due to their vast knowledge and experience.
Innovative Research Institutes
The presence of Innovative Research Universities (IRU) such as Charles Darwin University, Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, La Trobe University, Murdoch University, and Western Sydney University focuses on cutting-edge research work, teaching, and research activities.
Australia offers several distinctive PhD programs, including anthropology at Uluru and marine biology in the Great Barrier Reef. Your doctorate could enable you to live and work in Australia for at least four years because the country honors its PhD students and offers generous post-study permits.
What is it like to Study PhD in Australia?
International students have a long history of being welcomed by Australian universities and receiving support as they get used to their new academic environment. Universities offer a wide range of student services throughout the year, including help with housing arrangements, special student orientation weeks, and other services.
In Australia, problem-based learning is heavily emphasized in higher education, which aids in the development of autonomous learners. Typically, passing a midterm or final test is necessary to pass a course. University courses are frequently adaptable, giving you the freedom to decide how much work you want to put in and how you want to study.
Also read: Study Nursing in Australia for International Students in 2022
What to Study for PhD in Australia?
You will surely discover your ideal degree at an Australian institution, whatever you decide to study. In Australia, you can specialize in fields like social sciences and medical sciences in addition to natural sciences and engineering.
Here are some of the most popular study options in Australia:
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Nursing
PhD in Banking and Finance
Australia’s PhD Degree
PhD Degrees in Australia
Recent international legislation encourages international university collaboration and student exchange between nations. In order to create a worldwide educational network, which is made feasible by student and staff mobility, high-quality education and PhD degrees are made more accessible to students. The growth of international students is assisted via career- and research-oriented programs.
Students can study abroad in locations including Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States thanks to university partnerships, which also make it possible to recognize past degrees. Students have a range of study alternatives to select from depending on their chosen method of learning.
Top Universities for PhD in Australia
Almost all universities in Australia provide high-quality education to all students. We have mentioned some with their average annual fees and QS 2022 ranking.
| QS 2022 Ranking | Name of the University | Annual Fees (AUD) |
| 27 | Australian National University | 45,052 |
| 38 | The University of Sydney | 49,000 |
| 37 | The University of Melbourne | 44,128 |
| 47 | The University of Queensland | 40,736 |
| 58 | Monash University | 34,100 |
| 93 | University of Western Australia | 34,900 |
| 108 | The University of Adelaide | 45,000 |
| 196 | University of Technology Sydney | 34,080 |
Course Structure of Ph.D. in Australia
PhD in Australia and the UK are similar in many aspects. But when it comes to working on your PhD, your experience will be comparable to that of students in other well-liked study locations. Typically, PhD in Australia is a degree in pure research. There may be taught modules or training units in certain programs, but they will be more concerned with advancement and professional growth than with formal assessment.
You’ll start by reviewing the literature and assessing the body of knowledge already available on your subject. Following that, you’ll do your own unique study, gathering survey data or conducting analysis as necessary for your topic (and project). In many ways, the research for PhD in Australia and the UK is comparable. The weather will probably be a little nicer, and your friends could be a little more jealous (no, a lot nicer). Your PhD in Australia completion experience will, however, be similar to that of students at other renowned study places. Your independent doctoral thesis will take up the majority of your time and should substantially advance knowledge in your field.
Duration of the Program
In Australia, a full-time PhD normally takes three years. Some students take longer, but this usually depends on registration and funding arrangements.
Part-time PhDs in Australia can take up to six years, but this mode of study isn’t normally available to international students. The conditions of an Australian student visa mean that you must study full time.
Assessment and Examination
At the end of your PhD, you will present a written thesis summarizing your research results. This is normally about 100,000 words long, but it may be longer or shorter depending on the circumstances. A practical project or presentation could complement your thesis in some subjects (like the creative arts).
For a PhD in Australia, there is frequently no viva voce, unlike in other nations.
In a viva, a candidate is interviewed and their thesis is the subject of a verbal examination, or “defense.” The relative isolation of Australia from the rest of the world has historically made this difficult to organize. They will instead deliver your work to two or three external examiners who have relevant industry knowledge.
How StudyWise Can Help you?
These diplomas will help you to secure high-paying and respectable professional careers. You can ask for guidance from professionals if you are torn between choosing a suitable field of study. At StudyWise, we provide you with the best guidance for an Australian study visa in your field of interest.
Download the StudyWise app to see the list of courses you can apply to. You can rest assured when applying for an Australia study visa with StudyWise. Our professionals are here to guide and help you along with your study abroad journey.