Study PhD in Australia
With Melbourne and Sydney ranking in the top 10 student friendly cities in the world, Australia is already the most popular choice when it comes to studying abroad. Excellent teaching and state-of-the-art research facilities make Australia an ideal choice for any level of study in any field of your liking.
PhD in particular is a popular choice in Australia owing to its well-researched curriculum and specialised training, especially in crucial fields like physical therapy, education, chemistry, political science, biomedical engineering, and pharmacology.
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Why study PhD in Australia
With sandy beaches, mellow sunshine and Pinterest-worthy cityscapes, the land down under is the perfect example of a multicultural and flourishing economy. Here are a few reasons why you should consider doing your PhD in one of the most thriving economies in the world:
1. Quality education
Australia is home to 7 of the top 100 universities globally, renowned for its teaching excellence and expertise in popular courses. If you choose Australia, you’d be spoilt for choice because Australian universities provide high-quality education with world-class research facilities to enable you to make the most of your studies abroad.
The Australian Group-of-Eight universities are among the most prestigious institutions in the world that have set the standards for world-class education and research. Australian degrees are accredited and recognised globally, so studying a PhD in Australia would open up multiple opportunities for further education and employment worldwide, particularly in the UK, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.
2. Employment opportunities
Australian universities are as popular as they are, not only for their teaching excellence, but also for their industry-relevant training and practical applications – making them ideal for research-focussed and training-oriented PhD courses.
A growing percentage of PhD students in Australia are employed in businesses, government and the nonprofit sectors with 19 out of the 20 largest ASX (Australian security exchange) listed companies employing PhD graduates among their senior executive teams.
The business sectors that employ the most PhDs in Australia are banking, finance and insurance, mining, oil and energy, and the medical and pharmaceutical industry.
3. Ease of obtaining post-study visas
PhD graduates can apply for 4 year post-study work visas, with the ease of obtaining post study visas being relatively easier and quicker for PhD graduates. Most universities in Australia offer collaborative PhD courses with reputed universities in Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, the UK, the USA, etc., to encourage interdisciplinary and diverse educational experience.
4. Attractive remuneration
Average remuneration for PhD graduates in Australia is AUD 87,000 a year with experienced PhD holders earning up to AUD 111,000 a year. PhDs in banking, finance and insurance, mining, oil and energy, and the medical and pharmaceutical industry are some of the high paying sectors in Australia with attractive benefits and quality of life for PhD graduates.
5. Scholarships and funding
PhD students also get stipends during the course of their studies to support themselves and their stay in Australia. Here’s a list of Phd scholarships and funding by popular universities in Australia:
|
University |
Scholarship |
Amount granted (AUD) |
|
Australian National University (ANU) |
ANU PhD scholarships |
Stipend of $28,092 per annum |
|
University of New South Wales |
Tuition fee scholarship (TFS) plus a research stipend |
Stipend of $28,597 per annum, inclusive of tuition fees |
|
University of Queensland |
Graduate school scholarship |
Stipend of $28,597 per annum |
|
Monash University |
Maxwell King PhD scholarship |
$3,560 stipend per annum |
|
University of Western Australia |
The Dean's Excellence in Arts, Business, Law and Education PhD Scholarships |
Stipend of $33,000 per annum, a research allowance of $5,100. |
|
University of Adelaide |
University of Adelaide Research scholarships |
Stipend of $28,597 per annum |
|
University of Technology Sydney |
International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP) |
Covers the tuition fees, the cost of standard Overseas Student Health Cover |
|
University of Wollongong |
PhD scholarship opportunity as per faculty |
Stipend of $28,092 per annum |
Average Cost to Study PhD in Australia
Here is an estimate of the average cost of pursuing PhD courses in Australia:
|
Academic field |
Full time (in AUD) |
Part time (in AUD) |
|
Architecture, creative arts, education, health, information technology, management and commerce, mathematical sciences, social and cultural studies |
$37,480 |
$18,740 |
|
Agriculture and environmental studies, dentistry, engineering, human movement, medical studies, natural and physical sciences, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science |
$46,880 |
$23,440 |
To know more about Studying in Australia Download AECC Study Guide
Top Phd Universities in Australia
Listed below are the top five colleges in Australia to study PhD that are known for their industry-relevant and career-focussed courses in engineering.
- Monash University
- The University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- Australian National University
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Changing lives through research and education for nearly six decades, Monash is ranked #57 in 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- A member of the prestigious Group-of-Eight, Monash University is ranked #54th for graduate employability by the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- With an international student population of 41%, the university is the top choice in Australia for doctoral courses by students worldwide.
- Ranked #36 in best global universities rankings by US News & World Report, the university is among the top 50 universities according to the 2023 QS World Rankings.
- Known for exceptional study experiences, research excellence and collaborative partnerships, the university offers PhDs in diverse subject areas, including architecture, creative arts, education, health, information technology, management and commerce, mathematical sciences, social and cultural studies, agriculture and environmental studies, dentistry, engineering, human movement, medical studies, natural and physical sciences, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science, etc.
- The university supports and encourages technological developments and sustainable innovations that would improve quality of life, particularly in areas such as Defence, Space and National Security, energy transformation, advanced manufacturing technology and climate change and environment.
-
The first and the oldest university in Australia, the University of Sydney has a rich history spanning over 2 centuries in education and academia.
-
A prestigious Group-of-Eight institution, the university is ranked #49 for natural sciences and #4 for graduate employability by the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
-
It is one of the best universities in Australia to specialise in computer science, engineering, health, social science and humanities.
- Ranked by QS World University Rankings as #1 in Australia, Australian National University is renowned for its quality teaching, research-intensive course programmes and small classes - making it a popular choice for PhD students.
- The university offers various professional development courses for professionals in sectors like policymaking, science and technology, law, public and population health.
- The university is ranked #62 by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, for its teaching, research, knowledge transfer, employability and international outlook.
- The university is ranked #70th globally and 6th in Australia, offering some of Australia’s most in-demand medical and science courses.
- The university is a member of the Group of Eight (Go8) and is ranked #1 in Australia for research quality and impact.
- With an international student population of 40%, the university becomes the top choice in Australia for PhD courses by students worldwide.
Top PhD universities in Australia
Listed below are the top five colleges in Australia to study PhD that are known for their industry-relevant and career-focussed courses in engineering.
- Changing lives through research and education for nearly six decades, Monash is ranked #57 in 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- A member of the prestigious Group-of-Eight, Monash University is ranked #54th for graduate employability by the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- With an international student population of 41%, the university is the top choice in Australia for doctoral courses by students worldwide.
PhD scholarships in Australia
| Universities | Scholarships |
| Australian National University | ANU College of Science’s International Joint and Dual Award PhD Scholarship |
| ANU Fenner School of Environment & Society PhD Scholarship | |
| ANU Futures of Demography PhD Scholarship | |
| ANU Research School of Biology, Laureate Fellowship PhD Scholarship in Plant Molecular Biology | |
| University of Queensland | Earmarked scholarships scheme to support Category 1 project grants |
| Centre for Bioplastics PhD scholarship | |
| UQ-IITD Academy of Research Joint PhD program | |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | International Scientia Coursework Scholarship |
| Australia’s Global University Award | |
| UNSW Global Academic Award | |
| International Student Award | |
| Monash University | Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarship |
| Maxwell King PhD Scholarship | |
| Indonesian Women in STEM | |
| Monash Silver Jubilee PhD Scholarship | |
| Monash University - Museums Victoria PhD Research Scholarship | |
| University of Sydney | Cicada Innovations Postgraduate Research Placement Scholarship |
| CSIRO Postgraduate Scholarships | |
| Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Clinical Neuroscience of Addiction | |
| Postgraduate Research Supplementary Scholarship in Marine Host- Microbiome Interactions |
Interested to Study In Australia?
Eligibility requirements to Study PhD in Australia
- A bachelor’s and master’s degree in a relevant field with the minimum score in each level to study in Australia.
- Certified proofs of previous qualifications
- A research proposal, for self-recommended PhD topics
- A personal statement for applications to advertised projects and opportunities
- Academic and/or professional references, if required
- Satisfy the English language requirements specified by the university, ensuring a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent
How To Apply For PhDs in Australia
- Complete prior research programmes and your master’s before applying for a PhD.
- Analyse the nature of your specialisation and have an idea of the reasonable time frame for completing your research.
- Choose and apply to the university of your choice and prepare your SOP. Before applying, finalise your PhD supervisor and draft your PhD proposal outlining your research areas and scope of the project. Ensure to set a reasonable time frame, taking into account any delays in the project/research work.
Post-study Work Opportunities in Australia for Phd Graduates
Professor
- One of the most ideal career choices after completing your PhD would be a teaching position in a reputed university. Professorship, in particular, is a well-paying opportunity since there is a consistent demand for quality teaching and research insights.
- Average earning potential for a lecturer in Australia is AUD 112,498 per year. Entry-level positions start at AUD 104,425 per year, while experienced professors make up to AUD 135,981 per year.
- If you’re passionate about science and pursued a PhD for academic and professional enrichment, becoming a scientist would be a gateway to contribute to turnkey developments and discoveries in the relevant field.
- Average earning potential for a scientist is AUD 101,499 per year. Starting salary for graduates is AUD 82,581 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to AUD 135,110 per year.
- There is a growing rise in research officer positions in Australia for deserving PhD graduates, especially in fields like finance, science, law, banking, medicine and pharmaceutics.
- Average earning potential for research officers in Australia is AUD 91,565 per year. Entry-level positions start at AUD 82,462 per year, while experienced officers make up to AUD 111,641 per year.
- Subject matter experts (SMEs) are sought after for their expert knowledge in the chosen field and expertise in both theory and practical aspects. SMEs are much in demand in Australia, especially in fields like human resource management, law, education, engineering, accounting, and public relations.
- Average earning potential for subject matter experts in Australia is AUD 128,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at AUD 100,000 per year, while experienced officers make up to AUD 148,000 per year.
- A job role that requires a knack for research and analytical thinking, being a geochemist in Australia would be a rewarding career both in terms of monetary benefits and job satisfaction. Geochemists are employed by petroleum companies, mining companies, engineering and architecture companies, universities, research institutes and other environmental consultancies for their expertise in geology and chemistry.
- Average earning potential for geochemists in Australia is AUD 117,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at AUD 104,000 per year, while experienced officers make up to AUD 150,000 per year.
FAQ's
PhD can help you to get employment in Australia, and can be a pathway to permanent residency. Choosing the right area of study can give you specialised, in-demand knowledge that employers in Australia need.
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