Doctor of Philosophy

Duration of candidature

A PhD normally takes between three to four years full-time or up to eight years part-time. Students are required to take coursework in their first year and to submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words that makes a substantial contribution to the relevant scholarly literature and demonstrates how their research relates to their discipline. PhDs by publication are also possible, but require consultation and approval by your primary supervisor.

Admission criteria

Admission to the PhD Program requires that the candidate already hold, or be about to complete, an Australian Bachelor Degree with at least Second Class Honours - Upper (though First Class Honours is often required for a scholarship) or its international equivalent, or, a Postgraduate Degree with a significant research thesis component.

There are also English language requirements.

Application deadlines

HDR applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. However, please keep in mind that: (a) there are deadlines for scholarships; and (b) there are significant advantages to commencing study at the beginning of the Australian academic year (February).

To meet ANU scholarship application deadlines, prospective students should express their interest in the RegNet HDR Program (see How to apply) no later than 31 May (international students) or 30 September (domestic students). For all other scholarships, prospective students should express their interest in the RegNet HDR Program at least three months in advance of the scholarship deadline (if formal acceptance to a university is a scholarship eligibility requirement).

Fees and scholarships

Domestic students (i.e., citizens of Australia and New Zealand and permanent residents of Australia) are eligible for the Research Training Scheme (RTS), which covers tuition fees through a HECS Exemption scholarship for four years.

All other students are required to pay International Student Fees (ISF) unless these are covered by a scholarship. Further information on costs, fees and scholarships.

Most RegNet students are successful in obtaining scholarships to fully or partially fund their study in Canberra. International Postgraduate Research Scholarships and University Research Scholarships for international applicants are very competitive.

Thus, international students should consider applying to other eligible schemes, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships and the Endeavour Awards Scholarships.