anu phd application fee

ANU College of Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support .  When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Program details

The major component of a research program is a substantial written work known as a thesis, which investigates a particular subject or issue. As a research student, you will work with increased independence, under the direction of an academic supervisor or a supervisory panel of academic staff.

A PhD will normally take you between 2-4 years to complete.

• 2 - 4 years full time
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities

The Doctor of Philosophy is your gateway to an academic or research career in science. In addition to academia, PhD graduates work in diverse fields within government, education, industry and media.

World class facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support, including labs, computational services and recreation and relaxation rooms.

Learning experience

Industry engagement

Industry engagement is one of the best ways for a PhD student to test their capabilities as a researcher, and to obtain transferable and professional skills.

Get out of the classroom

PhD student Kate Holland takes us on a field trip to One Tree Island to explain her research.

PhD student unearths the Holy Grail of paleontology

Ilya Bobrovskiy had a crazy idea for his PhD. And then he made one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the year.

Fees & scholarships

Scholarships.

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

• How to apply
• International

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Finding an academic supervisor

Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.

Review the  fields of research  we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The  ANU Researchers  website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.

Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.

The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.

Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.

If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an  expression of interest  and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.

Finding available scholarships

ANU Colleges and individual research schools offer a number of  scholarships  that are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.

Visit the international postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours

• Dean's welcome
• Our history & achievements
• Reconciliation Action Plan
• ANU Joint Colleges Partnerships with Indigenous Organisations & Communities Fund
• Indigenous Professional Staff Traineeship Program
• Research & innovation
• Advancement office
• Business Development
• Human Resources
• International Relations and Partnerships
• Marketing and Communications
• Research Management
• Student Services
• International Relations & Partnerships
• Award winners
• Grants & fellowships
• I.D.E.A events
• I.D.E.A. resources
• Academic career support
• Staff guide on moving to Australia
• Pathway to secondary teaching with University of Canberra
• Vertical Double Degree Pathways
• Master degrees
• Graduate certificates
• Joint & Dual Award PhD programs
• Summer Research program
• Commonwealth Supported Places
• Future Research Talent Travel Awards (India)
• Future Research Talent Awards (Indonesia)
• Sustainable agriculture top-up scholarship
• The Biosocial Shaping of Conservation and Biodiversity in Australia's Capital
• Dean’s Science Education Commendation Award
• Dean's International Science Excellence Scholarship
• Australian Research Council discovery project scholarship
• Director’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
• ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship
• External scholarships & sponsorships
• International students
• Careers & opportunities
• Course guides
• Interview Your Future Self
• Field trips
• Global learning
• Student stories
• 360 Virtual tours
• Our research
• Field sites
• Research stories
• Academic profiles
• Research projects
• Research schools
• Institutes & centres
• ANU Science on Location
• Hosting an intern
• Schools outreach
• 2024 STEM Challenges
• STEM Boxes 2024 (Domestic)
• STEM Boxes 2024 (International)
• The National STEM Communicators Challenge: Hidden Mathematics at Work
• Indigenous engagement
• Science Lab: Experiments for home & school
• Science Case Study Competition 2024
• Australian Bee Observation Network
• Student blog
• STEM Guest Lecture Series
• Current student enquiries
• Book an appointment
• Ask a question
• Online drop-in sessions
• Future student enquiries
• Current students
• Alumni events
• Alumni news
• Mentoring & volunteering
• As You See It! Public voting
• As You See It! winners

• Current students
• Content manager

PhD and MPhil applications in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

CASS HDR (Higher Degree by Research) programs

Graduate research degrees are available in more than 20 disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences within the College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS). Students who wish to undertake a graduate research program at ANU can do so through either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

Depending upon your research field, the major component of both research programs is usually a substantial written work (‘thesis’) which investigates a particular subject or issue. A research student works independently under the direction of a primary academic supervisor who forms part of a supervisory panel of academic staff (PhD candidates will have at least three panel members; MPHIL candidates will have at least two).

Prospective students are expected to have an agreed supervisor for their proposed projects before they make a formal application to a CASS research program. See Areas of Research below.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD degrees are expected to submit their thesis for examination within four years (full-time study), or up to eight years part-time. A standard-format thesis is about 80,000 words, and makes a substantial contribution to the relevant scholarly literature, and demonstrates how their research relates to their discipline. It is also possible to submit a PhD in an alternative format (such as a composition, exhibition or other creative work) or by publication upon approval by your supervisory panel and School or Centre. School of Art and Design students normally produced a thesis by creative work (a combination of written exegesis and exhibition).

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Program duration for MPhil degrees is up to two years full-time and up to four years part-time. An MPhil thesis is normally limited to 60,000 words.

Applications

College schools and centres sit under two research schools: the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) and the Research School of Humanities & the Arts (RSHA).

Each research school has its own PhD and MPHIL programs – the program you apply for depends on the location of the academic staff member who has agreed to supervise your thesis. (See Areas of Research below.)

PhD Programs:

9520XPHD Doctor of Philosophy RSSS

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/9520XPHD

9552XPHD Doctor of Philosophy RSHA

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/9552XPHD

MPHIL Programs:

8520XMPHIL Master of Philosophy RSSS

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/8520XMPHIL

8551XMPHIL Master of Philosophy RSHA

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/8551XMPHIL

Areas of Research

Visit the Higher Degree Research page to browse areas of research within CASS. The College also supports interdisciplinary research through the Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Research (ICCR) Program.

Schools and Centres hosting HDR candidates within the College:

Research School of Humanities & the Arts (RSHA):

School of Archaeology and Anthropology

School of Art & Design

School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics

School of Music

Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS):

Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research

Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies

Centre for Social Research and Methods

School of Demography

School of History

School of Philosophy

School of Politics & International Relations

School of Sociology

Minimum entry requirements

Admission to a Doctor of Philosophy program in CASS requires you to have completed an Honours degree at H2A level or above, or equivalent prior studies, such as a Master degree that includes a significant research component. Admission to a Master of Philosophy program in CASS requires you to have completed an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent, with an overall grade of distinction. 

Generally it is a requirement that you have completed your tertiary studies in the discipline in which you are planning to do research. Please note that exceptions to this may be made with relevant approvals.

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific requirements, and the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students . Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

Commencement

You can apply at any time throughout the year and commence at any time throughout the year (except the end of year University close down period). Please note that deadlines apply for those wanting to be considered for scholarship, as listed below. If you are successful in gaining a scholarship, your scholarship conditions may state that you must start by a particular date. For the main domestic and international scholarships rounds the deadline to commence your program (if successful in gaining a scholarship) is the 31st of March in the following year. If you apply to commence between 1 January and 31 March, please select the Summer session, not Semester 1. This is because many HDR courses run during the Summer session, and you need to be enrolled in the Summer session to take those courses. 

The College requires research students to complete postgraduate/research coursework (the equivalent of one semester full-time study) as part of their degree. Coursework may include training on research methods, ethics and other topics as deemed appropriate by your supervisory panel and School/Centre.

Students enrolled in Higher Degree Research programs are expected to be in attendance for the duration of the program (full-time is 40 hours per week and part-time is 20 hours per week) unless approval is given by the Delegated Authority for the student to be an external PhD degree candidate. On campus candidates will be expected to physically attend ANU as a full time student for 18 months or for a part time student for 24 months. Periods of absence on fieldwork, conference attendance, or in pursuit of the program at another institution do not count towards this attendance period. External candidates must spend a minimum of 4 weeks (consecutive or non-consecutive) per year of the program at ANU.

External candidates must note their periods of time in residence at the ANU in their Annual Reports. The written approval of the appropriate Delegated Authority is required for any variation to these attendance requirements. If you intend on applying to be externally based you should discuss this option with your proposed supervisor (Chair of Panel) and should also note this in your application for admission. Once enrolled, to gain formal approval to be externally based you will need to complete the Application for External Attendance in Research Program .

Preparing for your application

Research proposal.

To be considered for the PhD or MPhil program, prospective students must submit a research (or thesis) proposal for review. When contacting potential supervisors or Graduate Research convenors they will most often expect that you have already prepared a draft research proposal. The proposal is often utilised as an indicator to assess the quality and originality of your ideas, your skills in critical thinking, the projects feasibility, and how the research fits within the School or Centres current research focus and supervision capacity.

The length of the proposal required varies between different Schools and disciplines. As a guide you should aim for between 2 and 5 pages. On advice from your potential supervisor or Graduate Research Convenor you can adjust your initial proposal to fit within the School or Centres guidelines.

Please note that your initial research proposal should be viewed as a starting point or work in progress. In your first year of candidature your research proposal will most often be refined such as through: detailed literature reviews, coursework courses completed, supervisors and other academic colleagues.

In writing your research proposal you should consider:

• The field of research or topic of investigation
• Your primary research objective or central research question to address
• The value of your research and the contribution it will make to your field
• The context and background of your research
• Your research strategy and methods

What should I include in my thesis proposal?

• Title: A precise and informative description of the project. Avoid acronyms and phrases such as "A study of . . ."
• Abstract: A summary of the proposed research (approx 300 words) that includes the key research question or hypothesis, the rationale for the research, and the method to be employed in the study
• Aims & significance: A clearly focused statement of the overall purpose of the proposed research (i.e., why is it important?)
• Research questions and/or hypotheses: the questions that the proposed research will address and/or the hypotheses that will be tested
• Literature review: A preliminary review of the key research that has already been carried out in the field and identification of the gaps in the literature that the proposed research aims to fill
• Methodology: An explanation of what type of data will be required to answer the research questions or test the hypotheses and how the data will be collected and analysed
• Timetable: An indication of how the research will be carried out over the duration of a full-time (3 years for PhD, 2 years for MPhil) or part-time (6 years for PhD, 4 years for MPhil) candidature
• Resources: An indication of the funding that will be required over the course of the candidature (e.g., for fieldwork) as well any special materials or training that may be necessary for the successful completion of the project
• Institutional fit: A statement on why CASS is an appropriate 'home' for the project and an indication of potential supervisors/advisors
• Bibliography: A list of references cited in or relevant to the proposal

Finding a supervisor

Identifying a potential primary supervisor is an important part of any graduate research application. Browse the  Researchers database  to find and contact a potential supervisor to support your application. In most cases the School or Centre location of your potential supervisor will determine which School or Centre within CASS you will reside in.

Please note that once you have found a potential supervisor, any offer of supervision will be subject to you being formally offered admission to the program and meeting any conditions (if applicable).

Application Queries

If you have any technical difficulties when applying you should contact the Admissions Office:

Domestic enquiries | International enquiries

After you have completed your application, the normal timeframe for an outcome is six to eight weeks. If you are applying for an ANU administered scholarship, in order for us to prepare your application as best as possible you should try to aim to submit your application well in advance of the final closing deadline (2 to 3 weeks prior to the deadline). If you are applying for an externally administered scholarship such as the Endeavour Awards, you should apply well in advance of your deadline (try to leave at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the deadline).

Scholarships

Admission and ANU administered scholarships for HDR degrees are applied for together in the one application for admission (an online form). If you are interested in being considered for an ANU administered scholarship you should indicate this in the relevant sections of the application.

In order to be eligible to be considered for a scholarship you must have the equivalent of H1 honours (first class honours). The Scholarship ranking process is very rigorous, each applicant must first be internally ranked and recommended by their School or Centre for the Scholarship round. Then a central College HDR Scholarship round committee assesses and ranks each applicant. Many criteria are taken into account such as the applicants:

• Academic record (including GPA)
• Research Proposal
• Referee reports & questionnaires
• Publications
• Prizes, Awards and Scholarships
• Relevant professional experience
• English language competency
• Ranking relevant to others in the graduate research field or discipline area

Following this there is often a University level ranking committee that ranks applicants put forward by the College to reach a final ranked list of applicants.

Information on scholarships is available at the  ANU Apply online portal

Domestic students

Domestic research students at ANU are covered by the Fee Offset scholarship offered under the Australian Government Research Training Program ( AGRTP ) where the cost of your tuition is paid by the Commonwealth Government.

Research students are required to pay other associated costs such as the Services and amenities fee .

International students

Information on Fees is available at the ANU Apply online portal . 

HDR transfers

If you are currently undertaking an PhD or MPhil at another Australian university, you will still need to apply to ANU as normal. If you are given an offer of admission before you can be enrolled you will need to provide the following:

• Your program commencement date and withdrawal date (if already withdrawn)
• A statement of your RTS (or AGRTP) consumption to date (in EFTSL - Equivalent Full Time Student Load).
• Dates and durations of any periods of leave (other than recreational leave).
• Whether your enrolment was full or part-time.

Please note these details can be obtained from your university administration.

So we can determine your eligibility for Scholarships please advise if you have been in receipt of any Scholarships under your current (or previous) Higher Degree by Research programs (such as an APA scholarship). 

Please also note that before you can enroll at ANU, the enrolments office will also require Proof of withdrawal from your current University. You can provide this information to us once you have received an offer letter from ANU.

Contact us 

For further information, assistance or enquiries please contact us at: [email protected] .

Mathematical Sciences Institute ANU College of Science

PhD & MPhil

Join our community of over 200 members, PhD students and associates, conducting internationally recognised mathematical sciences research.

• Doctor of Philosophy

Are you considering undertaking a PhD in the Mathematical Sciences? We have many interesting projects for talented postgraduate researchers. This page provides useful information and links discover more about our PhD Program and the application process.

Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences is a higher degree by research, and may be taken as a full-time course (one to two years) or as a part-time course (two to four years).

More information

Find a supervisor ».

Find a MSI supervisor for your research degree.

Summer research »

A Summer Research Scholarship at ANU is an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students, providing insight into what studying for an Honours or a graduate research degree is all about.

MSI 'Kick-start' Postdoctoral Fellowship »

Read more about this  short-term employment opportunity  for high achieving early career mathematicians.

Research areas

• Algebra & topology
• Analysis & geometry
• Applied & nonlinear analysis
• Bioinformation science
• Computational mathematics
• Fusion plasma theory and modelling
• Mathematical physics
• Stochastic analysis & risk modelling
• Theoretical astrophysics

Prerequisites

Applicants should be of a high scholastic calibre and should have a capacity for research.

Applicants for research degree scholarships must hold a bachelor degree with at least upper second class Honours, although competition is such that applicants usually have to hold a first class Honours degree to be competitive (and for some scholarships, this is mandatory), or a Master by coursework or a Graduate Diploma (which must be completed at a level equivalent to first or upper second-class Honours) degree from a recognised University. In special cases, applicants with other qualifications and/or research experience may be considered.

English language requirements

You are required to meet our English Language Requirements before you can be accepted for admission. Unless your previous tertiary-level studies were undertaken in English in (for example) Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, you will normally have to sit for either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS - overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL - 570 with TWE 4.5). Some programs may require higher scores.

If you have any questions about your application for admission and where it is up to, you can contact  ANU Admissions Office .

Research program applications are accepted at any time of the year, however there may be deadlines associated with scholarships that should be considered. For this reason, applicants are strongly recommended to apply for both admission and scholarship, before the following deadlines:

• Overseas students: by the 31st of August to be admitted in the following year.
• Australia and New Zealand students: by the 31st of October to be admitted in the following year.

See here for more information on how to apply:

• Domestic applicants
• International applicants

How long does it take?

A PhD program takes at least 2 years and at most 4 years to complete full time. All ANU scholarships end after 3.5 years without any substitute at the RSC.

What scholarships are available?

ANU offers a variety of scholarships to eligible students studying a research degree program. Scholarships are provided to assist students with the cost of their studies.

Domestic students are enrolled into research programs under the  Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Fee Offset Scholarship . Under the AGRTP, the Australian Government pays 100% of domestic research students' tuition fees.

Scholarships differ in value and may be offered to cover some or all of the costs associated with tuition, accommodation, materials, relocation, cost of living and other expenses.

The Conditions of Award for each scholarship stipulates what the scholarship may be used for.

Two of the most sought after scholarships available are the  Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship  for domestic research students, and the  Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) International Fee Offset Scholarship  for international research students.

Different scholarships are available depending on whether you are a domestic or international student.

Scholarships available to domestic research students

• AGRTP Stipend Scholarship , applications close 31 October each year
• ANU University Research Scholarship , applications close 31 October each year
• ANU PhD Scholarships , applications can be made throughout the year

The Mathematical Sciences Institute also offers supplementary scholarships to attract talented Australian and New Zealand students of high calibre to pursue postgraduate research within the MSI. The scholarship provides for payment of a supplementary stipend to an outstanding holder of an AGRTP or similar stipend scholarship for the duration of that scholarship. The value of this scholarship is $5,000 per annum.

The maximum duration of this scholarship is three years full-time, with a possible six month extension.

Eligibility: Candidates who have completed a four year undergraduate degree or equivalent at H1 level and who wish to undertake a PhD at the School, are eligible. Domestic students include Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens.

It is not necessary to complete a separate application form as all eligible candidates will be considered.

Scholarships available to international research students

• AGRTP International Fee Offset Scholarship  - covers tuition fees for 3 years and provides Overseas Student Health Cover
• ANU Tuition Scholarships
• ANU PhD scholarships

International applicants are also encouraged to explore the  Endeavour Awards  offered by the Australian Government. Closing date for applications is usually 30 June each year.

How do I apply?

You need to apply online – one application covers both admission and scholarships. You will be automatically considered for all scholarships available to you. For more information please see the Apply tab.

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

Yes, unless you are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or a citizen of New Zealand. International students can be considered for a HDR Fee Remission Merit Scholarship – where Tuition fees will be waived. This will be considered automatically and does not require additional paperwork.

How do I apply for a visa?

Prospective international students need to provide: (i) CV, (ii) academic transcript (colour scans), (iii) TOEFL or IELTS scores, (iv) 3 references of academics, (v) research proposal / project description by ANU supervisor. Once your application has been accepted you will receive a letter of offer for admission – once all conditions have been met (e.g. proof of health cover) and you have signed the paperwork, the ANU will provide an electronic certificate of enrolment (eCOE). You need the eCOE to apply to the Department of Immigration for a student visa.

Do I need Health Cover and how much does it cost?

Yes, International Students need to pay Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in advance for 52 months as part of the visa requirements. You can either arrange your own OSHC, or ask the ANU to arrange it for you. Details will be outlined in your letter of offer for admission. The cost of OSHC for 2017 from the ANU preferred provider (Allianz) is $3,240 for single cover.

Where will I live?

The cost of living in any city obviously depends on needs, lifestyle choices and spending habits. For accommodation on-campus please refer to the following website:  http://www.anu.edu.au/study/accommodation . 

More questions?

For any questions about undertaking a PhD within the Mathematical Sciences Institute, applying for admission and/or scholarships, or general questions about Canberra – please contact our friendly MSI HDR Student Administrator at  [email protected] .

• Honours in Mathematics general information
• Honours in Mathematics
• Master degrees
• MSI 'Kick-start' Postdoctoral Fellowship
• First year streams
• MATH 3349, MATH 4349, MATH 6209 - Special Topics in Mathematics
• Majors, minors & specialisations
• Previous reading courses & special topics courses
• Choosing a first-year maths course
• Bridging course
• Student projects
• Student profiles
• ANU Extension
• Summer research program
• Scholarships & prizes
• ANU-ITER Research Training Scheme
• Research stories
• CMA proceedings
• MDSC: Mathematical Data Science Centre
• Professional staff
• Event series
• Weekly bulletin - next week
• Special years
• Friends & alumni program
• Secondary schools program
• General information for visitors
• The International Associated Laboratory (LIA) 'Fundamental Mathematics' (FuMa) - National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)
• The Mathematical Sciences Research Visitor Program (MSRVP)
• Equity & diversity
• Work Health and Safety (WHS)
• Future students enquiries
• Current students enquiries
• General enquiries
• Becoming a demonstrator
• MSI intranet
• Statistical Consulting Unit
• MSI book collection
• Student support

PhD in Finance

The PhD program in Finance at the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Statistics (RSFAS) equips graduates with the necessary skills to conduct research in the field of finance. The program will challenge PhD candidates to identify and solve important questions in the finance world, and will help them to develop a keen analytical mind essential for navigating the fast-changing financial marketplace and corporate sector.

While the program is focused on developing candidates for an academic career, many of the skills it provides are readily transferable to various positions in government and industry. Some examples are researchers or associates within the banking and financial sector, including investment banking, in roles such as investment or quantitative analysis, mergers and acquisitions analysis and business analysis; and researchers and policy advisers at institutions including central banks, bank regulators, international organisations such as the World Bank, IMF, OECD and ADB, and government departments such as Treasury and Finance.

CRICOS #: 048345A

Duration: 2 to 4 years full time (4 to 8 years part time)

Before you submit an application for entry to the program, you should:

• ensure you meet the admission requirements outlined below
• identify potential supervisors – that is, one or two finance academics at ANU who conduct research in your area of interest.

You can find information on researchers and their research areas in the  ANU researchers database  and on the  RSFAS Finance faculty  page.

While other ANU schools may recommend contacting potential supervisors before submitting an application,  this is not required  for entry into RSFAS’s PhD programs. Instead, you only need to list the name(s) of potential supervisors in your online application form.

Potential supervisors cannot guarantee entry into the PhD program. Admission will depend on the strength of your application relative to others in the pool.

After you’ve completed the steps above, you can proceed with an  online application .

Application deadlines

The first semester of the ANU academic year starts in February, and the second semester starts in July. While all applications for first semester entry must be submitted  before 31 October,  international applicants wishing to be considered for an  ANU scholarship  should submit their applications  before   31 August .

To be considered for a scholarship, your application must be accompanied by all the supporting documents listed below, including the referee reports. Request for referee reports are triggered and sent to your nominated referees at the time of submission of program application. It is thus important that you submit your application in advance (2-3 weeks) to allow time for your referees to provide their reports prior to the scholarship deadline.

If you’re currently completing an academic degree and haven’t yet received your final results and transcript, you should still submit all available documents before the deadline, and forward remaining results once you receive them. We won’t make a final decision on your application until we’ve received all the required documents.

The admission requirements for the PhD program in Finance reflect the advanced knowledge that candidates will need to undertake the coursework component of the degree, and the research experience and skills needed to successfully undertake and complete the research thesis.

The minimum qualification requirement for admission to the PhD program in Finance is:

• an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours Division A in finance, actuarial studies, economics, business, commerce, or a subject area with a substantial quantitative content, or
• another qualification (e.g. a Master degree) with a substantial research thesis component that the RSFAS HDR (higher degree by research) committee is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in (a), or
• a combination of qualifications and professional experience that the RSFAS HDR committee is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in (a).

Admission to the PhD program in Finance is competitive and we can only admit a limited number of applicants each year. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee you a place in the program.

If you don’t have sufficient research experience for entry into the PhD program, you might consider applying to the MPhil program . If you’d like to consider this pathway, contact the RSFAS HDR convenor for more information.

English language requirements

All applicants must satisfy the University’s  English language admission requirements . An international applicant who is not a native English speaker may satisfy these requirements by submitting evidence of an  IELTS  overall score of at least 6.5, and with no component less than 6.0, or a paper-based  TOEFL  score of at least 570, with at least 4.5 in the essay component.

Application and supporting documentation

You must submit your application online via the  ANU Application Manager .

In addition to the standard information required in the online application, you must submit the following supporting documents as part of your application:

• a one-page statement of purpose outlining your motivation to undertake a PhD in Finance at ANU
• a research proposal – see details below, as well as these guidelines on how to  prepare a persuasive research proposal
• copies of written research work, e.g. honours or Master thesis, research project, or published works
• either  GRE General Test  or  GMAT  results completed within the last five years – some applicants are exempted from this requirement (see below for further information)
• official  TOEFL  or  IELTS  results (where applicable) to demonstrate that you satisfy the University’s  English language requirements .

Research proposal

The online application requires you to submit a research proposal. The proposal should set out an original research idea, provide an introduction or background to your research idea, clearly set out the research objectives, and explain why the research is important and the contribution it will make to the finance discipline. Among other things, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the key literature in your chosen topic area. As a guide, you should aim for between 1,500 and 2,000 words, including a list of key references.

If you don’t have a prior degree in finance, your research proposal should present a puzzling and interesting real-world phenomenon in finance that could lead to an important research topic. You should aim to convince the RSFAS HDR committee that your proposal is relevant and interesting.

The RSFAS HDR committee uses the research proposal as an indicator to assess the quality and originality of your ideas and your skills in critical thinking. Note that the research proposal does not restrict you to this field of study should you be admitted to the PhD program.

GRE or GMAT requirement

You must submit either your  GRE General Test  or  GMAT  results as part of your application. You’re exempt from this requirement if you’ve already completed an ANU Master of Finance or ANU degree with honours in Finance. You’re also exempt if you’ve completed a Finance degree with honours from another Australian university, but we encourage you to provide GRE or GMAT results to improve your chances of admission and scholarship support.

Offers of admission

The RSFAS HDR committee will review all complete applications submitted by the relevant deadline.

If your application is short-listed, you may be required to attend an interview (face to face or online).

We may send you an offer of admission if you satisfy the eligibility criteria and your area of interest matches those of RSFAS academics with supervisory capacity. However, since admission is competitive and supervisory capacity is limited, we won’t send any offers of admission until  after the relevant application deadline , irrespective of the date when you submit your application.

The PhD in program in Finance consists of two components –  coursework  and  research .

Candidates undertake the research component after successfully completing the required coursework.

Assumed knowledge and pre-PhD preparation

While not a formal requirement for entry, you should be aware that the PhD coursework requirements outlined below assume knowledge equivalent to later-year undergraduate and graduate diploma–level studies in economics, finance and quantitative methods. The following is an indicative list of ANU subjects that make up the basic assumed knowledge:

• ECON8025  Advanced Microeconomic Analysis
• ECON8026  Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis
• EMET8005  Economic Models and Introductory Econometrics
• FINM8006  Advanced Investments
• FINM8004  Advanced Corporate Finance

PhD coursework component

In the coursework component, PhD candidates undertake a comprehensive set of courses designed to provide training in the theory and methods necessary to conduct high-quality finance research. These courses are academically rigorous and will be examined. Candidates take up to 18 months to complete the coursework (10 subjects plus a pre-PhD mathematics refresher course, if required). Upon successful completion of the coursework, PhD candidates will progress to the research component. The standard coursework structure for the PhD is as follows:

Pre-PhD summer course (if required):

• ECON8007 Mathematical Techniques for Advanced Economic Analysis

Year 1, Semester 1:

• ECON8011  Microeconomic Theory
• ECON8022  Macroeconomic Theory
• EMET8014  Advanced Econometrics I

Year 1, Semester 2:

• FINM8018  Doctoral Studies in Asset Pricing
• FINM8019  Doctoral Studies in Corporate Finance – Theory

Year 2, Semester 1:

• FINM8020  Doctoral Studies in Asset Pricing 2
• FINM8021  Doctoral Studies in Corporate Finance – Empirical

Three electives taken in the first year, consisting of:

• EMET8008  Advanced Econometrics II
• EMET8001  Applied Micro-Econometrics
• STAT8002  Applied Time Series Analysis or  EMET8010  Applied Macro and Financial Econometrics
• ECON8021  Topics in Microeconomic Theory
• ECON8001  Topics in Macroeconomics
• FINM7003  Continuous Time Finance
• ECON8013  Optimisation for Economics and Financial Economics
• ECON8014  Computational Methods in Economics
• ECON8038  Industrial Organisation
• ECON8053  Game Theory
• ECON8076  Topics in Game Theory
• ECON8080  Advanced Behavioral Economics

Other electives may be possible beyond those listed above. Note that not all courses are offered in all years.

In Semester 1 of the second year, PhD candidates are also required to attend Special Topics in Finance seminars. This is an advanced reading seminar series led by faculty and senior PhD candidates aimed at providing candidates with exposure to up-to-date research. This seminar series culminates in a draft proposal that will form the basis of the candidate’s thesis proposal review (see below).

PhD research component

Following the successful completion of coursework, PhD candidates undertake specialised research training and independent research. Research training begins in the second year with advanced-level seminars, where participants delve deeply into key current research papers. At the same time, PhD candidates will commence research in their chosen topic. The year culminates with the defence of the first research proposal or paper, known as the thesis proposal review (see below).

Research supervisory panel

When a PhD candidate is admitted to the program, a provisional supervisor is appointed. The provisional supervisor has the responsibility of overseeing the candidate’s progress until a supervisory panel is chosen.

The Special Topics in Finance seminar series held during Semester 1 of the second year of candidature will help facilitate the finalisation of PhD supervisory panels. The role of the supervisory panel is to assist, advise, and provide support and encouragement to the candidate for a timely and successful completion of the research thesis.

RSFAS finance seminar program

The RSFAS finance seminar program consists of regular seminars presented by national and international researchers. PhD candidates are expected to attend and actively participate in the seminars throughout their candidature.

Research integrity training

Within three to six months of enrolment, all PhD candidates must complete the  Research Integrity Training  and pass the exam. Completion of this course and exam is a compulsory milestone for all PhD candidates.

Thesis proposal review

The thesis proposal review is a major milestone towards the end of the second year. The purpose of the review is to assess the originality, significance, adequacy and achievability of the candidate’s thesis plan.

PhD candidates are required to submit a draft thesis proposal following completion of the Special Topics in Finance seminar series towards the end of Semester 1 in the second year of their candidature. The proposal includes a description of the research to be undertaken in the thesis, and a summary of the thesis structure and time plan. Candidates are required to give a presentation to the RSFAS faculty and submit a paper to their supervisory panel.

Successful completion of the thesis proposal review (as determined by the Delegated Authority following consultation with the HDR convenor and supervisory panel) is required to continue in the PhD program.

Annual progress reviews

It is University policy that each candidate’s progress be reviewed periodically. In each year of their program, PhD candidates are required to submit an  annual plan and report  as a basis for periodic progress review. This document provides details on work completed by the candidate since the previous review, current progress, and any problems that may impact their research. It also outlines the coursework and research the candidate intends to undertake in the following 12 months.

Oral presentation

In their final year, candidates are required to give a final  oral presentation  on their research, usually three months before submitting their thesis.

Read more about  research candidate milestones .

Thesis submission and examination

The culmination of the PhD in Finance is a written thesis which, upon completion, is submitted for examination. The thesis is assessed by examiners who are experts in the relevant field.

For more information on the process, visit our page on  submitting a thesis .

For information about scholarships available to HDR candidates, visit our page on  scholarships and fees .

Read details of some of our alumni’s recent  job placements .

See our list of current  Finance PhD students .

• Directories

Research scholarship information

ANU funds and administers a range of scholarships for PhD, Professional Doctorate and Master by research programs. The University also administers a number of scholarships funded by the Australian Government and other sources external to the University. The University's aim is to attract research degree applicants who have a proven capacity for research.

Many graduate research scholarships are offered by individual ANU Colleges. You are, therefore, strongly encouraged to contact the relevant ANU College, or a prospective supervisor, before lodging an application to discuss the proposed research topic and opportunities.

Search for a scholarship

Search for scholarships and funding support for:

• prospective research students
• current research students

Central Scholarship Rounds

ANU has two central scholarship application rounds per year. Central Scholarships include the Australian Government Research Training Program and University Research Scholarships. If you have applied for admission into a HDR program before the scholarship deadlines below and selected that you are interested in a scholarship you will automatically be considered in the next available scholarship round. There is no separate application form for the central scholarship round except for current HDR candidates who would like to be considered in a subsequent scholarship round by completing the ' Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR Scholarship form '.     

Eligibility

Applicants for research degree scholarships must hold a bachelor degree with at least upper second class honours although competition is such that applicants usually have to hold a first class honours degree to be competitive (and for some scholarships, this is mandatory), or a Master by coursework or a Graduate Diploma (which must be completed at a level equivalent to first or upper second-class honours) degree from a recognised University.

In special cases, applicants with other qualifications and/or research experience may be considered.

Some scholarships are open both to applicants who are Australian citizens/permanent residents or New Zealand citizens and those who are nationals of other countries, while others are open to one or other category only.

How to apply

Applications for research scholarships are completed when you apply for admission.

Research Program applications may be made at any time of year, but there are closing dates for scholarship applications and most scholarships must be taken up within a certain time-frame. Further information on the application process can be found on the ANU postgraduate research application information webpage.

Conditions of award

Conditions of award are the terms under which a scholarship is established and accepted. The conditions of award outline the duration of, and eligibility for the scholarship as well as a scholar's entitlement to leave and reimbursement.

Conditions may change from year to year. A scholar is bound by the conditions that they sign and accept in the year that they commence their scholarship.

Notification & acceptance

Research scholarship offers are emailed to successful applicants.

For students who have not yet commenced, an email will be sent to the email address you supplied when applying for admission. For continuing students, an email will be sent to your ANU student email account.

Scholarship offers normally need to be accepted within two weeks of the offer being made, however, you should check the date listed on your letter of offer.

Some scholarships can be extended for six months. Please check the conditions of award specific to your scholarship to see if you are eligible to apply for an extension. Please note that extensions can only be granted based on circumstances beyond the scholar's control related to research - not matters of a personal nature.

You can apply to extend your scholarship using the  Manage My Degree eForm, via ISIS . The Chair of your supervisory panel, the Head of Department and the Delegated Authority need to endorse your request before the extension can be processed.

Scholarship (stipend) payments are made in fortnightly instalments into your nominated bank account.

To nominate which bank account you want the the payments made to, use the Bank Account and Financial Distribution Details form.

Scholarship overpayments may occur when unpaid leave requests are not received prior to the appropriate Human Resources (HR) pay period cut-off date.

If a scholarship overpayment has occurred as a result of a leave of absence request, notification will be sent in writing by the HR Division. Repayment of overpaid amounts are required in accordance with the instructions from the University. Candidates who remain in debt to the University will not be permitted to submit their theses for examination or to graduate.

Payments can also be made for travel and removal reimbursement and dependent child allowances, depending on the conditions of award.

Cessation of Payments

Scholarships payments will generally cease:

• at the conclusion of the period outlined in the scholarship conditions of award.  A specific date will sometimes appear in offer letters; or
• on submission of the thesis for examination; or
• on the date on which the recipient withdraws or ceases to attend the University other than for approved absences; or
• if a recipient is no longer meeting or has breached the conditions of award; or
• if a recipient breaches academic or behavioural standards set by the University under the Academic Misconduct & Discipline Rules.

Conditions of award vary from scholarship to scholarship so it is essential that you check the specifics in the conditions of award that relate to your scholarship.

Changes & dates

The HR pay period cut-off date for paperwork relating to stipend payments is usually one week prior to the relevant pay day.

Paperwork relating to stipend payments must be received by the Graduate Research Office at least three working days prior to the HR pay period cut-off date to ensure that the paperwork can be processed in time.

Incomplete and incorrect forms will delay the processing of requests and may mean the paperwork is unable to be processed in time for the HR pay period cut-off.  The ANU Pay Period Cut off Calendar can be found here .

Centrelink Scholarship Reference Number 

If you are applying for Income Support and Centrelink requests your Scholarship Reference Number, you should provide your ANU University ID number.  

Reference documents

• Travel & removal expense claim for scholarship holders (PDF, 155.84 KB)
• International research scholarship holder dependent child allowance claim (PDF, 168.9 KB)
• Bank Account Details Form (PDF, 207.97 KB)
• HDR Current Student Scholarship Consideration Form - GRO 2023 (PDF, 704.39 KB)

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

• Postgraduate research student policies

Related websites

• Domestic and international applications - ANU Postgraduate Research
• +61 2 6125 5777

Health & Medicine

• Current students

News & events

• Our history & achievements
• Reconciliation Action Plan
• Student opportunities
• Research & innovation
• ANU Joint Colleges of Science Partnerships with Indigenous Organisations & Communities Fund
• Indigenous Professional Staff Traineeship Program
• College structure & governance
• Award winners
• Grants & fellowships
• Diversity, inclusion & gender equity
• Academic career support
• MChD Admission Guidelines
• Pathway to secondary teaching with UC
• Vertical Double Degree Pathways
• Doctor of Medicine and Surgery
• Graduate certificates
• Joint & Dual Award PhD programs
• Health Executive Education

How to apply

• ANU Scholarships
• Commonwealth Supported Places
• Future Research Talent Awards (Indonesia)
• Future Research Talent Travel Awards (India)
• The Biosocial Shaping of Conservation and Biodiversity in Australia's Capital
• Dean's International Science Excellence Scholarship
• International students
• Internships & careers
• Course guides
• Student experience
• Student stories
• COVID-19 research
• Research schools
• Partnerships
• Research stories
• Academic profiles
• Research projects
• STEM Boxes 2023
• Health & Medicine Case Study Competition 2023
• STEM Challenges
• Indigenous engagement
• Past events
• Drop-in session
• Student blog
• Future students - General enquiries
• Current student enquiries
• Student appointments
• Forms, policies & guidelines
• Structuring your degree
• Coursework research
• Scienceshop
• Feedback & grievances
• Mentoring & volunteering
• Search ANU web, staff & maps
• Search current site content

Read about the ANU College of Health & Medicine.

• Reconciliation
• Science Teaching & Learning Centre

Helen Clark: Politics, policy, and a healthy human future »

Study health & medicine at ANU, one of the world's most prestigious universities.

• Bachelor degrees
• Double degrees
• Master degrees
• PhD & MPhil
• Scholarships

Discover our health and medical research capabilities.

Research story:

More outback doctors needed for people and planet »

Participate in workshops, seminars, and challenges to see what Health & Medicine at ANU has to offer!

• Schools outreach
• Community outreach

Community outreach:

Health & Medicine Case Study Competition 2023 »

Find out what’s happening in the ANU College of Health & Medicine.

Analysis and opinion:

Health must be a priority amid simmering global tensions »

Find contact details for all general enquiries and outreach programs.

• Future students enquiries
• Get involved (alumni)

How to apply for MPhil and PhD

Understand the entry requirements.

To be eligible to be considered for admission to a postgraduate research degree at ANU, you must hold:

• An Australian Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Honours - Upper (First Class Honours is often required) or its international equivalent, or
• Another degree with a significant research/thesis component that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1), or
• A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to the field of study that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1).

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for students.  

Find an academic supervisor

Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.

Review the  fields of research  we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The  ANU Researchers  website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.

Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.

The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.

Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.

If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an  expression of interest  and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.

Check available scholarships

ANU Colleges and individual research schools, offer a number of  scholarships  which are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.

Please note, international research scholarships are only awarded to outstanding students and are extremely competitive. Domestic students should be aware that if you are applying for mid-year entry your chances of obtaining scholarship funding may be greatly diminished.

Scholarship applications are included in the program application process, step four.

Submit your application

Applicants should  apply online . Application for admission to a higher degree by research and scholarship is combined in the single application. A one page research proposal and three academic referee reports also need to be included. Ask your referees to complete the  referee report form  and submit directly to ANU.

Applicable programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Doctor of Medicine (Specialist research)

• Contact ANU
• Freedom of Information

+61 2 6125 5111 The Australian National University, Canberra TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) CRICOS Provider : 00120C ABN : 52 234 063 906

ANU Tuition Fee Scholarship - PhD

• Share this on

• Send this by

About this scholarship

A number of ANU Tuition Scholarships are funded and awarded by individual Colleges and determined as part of the application process. This scholarship covers international student tuition fees.

Full tuition

Payments made for 3 years

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

Student types

Student levels

Selection bases

Ongoing eligibility

Extension duration

Eligibility

Bachelors degree with first-class or upper second class honours, or a research Masters degree from a recognised university; International Students.

Additional information

How to apply, reference documents, further information.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant Graduate Studies Convener or a prospective supervisor, prior to lodging an application, to discuss the proposed research topic and related matters.

• Conditions of Award - 2015 (PDF, 28.91 KB)
• Conditions of Award - 2014 (PDF, 28.91 KB)
• Conditions of Award - 2013 (PDF, 28.91 KB)
• Conditions of Award - 2012 (PDF, 28.91 KB)
• Conditions of Award - 2011 (PDF, 28.91 KB)

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

It is expected that the scholarship normally will be taken up by 31 March in the year for which it is awarded, although, subject to the approval of the prospective supervisor, Head of Department and Dean/Director, a later start date may be possible. The date by which a scholarship must be taken up in a particular instance will be made clear in the formal letter of offer for the scholarship.

Contact us:

Research School of Biology

• Current students
• Staff login
• Staff services

News & events

• Bachelor degrees & honours
• Master degrees

PhD & MPhil

• Student projects
• Student profiles
• Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
• Anjeli Nathan Memorial Scholarship
• Hiroto Naora Graduate Student Travel Scholarship
• Jan Anderson ANU-NTU HDR Supplementary Scholarship
• RSB Director’s Prize in Honours
• RSB Outstanding Thesis Prize
• Summer Research Scholarships
• International student scholarships
• Resources for schools
• Honorary groups
• Centres & units
• Research stories
• Resources & tools
• Professional staff
• Past events
• Training and Workshops
• Event series
• Event recordings
• Newsletters
• Organisational structure
• Ralph Slatyer Medal
• The history of Biology at ANU
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access
• Future students enquiries
• Current students enquiries
• General enquiries
• Connecting to the RSB VPN service
• Search ANU web, staff & maps
• Search current site content

Discover our degree programs and courses.

• RSB Student scholarships & prizes
• School enrichment & outreach

Read about our research.

• Research groups

A directory of all members of the Research School of Biology.

Find out about the school's latest news and events.

Read about the school's history, governance and structure.

Get in touch with us.

You are here

Graduate students are able to undertake study in the PhD (3-4 year program) and the MPhil (2 year degree program). These students in the Research School of Biology (RSB) are enrolled in one of three Graduate Research Fields.

Academic support

RSB offers an excellent research environment and provides students with a high level of support as they work on their research project. RSB has over 70 Group Leaders offering  HDR projects  in areas covering a wide range of biology, and our graduates hold important positions in academia, industry and government agencies throughout the world. All HDR students in the School have, in addition to a primary supervisor, an expert supervisory panel that provides them with support and advice throughout their degree. Each student is also provided with:

• A new computer
• $3,000 (for PhD students) or $2,000 (MPhil) to support travel to conferences

For all domestic (Australian and New Zealand citizens) and International PhD students on full scholarships the Group is allocated up to $5,000 per year for up to four years to support the student’s research costs. The Group support for MPhil students will be $5,000 for up to two years.

Entry to the HDR program is open to applicants who have a comparable Bachelor degree, and a strong research background with either the equivalent of an Australian Honours degree (includes a 10,000 word thesis) or a Master degree with the equivalent thesis component, or alternatively an equivalent publication history.

How to apply

• Find a potential supervisor who is willing to supervise your project. You can contact the staff directly and must have a research proposal ready to discuss with the potential supervisor.
• Academic transcripts and graduation/completion certificate from your Bachelor and Honours degree (please include them in their original language as well as a translation).
• Academic transcripts and graduation/completion certificate from your Masters degree (please include them in their original language as well as a translation).
• Grading scale for your Bachelor, Honours and Masters degree.
• Official document(s) with details of the thesis component in your degree(s) (e.g. thesis topic, the number of word required for the thesis, the credit unit load, the examination details and results).
• A current CV, please include information on scholarships or prizes received, and details of any publications or conferences.
• Research proposal.
• The English Language requirement must be met (e.g Current IELTS or TOEFL results or evidence of prior degrees completed in English from particular universities/countries). All applicants for admission to any ANU program, whether domestic or international, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission. (Please refer to the  ANU English Language Requirements )
• Three referee reports – You will need to enter your referee details in your application form, the system will automatically send your referees a link to complete an online form and will attach back to your application once they have completed it.

Admission applications are open throughout the year. However, if you would like to be considered for a research scholarship, the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) scholarship application deadline is 31 August for international students and 31 October for domestic students. For other scholarships deadlines, please check the appropriate website.

Scholarships

There is no separate scholarship application. Students will be considered for the scholarship based upon their application for admission and on them meeting the eligibility requirements.

You can browse for external funding opportunities on:

• the  ANU Scholarships  page,
• the  Scholarships for international biology students  page, or
• CSIRO PhD Top Up Scholarships (XLSX, 20KB), 

If you are considering applying, please use the  flowchart (PDF 88KB)  to assess whether you are eligible for a scholarship. If you have any questions please contact us via  [email protected]

Training and workshops

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

• Contact ANU
• Freedom of Information

+61 2 6125 5111 The Australian National University, Canberra TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) CRICOS Provider : 00120C ABN : 52 234 063 906

The PhD in Law is an opportunity for you to engage in high-quality independent research as part of an extended research project. 

Program description

The PhD in Law is an opportunity for you to engage in high-quality independent research as part of an extended research project. The PhD degree requires submission of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words that makes a substantial contribution to learning in the field of law. Each candidate has a supervisory panel of academics. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the ANU College of Law, and would most often be based on campus and study full-time.

Mode of delivery

The research outcome of a PhD degree is a thesis of not more than 100,000 words. During their study, candidates are assessed against milestones which include: annual plans (completed 3 months after commencement and then annually); annual reports; a thesis proposal review; and an oral presentation.

Research students at ANU must fulfil the minimum residency requirements specified in the Australian Government’s  Research Award Rules 2017  unless approval has been obtained for a reduced period of attendance, or the student is externally based. Applicants should make a detailed case for any reduced period of attendance, preferably at the time of application. ANU also has a  PhD Attendance Requirements Policy  which describes these requirements.

If you are approved to study externally (via distance), the minimum attendance on campus is 4 weeks each year. For further information, please refer to the Guidelines For Externally Based Students on the ANU Law  Apply online  page. Approval to study externally cannot be guaranteed.

ANU Law will provide a suitable work space and computer on the ANU campus in Canberra. All students will have access to Wattle (Web Access to Teaching & Learning Environments), the University’s online learning platform.

One of the world's top 20 law schools Times Higher Education Rankings (2024)

Five-star maximum rating for student demand, teaching quality, student–teacher ratio and staff qualifications Good Universities Guide 2022

Graduating from ANU Law will see you join a prestigious and highly recognised alumni network .

4 years full-time (note that some scholarships are for a maximum of 3.5 years at present with a possible extension). If part-time study is approved, the maximum duration is 8 years.

Make an enquiry

Call and chat to a member of our Future Student Experience team.

Apply for Doctor of Philosophy in Law as a domestic or international student.

Course guide

View the Doctor of Philosophy in Law course guide for more information.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are: English language proficiency, and at a minimum, a bachelor's degree with first or upper second class honours, usually in law. Admission into this program is highly competitive and we therefore prioritise applicants with a first class honours degree. We favour applicants who also have a masters degree with a high grade point average.

The level of English language required for Law is high, see How to Apply . If you are an international student, you must provide a current IELTS or TOEFL certificate as proof of your competency. The tests can be arranged through the British Council or the Australian Embassy in your country.

ANU has the highest level of graduate employability of any Australian university.

In addition, graduating from ANU Law will see you join a prestigious and highly recognised alumni network of over 20,000 professionals in Australia and around the globe.

Academic experts

Each candidate has a supervisory panel of academics, usually drawn from the ANU College of Law’s experts .

With particular expertise in constitutional and administrative law , international law , environmental law , migration law, governance and national security , our academic staff are frequently called on by parliamentary committees, peak bodies, professional associations and the media for analysis, advice and guidance on the law, and what might be done to improve it.

Many of our expert research staff are also award winning teachers who are are always accessible and work closely with you to ensure you successfully complete your studies. We have created a supportive and nurturing environment in which you can thrive.

Admission to practice

A PhD in Law will not provide a basis for admission to practice.

ANU currently enrols domestic research students under the Research Training Scheme (RTS) which is funded by the Commonwealth Government. RTS funded students are not required to contribute to the cost of their tuition for the duration of their program.

International students are required to pay the cost of their tuition for the duration of their program. The annual fee for international students (2018) is $40,416.00.

Fees for the PhD program are also available on the Programs and Courses website.

Scholarships

ANU funds and administers a range of scholarships for graduate research degree programs, especially for domestic students. See our HDR scholarships page for information on these scholarships and their deadlines.

More information on ANU costs and fees , and scholarships and support is available on the central ANU website.

For more information on the Australian education system please go to the government websites MyUniversity and StudyAssist .

We have prepared detailed information on how to apply to do Higher Degree Research at ANU Law , including information on scholarships, putting your application together, applying online and commencement. Please read through these instructions thoroughly.

Programs and courses

For information on admission requirements, fees, courses, electives, suggested study patterns and more see Programs and Courses.

Useful links

• Study at ANU Law
• Contact ANU Law
• ANU Study with us
• ANU Information for you
• ANU Scholarships
• ANU Student experience

• Programs and Courses

Doctor of Philosophy, Medical School

A single four year research award offered by the ANU Medical School

• Length 4 year full-time
• Minimum 192 Units
• Academic plan 9910XPHD
• CRICOS code 048348J
• A/Prof Krisztina Valter
• Admission & Fees
• Introduction

Employment Opportunities

Further information.

• Additional Information

Admission Requirements

Scholarships.

• Indicative Fees

Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy requires the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

Study consists of two to four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program you will be required to have completed at least a four-year Australian degree or equivalent, with a significant research component equivalent to at least six months full-time research, in an area relevant to your proposed research.

All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students .

You may be granted admission if you can demonstrate that you have a background equivalent to these qualifications.

If you think you qualify, check out our guidance on how to apply .

Indicative fees

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

Domestic students

Domestic research students are not required to pay tuition fees as they are enrolled under the Research Training Scheme which funds the fees. For further information see students.anu.edu.au/fees/domestic/research.php

International students

Indicative fees for international students are:

International student fees (ISF)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the  Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

ANU offers a wide range of  scholarships  to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the  Scholarships  website.

Exceptional research degrees at ANU

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support . When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development .

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

The Doctor of Philosophy at the ANU Medical School focuses on applied medical and clinical research. There are more than 100 conjoint staff working in The Canberra, Calvary and South East NSW hospitals and surrounding practices who have academic appointments at ANU. One aspect of the program encompasses studies that aim to translate findings from basic science (eg lab bench based study) into the clinic. Areas of active research include:

•    Aged & chronic care

•    Cancer

•    Cardiovascular & renal disease

•    Critical care & emergency medicine

•    Diabetes & endocrinology

•    Infection & immunity

•    Liver disease & gastroenterology

•    Medical education

•    Men, women & children's health

•    Neurosciences & vision

•    Nursing & midwifery

•    Primary health care, public health care & health services

•    Psychiatry & addiction medicine

•  Trauma & orthopaedic

•  Culture, health and medicine

•  Medical education

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions

• Contact ANU
• Freedom of Information

+61 2 6125 5111 The Australian National University, Canberra CRICOS Provider : 00120C ABN : 52 234 063 906