do you pay for a phd in australia

A Guide to Doing Your PhD in Australia

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If you’re an international student who has completed higher education studies, you might now be considering studying a doctorate degree, also known as a PhD. In Australia, this is the highest level of study and, once completed, can unlock doors to better employment, higher wages, and industry recognition.

Here’s a handy guide on how to apply, what to expect, and where to find further information for your exciting next step.

What is the difference between honours, a master ’s and a PhD?

An honours  is an extra year of study in Australia. To qualify you need to have completed your undergraduate degree, otherwise known as a bachelor’s degree, to a high standard. This is often considered a stepping stone to further postgraduate study.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree might consider a graduate certificate, which usually takes one semester of full-time study and can help you specialise in your chosen career path. One step up from a certificate is a graduate diploma. This type of study takes one year of full-time study and can often be continued on from the graduate certificate.

A master’s by coursework is similar to a graduate diploma but takes a little longer and is regarded as a higher qualification. In most cases, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree; however, in certain circumstances, extensive relevant work experience might be accepted instead. This type of course typically takes 18 months to complete. A master’s by research takes two years of full-time study and is based on a research project supervised by a university academic.

A doctorate by research or a PhD is the highest level of study offered in Australia. A PhD requires submission of a thesis that is assessed by examiners who determine whether the research is worthy of the qualification. A PhD student must show through their thesis that they have made a significant contribution to their field. Once graduated, the candidate may use the title of Doctor.

How does a PhD work in Australia?

A PhD in Australia is usually studied over the course of three years. While some students take a little longer, extensions are subject to funding, as well as other important factors. Domestic students may have the option to study part-time but as an international student, you must study full-time in order to be eligible for a student visa .

According to the Australian Government , fees to study a PhD range from A$19,000 to A$78,000 per year, depending on the education provider. There is a chance you may not have to pay the full amount if there is funding available, which is common in Australia. Most universities have funding for promising PhD students set aside. Get in touch with your chosen university directly to find out what scholarships are available to international students. The Australian Government also runs Destination Australia , which funds eligible education providers in regional areas to offer scholarships to both domestic and international students. The government also offers the Research Training Program for participating universities.

International students also need to consider the cost of living while abroad to qualify for their visa. You’ll need at least roughly A$21,041 for each year of your study in your bank account in order to be granted a visa.

Do I need honours to apply for a PhD?

In most cases you will need an undergraduate degree with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Division A) – also known as ‘upper second-class’ honours – to apply for your PhD to demonstrate you have significant research experience. However, many education providers offer research-based qualifications to give you this experience if you didn’t complete an honours degree originally.

What is the basic structure of a PhD?

PhDs in Australia are usually research-based and, while they may contain other aspects, the focus of your studies will be on working towards your doctoral thesis.

In general, a PhD begins with a literature review that collects, analyses and summarises the current research published on your chosen subject. This then provides the basis for designing, implementing and analysing your own research that you’ll write about for your thesis.

In Australia, you are not required to undergo a viva voca , which is an assessed oral exam in defence of your research topic, method and predicted results. Instead, you are assessed solely on your thesis.

How do I apply for a PhD?

To apply for an Australian PhD, the first step is to contact a university academic working as a supervisor for PhD projects. You contact them, usually about four months before you wish to commence your studies, with the research topic you would like to propose. The person you choose should be the lead researcher for the institution you wish to apply to, in the relevant field you wish to study.

Once you have what is known as an ‘expression of interest’ from a provisional supervisor, you can begin your formal application to the university. Most universities won’t consider an application without an expression of interest from a supervisor, so make sure you have this first.

What else do I need to know?

To study as an international student in Australia, you must have a student visa (subclass 500) from the Australian government. Unless you are exempt, the application fee for this visa is AUD$710. You can read more about student visas and their requirements here .

Australian PhDs are delivered in English and have language skill requirements. There are various tests you can take to verify your English language skills including the IELTS, CAE and PTE. The score you need is usually specified on the universities website and will depend on the test you take.

International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in order to be granted their student visa. There are a variety of providers to choose from, including many universities, but the policy you choose must adhere to the Overseas Student Health Cover guides. Explore your options in greater detail here .

The new international student working limit of 48 hours every fortnight does not apply to international students who are pursuing a doctorate or a master’s degree through research. These students are not restricted in terms of the number of hours they can work. However, your actual work hours should align with your study requirements and also require approval from your academic supervisor. This is to ensure that your employment does not interfere with your primary objective of completing your academic research.

PhD study is an excellent way to enter the Australian workforce and graduate visas are available that can entitle you to stay in Australia for up to four years after you have finished your PhD. In other words, if you have dreams of both furthering your education and settling long-term in Australia, a PhD could be the perfect way to make those dreams a reality.

Sarah Price

Originally from the UK, Sarah has worked as a freelance writer for nearly 10 years, both at home and now in Perth where she lives. Once an international student in South West WA herself, she loves to help new students feel welcome, confident, and ready to make the most of their study abroad. Having lived in Perth and explored a lot of WA, Sarah knows just how wonderful it is to discover this beautiful state.

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PhD Degrees in Australia

A PhD is the highest degree awarded at global universities. PhD study is based on a substantial research project in an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which must be defended in an oral examination at the end of the program. All PhD students are assigned a supervisor, and the duration of a PhD is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.

Very few research degrees feature taught modules, and as such a, student is expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule. Universities in Australia are known for their academic excellence and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, along with their support for enterprise partnerships.  

PhD Entry Requirements

Australian institutions are free to admit anyone to a PhD program, with admission generally conditional on the prospective student having completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours, as well as a master's degree . English language ability proof is a must, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is generally required. There is usually a first-year assessment of the remaining study, and the thesis is submitted at the end of the completed program.

Once you have decided on an area of research and have looked into how you will fund your study, there are a number of documents required when submitting your application. They include:

• Academic transcripts
• Academic references
• Personal statement
• Research proposal

- PhD Research Proposal

A research proposal is required by all students when applying to study for a PhD. The proposal should address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. A panel of experts must accept the proposal before your program can begin.

How much does a PhD cost in Australia?

Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive. In Australia, candidates can expect to pay 40,000 AUD- 60,000 AUD. Dedicated scholarships can help support your PhD, and it is rare for a PhD student not to be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship .

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Apply for postgraduate research

Follow the below steps to apply* for a research degree as a domestic or international research student.

These steps apply unless you are interested in the  Sydney Law School  or the  Business School , in which case you apply for your course first and if successful are allocated a supervisor.

• Determine eligibility and suitable course
• Develop your research proposal and find a research supervisor
• Applying for scholarships to support your research degree
• Gather required documentation and s ubmit your application onlin e

*The steps listed on this page are a guide and applicable to most courses. Please also check if there are any faculty-specific requirements .

1. Determine eligibility and suitable course

To be eligible to pursue postgraduate research study you will need previous research experience and a high academic record.  You need to have undertaken a significant research project or thesis in your previous university-level studies.

This could be the equivalent of:

• an Australian honours degree
• a master’s by research degree
• a master’s by coursework with a thesis component (dissertation)

We also consider your undergraduate performance. You will need a bachelor's degree with first or upper second-class honours. Below is a guide based on the University of Sydney grading system, equivalent requirements will be determined for other institutions:

• WAM of 75 over degree
• Honours class I WAM greater than 80
• Honours class II WAM between 75 and 80

English language requirements depend on the course, your country of origin and educational background. Find out if you need to prove  English language proficiency .

To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, you will have either:

• a bachelor's degree with first or upper second-class honours, or
• a master's degree performed at a high academic standard, which includes a substantial component of research, or
• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

In most cases, to apply for a master’s by research or a Master of Philosophy, you need to have one of the following:

• a bachelor’s degree with first or second-class honours from the University of Sydney or another approved institution
• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates sufficient research experience and capability.

If you’re interested in a Joint PhD program, you need to follow the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) application steps 1-3. In addition, your proposed supervisor will need to complete a proposal to negotiate a student agreement form. If accepted, you will also be required to sign an individual student agreement. After your student agreement is finalised, you will then be sent an application form for the Joint PhD program.

Please refer to the University's Dual and Joint Degree Policy for full policy details.

Download our  Joint PhD programs factsheet (pdf, 116KB)  to learn more.

2. Develop your research proposal and find a supervisor

Before you submit your application, you must first secure a supervisor. Carefully consider the subject of your research project and start to develop a research proposal to provide to potential academic supervisors. Your initial proposal will likely evolve, however, it is important to clearly explain your ideas about your research, show why your research is noteworthy and how it aligns with your proposed supervisor’s own research.

Check out these guidelines on how to  write a research proposal for a strong PhD application .

You can search for supervisors’ contact details via their academic profile, or you can search for supervisors and projects  by discipline, keywords, and research themes. Our faculty and research centre websites are also good places to start.

To support your enquiry, send an email describing your academic background and research experience, the topic you'd like to research and how your research project aligns with the work of your proposed supervisor. You must include your resume/CV, academic transcripts for all degrees and your initial research proposal. Please check your HDR course page on Sydney Courses for specific faculty requirements.

3. Applying for scholarships to support your research degree

We have one of the largest research scholarship  schemes in Australia. Scholarships can be a big help in funding your research or helping you with living costs while you do your research. Some scholarships are specific to a research project or discipline, and many are assessed on academic merit and research potential. Search for a scholarship .

When you submit your course application, you can elect to be automatically considered for the Research Training Program stipend. The stipend is competitively awarded and is based on academic merit and research potential.

For domestic students, you do not pay tuition fees as this is covered by the government Research Training Program fee offset. For international students, tuition fees are applicable. If you are an international student and are awarded RTP, this will cover your tuition fees and provide a stipend. Please note: there are limited places available in the Research Training Program for international students, and these are highly competitive.

Please refer to your course page on Sydney Courses for information about the fees you will need to pay, and also read our general information on fees and financial support .

Depending on your research project, many PhD students also work part-time to fund their study, similar to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.

4. Submit official application online with required documentation

Postgraduate research degree applications are open all year round, with most research intakes starting in Research Period 2 (March) and Research Period 3 (July). However, to be considered for the RTP stipend you will need to submit your application by these dates . You can still submit your course application past the RTP deadline but you will not receive a stipend outcome until the next round of RTP rankings.

Please check your course page on Sydney Courses for the research periods your faculty offers. We recommend applying as early as possible prior to your intended start date, and you will also need to discuss your start date with your supervisor.

International students are recommended to factor in the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times when considering a likely start date for their HDR course.

Documentation to include in your application form

When you have secured a supervisor, you will discuss and refine the project together. Once your research proposal is finalised, gather all the essential documents that you will need to submit with your application:

• Final research proposal. In conjunction with your supervisor, you’ll finalise your research proposal of up to 2000 words, covering the objectives and significance of your research. Refer to our  Research Proposal Guidelines .
• Official academic transcripts in the original language and English translation.
• Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
• Evidence that a primary supervisor has agreed to supervise you. This could be a copy of the email correspondence showing the staff member’s agreement to supervise you. Sydney College of the Arts doesn’t require evidence of supervision, however, you must submit a portfolio with your application. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music may require you to attend an interview.
• Proof of identity: a valid passport (biodata page), an Australian birth certificate or an Australian or New Zealand citizenship certificate for domestic students.
• you’ll have sufficient time available to carry out the research under the supervision of the University and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment
• a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
• Two referee reports (pdf, 113.7KB)
• Any other documents, such as a portfolio of work or audition, specified in the course listing for your degree.

International students  

If you are an international student, you will also need:

• To apply for your student visa, after you have received an offer of admission or an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for an HDR course at the University.
• To pay a non-refundable  application processing fee . This fee is waived if you’re a sponsored student, or if you are granted an exemption by a University staff member during an office interview or recruitment event.
• If you would like to apply through an authorised University of Sydney agent, we have partnered with a range of  authorised agents who can apply to the University and make arrangements on your behalf.

Further information

Our frequently asked questions provide further information on our HDR courses and the application process.

You will need to pass  health and security checks  if your research involves fieldwork in the New South Wales hospital and education systems. The  course page  details explain what admission criteria you need to satisfy to get into the course. 

You may also need to apply for approval from the Animal Ethics and/or Human Research Ethics Committee .

Additional course requirements

*Please also refer to your faculty for additional admission requirements, or variations in the application process, which may apply.

How to write a research proposal

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How to apply for a PhD in Australia

Knowing where to start when applying for a phd can be tricky, especially when applying for one in a different country. this guide from monash university explains all the key information you need when applying for a phd in australia, amarpreet abraham, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, fiona lilley.

/student/advice/what-phd-advice-phd-students Applying for a PhD is a big step in anyone’s academic career. While it may sometimes seem like a daunting and often quite lengthy process, applying for a PhD shouldn’t have to be a chore and the way you do so varies by country and university.  To make this process as clear as possible, Fiona Lilley from the graduate research office at Monash University in Australia answers the most pressing questions when it comes to applying, especially as an international student. With help from Monash PhD student and teaching associate, Amarpreet Abraham, this will be your go-to for all things PhD in Australia.

How can I apply for a PhD in Australia as an international student?

When applying to study a PhD in Australia, applicants are encouraged to identify possible academic supervisors and contact the faculty they would be enrolling in. Each university will have its own process, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the enquiry and application process. Not following the process or having the incorrect documentation can result in delays. For example, at Monash there is a two-step process. First, applicants submit an “Expression of Interest” (EOI) to the faculty where they intend to study; each faculty has different requirements, so it is important to check what is required. If the faculty determines that they have resources and facilities to support the student project, they will issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA), permitting the applicant to make a formal application for admission (and scholarships).

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Is there a correct/recommended way to look for a supervisor.

The right supervisory match for the student and their project is crucial. Universities have different processes – some require a supervisor to confirm they will supervise before an application; others may appoint a suitable supervisor for the student’s project. In Australia there is a requirement for all research students to have a minimum of two supervisors.  Most universities will have several options to support applicants in identifying and connecting with supervisors, such as a Find a Researcher database. This is an extensive resource of all academic research in the university.

Top tip : Look for the “Available to supervise PhD” indicator on a researcher’s profile. “When looking for a supervisor it is important that they are involved in your field in some way. A prospective supervisor could be someone you have a pre-established positive academic relationship with, where you work well together or are aware of the expectations and boundaries from this academic,” says Amarpreet Abraham. 

Do you have any tips for finding the right supervisor?

First step would be to decide which university you would like to do your PhD at and approach researchers depending on your interests – this could include emailing them with a brief research proposal and why they are best suited to your project. From there, the prospective supervisor can let you know if they are interested in your proposal/have availability to take on a new PhD student.  “Picking someone with the knowledge of your field is important, but I would stress that choosing a supervisor who you have a positive working relationship with is even more vital,” says Abraham.

When should I start applying for my PhD?

Start initial conversations as early as you can. In some instances, potential supervisors may want to review a research proposal, interview the applicant and identify if the project scope is something that they have the capacity and resources or facilities to supervise.  

There is no hard and fast rule on when you should start your application, but it is always advisable to start researching supervisors and topics as soon as you can. 

How long will the application process take?

Each university will have different processes, deadlines and outcome notification dates. At Monash, it is generally six weeks after closing for the notification of either scholarship offer or admission offer to be sent.

This also depends on the time of year, volume of applications and, most importantly, whether the applicant has submitted all the required documentation, such as academic transcripts and evidence of English language proficiency.

How should I approach writing my research proposal?

Universities and supervisors will have different approaches to research proposals, so it is important to check and understand the requirements before you start.  According to Abraham, “a research proposal should include a tentative title, an abstract, an introduction, proposed theoretical/conceptual framework, research questions, significance of the study, limitations, literature review, methodology/research approach, data collection and analysis methods, and a reference list. For all the criteria of the research proposal to be fulfilled, a lot of thought and discussion with your potential supervisor(s) is required. This allows you to voice your interests and approaches for your PhD, while your supervisors can make suggestions on what they think is best suited for your research. It is also important to note that all the elements of the thesis outlined above change/develop as the PhD candidature progresses.”

What are the associated costs of applying for a PhD in Australia?

This will differ depending on the university, and in some instances whether an applicant chooses to engage a registered agent to assist them with their application. At present, there is no application fee at Monash for international PhD or masters by research applicants. Other fees, including tuition fee costs, are published on university websites.  Depending on the course, there may be associated costs for laboratory materials or travel for study (such as fieldwork). Applicants should check with the university and the faculty to understand what these may be. The Australian Government requires service providers to provide full details of course tuition and non-tuition costs in any formal offer or International Student Contract.

What would be your top pieces of advice for someone looking to apply for a PhD?

“Find a supervisor you work well with, be prepared, attend workshops around how to do research and practice self-care and self-kindness right from the beginning. It is easy to lose sight of boundaries when doing a PhD, but it is essential to look after yourself because life continues to happen at full speed while you are pursuing a PhD. I would also recommend getting involved in social research groups, as a PhD can be an isolating endeavour and having others who are in a similar position as you can be reassuring,” Abraham concludes.

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Phd in australia: cost, scholarships, & admission requirements.

Are you considering pursuing a PhD in Australia? It can be a daunting process, but with the right information and preparation, it can also be a rewarding experience. Before you start your application, it’s important to understand what’s involved and what you need to do to make your application stand out. 

How Much Does PhD Cost in Australia?

The cost of pursuing a PhD in Australia varies depending on the university and the course. According to the Australian Government, fees to study a PhD in Australia range from AUD $18,000 to AUD $42,000 per year for international students.

Private universities are more expensive than public ones and might not provide access to the same financial aid programs such as grants and scholarships. The total course tuition fee for a PhD in Australia in top universities ranges from AUD $40,000 to AUD $60,000.

The cost of living in Australia varies depending on the location and lifestyle, but the Australian Government estimates that students will require at least AUD $21,041 (USD $14,400) for each year of their course.

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How Many Years is a PhD in Australia?

A full-time PhD in Australia usually takes three years, but some students may take longer depending on their registration and funding arrangements. Part-time PhDs in Australia can take up to six years, but this mode of study is not normally available to international students.

Who is Eligible for PhD in Australia? 

To be eligible for a PhD in Australia, applicants are required to meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the university and the course. Here are some general eligibility requirements for a PhD in Australia:

• A bachelor’s and master’s degree in a relevant subject are normally required to apply for a PhD in Australia.
• Applicants must have an excellent academic record, with a first-class undergraduate degree or a very high upper second class undergraduate degree.
• International students must have a high level of English language proficiency, which can be demonstrated through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• Applicants must have a research proposal that outlines their research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Applicants must have a proven experience in conducting research.
• Applicants must have reference letters, research proposal, synopsis, etc. for which, if accepted, they receive a confirmation of acceptance letter.

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Do you get paid to do a phd australia.

Yes, PhD students in Australia are usually paid a stipend to cover their living expenses. The amount of the stipend may vary depending on the university and the funding source, but it is typically around AUD $32,000 per year.

The stipend is tax-free and paid in fortnightly instalments. In addition to the stipend, some universities may also cover tuition fees and other research-related expenses.

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What is top 20 universities in australia.

• Australian National University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• University of Adelaide
• University of Western Australia
• RMIT University
• Queensland University of Technology
• Macquarie University
• Griffith University
• Curtin University
• University of Technology Sydney
• Deakin University
• University of Newcastle
• University of Wollongong
• La Trobe University
• University of Tasmania
• University of South Australia

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What is top 15 phd scholarships in australia.

• Deakin University, Australia Research Scholarships
• University of Sydney International Scholarships
• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship
• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
• University of Queensland Centenary Doctoral Scholarship
• University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
• University of Western Australia International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
• Monash University Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship
• University of New South Wales Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
• University of Newcastle International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
• University of Tasmania Research Scholarship for International Students
• Australian National University PhD Scholarship
• University of Wollongong International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
• Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
• University of Technology Sydney Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

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How to apply for a phd in the australia.

To apply for a PhD in Australia, here are the general steps to follow:

1. Research the universities: Research the universities that offer PhD programs in your field of study. Look at their rankings, research output, and faculty profiles to get an idea of their strengths and areas of expertise.

2. Contact a potential supervisor: Contact a university academic working as a supervisor for PhD projects. You contact them, usually about four months before you wish to commence your studies, with the research topic you would like to propose.

3. Check the eligibility requirements: Check the eligibility requirements for the PhD program you are interested in. You’ll normally need a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a relevant subject to apply for a PhD in Australia. Universities may admit you based on your academic record.

4. Prepare your research proposal: Prepare a research proposal that outlines your research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

5. Apply for the program: Apply for the PhD program through the university’s online application system. Make sure to submit all the required documents, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, and English language proficiency test scores.

6. Wait for the response: Wait for the university’s response to your application. If you are accepted, you will receive a confirmation of acceptance letter.

7. Apply for a student visa: Apply for a student visa to study in Australia. You will need to provide proof of enrolment and financial support.

What is PhD Application materials in Australia?

When applying for a PhD in Australia, the following materials are typically required:

1. Academic transcripts: Applicants are required to submit their academic transcripts from their previous degrees.

2. English language proficiency test scores: International students are required to submit their English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

3. Research proposal: Applicants must submit a research proposal that outlines their research topic, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Applicants are required to submit their CV, which should include their academic and professional experience, publications, and other relevant information.

5. Reference letters: Applicants are required to submit reference letters from academic or professional referees who can attest to their research abilities and potential.

6. Confirmation of acceptance letter: Applicants must provide a confirmation of acceptance letter from a potential academic supervisor.

7. Student visa: International students are required to apply for a student visa to study in Australia.

Can I work while doing PhD in Australia?

Yes, PhD students in Australia are allowed to work while studying, but there are some restrictions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Work hours: PhD students are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying in Australia This is to ensure that students can focus on their studies and not let work interfere with their academic performance.

2. Funding restrictions: If you are receiving a scholarship or funding for your PhD, there may be restrictions on the amount of work you can do. For example, if you are on an RTP scholarship, you may be limited to a maximum of 270 working hours per year.

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PhD In Australia

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Let’s take a look at what’s involved in studying a PhD in Australia.

Pre-application for a PhD in Australia

Potential PhD students in Australia need to have an excellent academic record and those with a 1st class undergraduate degree or a very high upper second class undergraduate degree will have the necessary academic record to apply for a PhD research position. Once an applicant has established that they have the necessary academic record they should see which academics in universities in Australia  would be a good fit for their field of study. This can be done by searching through publications and research areas to see if the academic is interested in the same topics as they are. Potential PhD students should make initial contact with a potential supervising academic outlining what they wish to research into. In the initial contact, the PhD applicant should also include an outline of relevant experience, qualifications and any academic publications they have had. At this point the applicant could also include a brief  research proposal . 

Application process in Australia

Once a PhD applicant has made contact with a supervisor, they will discuss the applicant’s research proposal further and they will either agree to support the application or will recommend another colleague. Alternatively they could decline to support the application altogether – but in this scenario they will hopefully be able to suggest ways that the student could improve or amend their research proposal in order to get it accepted. If an applicant does not know which academic to ask to supervise but is interested in an individual university  then they should make contact directly to the university through an expression of interest, And the university will then direct them to any appropriate academics. 

Admissions process in Australia

Once the student has an academic supervisor who has agreed to support the PhD application they will need to make a formal application. This will need an excellent research proposal that links the study area with the interest areas of the academic supervisor. This is the main part of the application for the PhD, and the university being applied to will offer guidance on writing the research proposal. Potential PhD students in Australia also need to gather documents providing information such as grade transcripts, English language skills, and a CV. If the applicant is an international student  institutions may require passports or proof that the PhD student is a  Genuine Temporary Entrant , Some universities and departments require potential PhD students to attend interviews and others do not. 

Study methods in Australia

Part-time PhD students will have to prove that they can fit in their studies and complete their research within the time limits set by the university. In Australia, only domestic students are usually able to undertake their PhD on a part-time basis and international students would not gain a student visa  with a part-time place. The vast majority of PhD students in Australia are researching full-time on-campus. 

Fees for a PhD in Australia

Students from Australia and New Zealand or those students with permanent residency visas for Australia will often have their tuition fees paid for by the Australia Government through their  Research Training Program (RTP) . Very few international students will qualify for the RTP, but it is always worth checking as some countries with historic or modern links with Australia qualify. Students apply via their university for the RTP . Most international PhD students will have to pay the full tuition fees by self-funding or with scholarships . 

Funding your PhD in Australia

The Australian Government also offers a stipend for PhD students to live on while they research as part of the RTP. If your research qualifies for the RTP and you come from a qualifying country or are considered a domestic student, then you will also qualify for the stipend. There are also significant  scholarships  available in Australia that are advertised through the department or university and are sponsored by the university. International students are usually recommended to find funding from scholarships from outside of their university in Australia or their home country. 

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PhD duration

If a PhD student has taken funding for the tuition fees and the stipend to pay for living costs while they study, then they need to complete their PhD within four years, but it usually takes three years. Part-time PhD students are unusual, because of the funding issues, but they will be expected to complete their PhD in no more than six years. Some PhD students complete their research within two years, but this is very unusual.

International PhD students' visas

In Australia,  international PhD students  no longer have a specific research student visa and must now apply for the  standard student visa  like all other students. A student visa lasts for five years in Australia, so international PhD students can apply as early as possible as this is longer than the three to four years that students will take to complete their research. 

Number of PhD students in Australia

The number of PhD students has increased over recent years as this table illustrates.

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Domestic postgraduate research tuition fees

All domestic students enrolled in a postgraduate research program, such as a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy, are awarded an Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Fee Offset Scholarship.

The AGRTP is funded by the Commonwealth government and provides support to students completing a research degree program.

The AGRTP Fee Offset Scholarship provides support for the research program up to a maximum of two years (full-time) for a Masters program, and up to four years for a PhD program (or part-time equivalent). This means that domestic students are exempt from paying tuition fees for this period of time.

If you enrol in additional subjects/courses during your enrolment you may incur tuition fees.

Research students are required to pay the services and amenities fee.

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Australia has way more PhD graduates than academic jobs. Here’s how to rethink doctoral degrees

Research Officer, Victoria University

Lecturer, Monash University

Teaching Associate, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Monash University

Teaching Associate, Monash University

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This article is part of our series on big ideas for the Universities Accord . The federal government is calling for ideas to “reshape and reimagine higher education, and set it up for the next decade and beyond”. A review team is due to finish a draft report in June and a final report in December 2023.

One of the key reasons for doing a a doctoral research degree or PhD is to pursue an academic career. But this dream is becoming increasingly far-fetched, due to a decline in academic positions and a steady increase in Australians undertaking PhDs.

The number of PhD completions has been steadily growing over the past two decades, from about 4,000 to about 10,000 per year.

According to our calculations* based on the information available , the cumulative number of people in Australia with a PhD has increased from about 135,000 in 2016 to about 185,000 in 2021.

But the number of academic positions has shrunk. Australia saw a significant decrease in academic staff from 54,086 in 2016 to 46,971 in 2021 as universities cut costs during the pandemic.

As the Universities Accord review examines how our higher education system needs to work, we need to rethink who is doing a PhD and how their degrees are structured.

Why has the number of PhDs grown?

There are plenty of incentives to keep PhD candidates coming through the system. Some federal government funding to universities is based on research degree completions . PhDs are also free for domestic students.

On top of this, universities put pressure on academic staff to supervise successful PhD students. This is used as one of the criteria for promotions.

Where do PhD graduates go?

There is no official data on how many PhD graduates go on to work in academia. About 25% of PhD graduates got some employment in academia according to a small-scale survey in 2011.

Our estimates suggest this figure has not changed much as of 2021. If there are about 185,000 people with a PhD, this is four times higher than the number of available academic positions (46,971).

We also know some PhD students struggle to get work outside of academia, despite the prestigious nature of their qualifications.

The 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey found 84.7% of research degree graduates (which includes masters degrees by research as well as PhDs) were in full-time employment within six months of completing their studies. This compares with 78.5% of undergraduates.

Read more: Australian unis could not function without casual staff: it is time to treat them as 'real' employees

Where do PhDs want to work?

It is true not all PhD candidates and graduates want an academic career.

A 2019 national survey found 51% of all PhD students surveyed wanted to find a job in business or the public sector.

But here, students’ field of study makes a big difference.

Two-thirds of PhD students in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and maths) were hoping to work in industry. The banking, civil engineering, mining, energy and medical/pharmaceutical sectors are the top employers of PhD graduates .

Meanwhile, two-thirds of PhD students in social sciences (including history, politics, education, sociology, psychology, economics, and anthropology) wanted to stay in academia.

Read more: Why arts degrees and other generalist programs are the future of Australian higher education

To understand how people with social sciences PhDs navigate employment, we conducted 23 in-depth interviews with doctoral graduates from five Australian universities. All interviewees graduated less than five years before the interviews.

Our research uncovered two distinct themes.

1. A stable academic job is almost impossible to find

Of the group, only one had gained a continuing academic position within five years of graduation. Thirteen were on precarious contracts (either casual or fixed-term) while three were doing a “postdoc” or research fellowship (which are also often a fixed-term contract). Six worked in either the private sector or government.

As one interviewee told us:

[PhD candidates should] put aside the assumption that […] because you’ve got a PhD, you will automatically get a job. That’s not the case. There are many many many PhDs out there who cannot find work or are working in what we call menial jobs or ‘survivor’ jobs.

Another emphasised the insecure nature of working in academia:

I’ve been working as a sessional [employed on contracts per semester] in higher education, basically full-time on a million contracts.

Some participants moved in and out of academia while holding a slim hope of finding a continuing position:

If I don’t get an academic job within one year or two years, then it’s kind of over for me […].

2. There is not enough career support or preparation

While ongoing academic jobs were very difficult to obtain, PhD graduates said they were not well-prepared for the labour market outside academia.

There is a sharp contrast between university and non-university occupations in terms of workplace cultures and employer expectations. For example, industry employers want skills needed for work rather than qualifications or publications. PhD graduates moving out of academia have had to re-train themselves.

As one participant told us:

They were less impressed by the publications. They were more interested in the skills that I got. […] So I did some online data courses [like] LinkedIn courses, and then I tried to apply for some jobs with these skills and in this direction.

Another participant said they had to hide their doctoral degree for fear of being seen as overqualified. Meanwhile, meaningful career advice was thin on the ground.

[My university] didn’t actually do anything to support me in getting my job.

Read more: 'Very few companies are open for international students': South Asian graduates say they need specific support to find jobs

How to rethink doctoral education

The diverse and insecure employment outcomes of the PhD graduates in our study strongly point to a need for universities to rethink how they educate PhD students.

Firstly, this includes offering specific career education as part of PhD programs. This may require universities to be upfront about the employment prospects for PhD graduates and research funding climate .

Career consultations from both universities’ career centres and industry experts should be offered early in PhD programs to help students make informed decisions about future options. For those who would like to pursue a traditional academic career, it is important to have ongoing career guidance from their supervisors and research offices.

Secondly, there needs to be more structured work experience. Universities should strengthen their partnerships with industry to facilitate work experience. Those seeking academic jobs also need to be provided with meaningful opportunities to work alongside academic staff in both teaching activities and research projects.

Thirdly, universities need to ensure doctoral programs better prepare students for employment possibilities inside and outside academia.

This includes opportunities to build transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, analytical skills, and leadership.

This specifically needs to include teaching students how to write and speak for different audiences beyond academia, including policymakers and the public.

This needs to include admissions

Lastly, we also need to take a hard look at PhD admissions. There is currently no limit on PhD numbers and the more admissions universities have, the more funding they will earn when students graduate.

To balance supply and demand, the government should consider quotas for funding PhD students in each field. This would also help select the most suitable PhD candidates, who are most likely to benefit from the rigours of doctoral study.

This may not be a popular move – but we have be more realistic about whether accepting more and more people into three-plus years of intense study is benefiting the students, or simply generating funds for universities.

*These figures have been adjusted for life expectancy and overseas PhD graduates returning to their home country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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On this page:

General program information, what is an industry phd.

An Industry PhD is a doctoral program designed with an industry application in mind.  

Under academic and industry supervision, PhD candidates undertake a research project co-designed by a university and an eligible Australian business.  

The National Industry PhD Program (Program) gives PhD candidates an opportunity to gain practical and research experience in both industry and university settings. 

The Program aims to create a flexible workforce of researchers who can transition between academia and industry and have multiple career pathways open to them after completing their PhD.   

Who will deliver the Program?

A service provider, Campus Plus, will deliver the Program, partnering with Science & Technology Australia (STA) to assist with marketing, communications and outreach and Cruxes Innovation who will provide the 12-week training. 

For any inquiries about the Program or if you require assistance, please contact Campus Plus at [email protected] . 

Who can apply for the National Industry PhD Program?

The Program has two streams:  

Industry Linked PhD stream: For PhD candidates to undertake research projects co-designed by university and industry, with opportunities to be embedded in industry.  

Industry Researcher PhD stream: For industry professionals who are supported by their employers to undertake a PhD in partnership with a university while retaining their industry employment and salary benefits.  

What is the difference between an Industry Researcher and an Industry Linked PhD?

An Industry Linked PhD candidate is a university-based PhD candidate who will undertake a research project co-designed by their university and an eligible industry partner as part of their PhD. They will spend part of their PhD working on site with the industry partner. 

An Industry Researcher PhD candidate is an employee of a business that qualifies as an Industry Partner in this program and is supported by their employer to undertake a PhD Project in collaboration with a university. 

As a PhD candidate, what stipend and other benefits will I receive under the Program?

As well as your regular PhD stipend, Industry Linked PhD candidates will be paid a stipend top-up of at least $10,000 from the industry partner and $6,210 from the Australian Government.  

Recipients must be approved for, or be in receipt of, a Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend (or similar scholarship) and a RTP Fees Offset Scholarship. You will receive a stipend top-up for up to four years as a full-time student and up to eight years as a part-time student.   

Your enrolling university may offer additional allowances for costs such as travel, conferences, relocation, and publication.  

You will be embedded in an industry setting during your PhD candidature and will be provided with a 12-week training course during the candidature to gain an understanding of industry engagement.  

Industry Researcher PhD:  

Your employer will agree to allow you to undertake PhD study and work concurrently. You will continue to receive your salary and other employment benefits from your employer. 

Your employer receives a government subsidy to support your salary and other costs for the duration of your PhD studies.  

Can I complete an Industry Linked PhD on either a full-time or part-time basis?

Yes - the Program supports Industry Linked PhD candidates to complete their PhD on either a part-time or full-time basis. Funding is for a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years for full-time PhD candidates. For part-time candidates, funding is for a maximum of eight years.   

Please note: If your university and industry partner agree to the part-time arrangements, part-time candidates do less than 75% of a full-time student load. A part-time PhD must be completed between six and eight years. The funding amounts for part-time PhD candidates will be set at 50 per cent of the full-time rate. 

Can I complete an Industry Researcher PhD on either a full-time or part-time basis?

All Industry Researcher PhD candidates will generally undertake their PhDs on a part-time basis and continue working part-time for their employer. Most Industry Researcher PhDs will be completed in four years, but can be extended to up to eight years on reduced hours with the agreement of both the university and industry partner.  

What leave can Industry PhD candidates access?

Leave entitlements for PhD candidates in the Industry Linked stream of the Program must be at least equivalent to those under the RTP scheme (outlined on the RTP Frequently Asked Questions page). This includes recreation, sick and parental leave. If their university provides more generous leave arrangements, they will be entitled to the higher standard.

Leave entitlements for Industry Researcher PhDs will be outlined in their employment agreement with their employer.

Is the Program funding taxable?

The Department is not in a position to assist with questions about individual taxation circumstances. If you are unsure about whether an amount paid through the Program constitutes a taxable payment, please contact the ATO for further guidance, or seek your own independent legal advice.

Alternatively, the ATO has some guidance on their website for students and universities on scholarship payments .

Information for businesses to assist with determining when payments are taxable is available below:

• What to include in your business's assessable income
• What to exclude from your business's assessable income

Eligibility (PhD candidates)

Are international students eligible for the program.

Yes. International students can take part in the Program.  

I am currently in the first year of my PhD. Will I be able to join the Program?

Yes. A PhD candidate who has started their first year of study is eligible to join this program, if their university approves and all eligibility requirements of the Program have been met.

To be eligible, a PhD Candidate must be informed by their Participating University that they have been enrolled in the Program within 12 months of their PhD commencement date. Please note that the 12-month window for candidates who have already commenced a PhD project to be eligible for the Program applies to both full-time and part-time candidates.

Can PhD candidates in their second year or beyond take part in the Program?

Second year and above PhD candidates are not eligible for the Program. These candidates are not the target audience as they are likely to already be undertaking an established research project.

The Program is targeted at new PhD applicants and first-year candidates who are in the research project design stage and are therefore able to make the most out of the Program.

What if I’m coming back for a second PhD?

If you have previously completed a PhD, you are not eligible to apply for an Industry PhD. 

Information for universities

Does my university qualify for this program.

To qualify as a participating university, your organisation needs to be listed as a higher education provider under section 16-15 (Table A providers) or section 16-20 (Table B providers) in the Higher Education Support Act 2003. 

As a university, what will I receive under this program?

For each full-time PhD Candidate in the Program under both streams, universities will receive a grant of $10,350 per annum (indexed) contributing to administrative costs, for the duration of the scholarship.

Universities must use the administrative contribution for administrative costs associated with the Program and must not pass this grant on to the PhD Candidate as stipend support. Universities may use this funding at their discretion, so long as it is used for expenses related to the administration of the program, which could include operating costs associated with the project. For further information, please see section 4.1-4.4 of the Program Guidelines .

How does this Program relate to RTP funding?

To be eligible for the Program under both streams, the PhD candidate must be awarded an RTP Fees offset for the duration of their PhD candidature by the university.  

Industry Linked PhD candidates also need to be awarded an RTP Stipend scholarship (or similar scholarship, with the minimum funding amount and conditions equivalent to the RTP Stipend base rate. Equivalent stipend scholarships can leverage other Australian Government funding programs as appropriate. 

What will the final thesis product look like and how will it be assessed?

Universities are responsible for setting thesis criteria and any relevant HDR academic progress, assessment, and academic awards procedures.   

If a project involves a new partnership between a university and industry partner, how can this partnership be formed?

A collaborative agreement template is available on the Department’s program website , covering the following topics: Intellectual Property (IP) arrangements, confidentiality, funding amounts and period, embedment arrangements, leave, and thesis publication.

Universities or industry partners can use an existing collaborative agreement template of a similar nature but must ensure they include the above content. Collaborative agreements will be required after the project has been successful in the application rounds. Ownership of the IP will be up to the university and industry partner to negotiate and decide upon.

Information for industry partners

Do i qualify as an eligible industry partner.

To qualify as an eligible Industry Partner, you must:

• be a business or organisation with an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered with the Australian Taxation Office or an Australian Company Number (ACN) registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and
• Please note : To qualify as an industry partner, your organisation must already be undertaking R&D activities at the time of application.

For the full list of conditions under which grants will be awarded to eligible industry partners, please see section 2.9.3 of the Program Guidelines

Can multiple Industry Partners be included in a project (single PhD candidate)?

Yes. Multiple industry partners can be included if they meet the eligibility criteria set out above.

For single PhD candidates, if there are multiple Industry Partners, at least one Industry Partner must provide a co-supervisor to assist the candidate. The PhD candidate can complete their embedment and training across one or more Industry Partners if the 20%-50% is met.

As an Industry Partner, what will I receive under the Program?

Industry Linked PhD:

• You will host a PhD candidate working on a PhD project with an industry application, with opportunities to leverage collaborations with universities and their research capabilities and facilities.

Industry Researcher PhD:

• You will receive a financial contribution to the salary of the PhD candidate, industry co-supervisor/mentor and other relevant costs incurred.
• For full-time PhD candidates, you will receive $41,400 per candidate, per year for up to four years.
• For part-time PhD candidates, you will receive $20,700 per candidate, per year for up to eight years.

How much funding and resources will I have to commit as an industry partner?

• Industry partners who take on a university PhD candidate to work on a research challenge in their company through the Program will have access to great research talent. In return, companies will need to contribute a minimum of $10,000 a year to top-up the PhD stipend to assist with living costs during the Program.
• Industry partners will also need to demonstrate a commitment to provide resources to the PhD candidate such as access to equipment, materials, travel and conference costs.
• For companies that employ a researcher in the Industry Researcher PhD stream, the business will need to commit to supporting their employee to undertake PhD study and work concurrently, while paying their full salary and benefits for the full length of their PhD.
• In both streams, the Industry Partner needs to nominate a supervisor with extensive experience in the industry.

Who can I nominate for an Industry Researcher PhD project?

• Employees of your organisation — both full-time and part-time — are eligible to apply for an Industry Researcher PhD project. Contractors and subcontractors are not eligible for funding through the Industry Researcher PhD stream of this program.
• Other eligibility criteria related to the PhD candidate (i.e., citizenship, completion of previous PhDs, etc.) will also be considered as part of the selection process.
• Please note: Industry Researcher PhD candidates are subject to the PhD entry requirements of the partner university, as set out in the university’s HDR Admissions Policy.

Applications (process and selection criteria)

What is the application timeline, and when can i start my phd.

Two application rounds are scheduled to be held each year. Applications will be open for approximately six weeks for each round. For details of current and upcoming rounds, please see the Applications section of the National Industry PhD Program page.

PhD candidates can commence at any time during two periods each year: from January to June, and from July to December. Commencement is during the whole semester to allow for enrolment, visa and scholarship processes, including RTP scholarships. Universities can put an application for an industry research PhD project forward with or without an PhD candidate. PhD candidates will be selected by the university through their standard processes.

What are the selection criteria for assessing my application?

Your application will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Engagement between the university and industry partner (25%)
• Research feasibility & strategic alignment i.e. with Australian Government priority areas (i.e., with Australian Government priority areas) (25%)
• Project impact (25%)
• Capacity, capability and resources to support the development of PhD candidates (25%).

For more information, please refer to section 7 of the National Industry PhD Program Guidelines .

Are there any restrictions on what field of research will be supported under the Program?

There are no restrictions on the field of research for the project. However, the academic and industrial experience of the supervisory team, and their relevant standing in the field of research, will be assessed as part of the application.

Are there any considerations for regionally based PhD projects?

Regional universities and Industry Partners are those that have campuses or places of work located in a regional or remote area as classified by the  Australian Statistical Geography Standard .

Applications for projects identified with a regional university and/or Industry Partner receive a higher weighting than non-regional applications through the Program’s ‘Research feasibility and strategic alignment’ selection criteria.

I am a prospective PhD candidate, where do I submit my application?

Applications need to be submitted by an Australian university. If you are enrolled, or about to be enrolled, as a PhD candidate at a university, please contact your prospective supervisor or Graduate Research Office and ask about being included in an application or Industry PhD funded project. If you have not yet been offered a PhD place at a university, please submit an enquiry and the service provider of the Program will attempt to find a suitable project for you.

If you are interested in applying for this program, please fill in this short Expression of Interest form . Campus Plus, the service provider appointed by the Department to deliver the Program, will be able to assist you.

I am a prospective supervisor, where do I submit my application?

Applications need to be submitted through the university (and not by a supervisor). 

If you are interested in applying for this program, please fill in this short Expression of Interest form . Campus Plus, the service provider appointed by the Department to deliver the Program, will be able to assist you.  

I (as a university with an industry partner) have a project idea but have not yet found a PhD candidate. Can I still submit an application?

Yes, you can. If the project is awarded funding under the Program, a PhD candidate can be recruited afterwards.

Universities are responsible for their own PhD candidate applications processes. Whether a PhD candidate is recruited for a research project before or after receiving a National Industry PhD Program scholarship is up to the discretion of each university.

How will universities be notified about the outcome of applications?

The Department and Campus Plus (the Program service provider) will advise the outcomes of applications, both successful and unsuccessful. Unsuccessful applications will be provided feedback. 

What happens if an application is unsuccessful?

• If an application in unsuccessful, it can still be submitted again for a future round.
• Unsuccessful applications will be archived but will have no impact on applying for future rounds.

Can successful applicants transfer to another University?

Successful candidates will not be permitted to transfer to another University after being accepted into the Program.

Applications to the Program are assessed according to the selection criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines. Engagement between the University and Industry Partner accounts for 25% of the assessment, requiring applicants to demonstrate the potential for long-term collaboration between the University and Industry Partner, the strength and quality of their engagement to date, or a commitment to developing a new collaboration between the University and Industry Partner.

Because the commitment of the University to the collaboration is considered as part of the assessment process, enrolling at another university may change the quality of this commitment and therefore the merits of the application.

Can successful applicants transfer to another Industry Partner?

Section 9 of the Program Guidelines outlines the appropriate response where the nominated Industry Partner ceases its business operation.

Otherwise, successful candidates will not be permitted to transfer to another Industry Partner after being accepted into the Program. Because the commitment of the Industry Partner to the collaboration is considered as part of the assessment process, partnering with another Industry Partner may change the quality of this commitment and therefore the merits of the application.

Multiple PhD projects

Can i submit an application with multiple universities.

Yes - an application can come from a single University with one Industry Partner, or multiple Universities with several Industry Partners (such as a consortium for a Doctoral Training Centre).

Applications from a consortium are submitted by the lead university. Will other universities from the consortium be able to access and track the application, or be notified of the outcome?

No. Only the lead university that applies can track the progress of an application and be notified of the outcome. 

Can I download the Guidelines?

Yes, go to the National Industry PhD Program Guidelines page.

What happens to my details entered on the mailing list?

Only your name and email address will be stored on our secure servers. The contact details you enter will only be used for communications about the Program. 

What is the difference between the CSIRO Industry PhD Program and the National Industry PhD Program?

The CSIRO Industry PhD (iPhD) program consists of one stream which is run through an industry partner, a university researcher and a CSIRO researcher working closely together to deliver a training experience for domestic PhD students on a project that has been developed by, or with, industry.

Under the CSIRO iPhD candidates receive a scholarship package of $45,000 a year consisting of:

• $12,000 a year from the industry partner towards the student’s scholarship, and
• $33,000 a year base scholarship ​from the CSIRO iPhD program office to the host university.

Candidates will also receive 3-5 days of training each year to support the development of their applied research and industry relevant skills.

An Industry PhD scholarship will be funded for a maximum of four years, including a minimum three-month industry engagement component, where the candidate will undertake research under the guidance of their industry partner. The CSIRO iPhD program office will reimburse operating expenses to the organisation where the candidate is primarily located of up to $13,000 a year to be used for the student’s project.

See more information on the  CSIRO’s Industry PhD Program . 

Where can I find more information about the Program?

For any questions about the Program and the application process, please contact the Program delivery partner, Campus Plus, at [email protected]

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Is a PhD worth it?

Careers Published 8 Feb, 2024  ·  9-minute read

Studying a higher degree by research isn’t something you choose to do overnight – well, not for most people. So, to help you make this decision, we’ve reached out to some alumni and compiled some data to help you work out if a Doctor of Philosophy would be worthwhile for you.

When you’re considering such a big academic step, it’s normal to wonder: is a PhD worth it?

Anecdotal evidence and statistics both tell us the benefits of PhD study do indeed outweigh the time and effort required. Let’s explore:

• why a PhD is worth it (personal and professional benefits)
• worthwhile reasons to pursue a PhD
• the average salary of a PhD graduate (financial value of a PhD).

Is it worth doing a PhD? (Personal and professional benefits)

For UQ PhD alumni Angie Knaggs, Benjamin Jones and Brigid Lynch, answering this question in hindsight is easy – and the answer is a resounding yes . Their stories may help you make this choice without that advantage of hindsight.

My PhD is as much a part of my identity as the colour of my hair.

Angie’s PhD was a natural continuation of the theses she wrote during her honours and master’s programs, focusing on popular culture representations of masculinity in crisis. In short, she studied the connections in language, culture and communication in shows like Prison Break – rather than watching them for the drama like most of us do.

“I’ve always connected strongly with work in gender and performativity,” says Angie.

“I found the deep dive into thinking and analysis rewarding and engaging. My final thesis remains the piece of work I’m most proud of – even after a decade!”

Her career after completing her PhD was rocky at first. But, as is often the case, the hurdles in the journey ended up emphasising the successes.

“I was very focused on applying for an early-career academic role with the aim of becoming a full-time academic,” says Angie.

“I had experienced a good deal of academic success, and I had publications in top journals. I felt certain I was in a good position to achieve my dreams.

“I went to interview after interview, and it was disheartening to hear how I was almost it or not quite it . What it was, I could never quite work out, but it became increasingly clear to me that I didn’t have it .”

After tutoring and course convening at multiple universities for a while (and quickly growing bored of the constant commuting between campuses), Angie decided to apply for some roles that looked fun and interesting, even if they weren’t at traditional universities. This is how she accidentally fell into – and fell in love with – a whole new world: teaching film studies .

Angie’s new path eventually led to her current role as Senior Learning Specialist – Employability with UQ’s School of Languages and Cultures . Here, she uses her intercultural competencies and higher order thinking skills to great use, as well as publishing about her work in international journals.

“I don’t think I would have been open to following a new pathway if I hadn’t let go of the assumption that my doctorate automatically meant I would have a traditional academic career,” she says.

“Letting that go involved some deep self-work, but it was worth it.”

Now, with over a decade to reflect, Angie sees her PhD as an essential part of how she got to where she is today as well as a vital factor in all her successful career steps along the way.

“I like to think of my PhD as the ultimate employability bootcamp,” she says.

“My PhD gave me an edge – a way of thinking about problems in different ways. It taught me resilience, the ability to pivot and the ability to give and receive feedback. It has also helped get my CV to the top of the pile.”

My PhD equipped me well to move in and out of different roles until I found the one which was best for me.

Ben's career has evolved quite a lot since completing his PhD, in which he investigated the rehabilitation and revegetation of bauxite tailings. 

"I chose this topic as I'm interested in environmental science," he says. 

"I thought that mine rehabilitation was an important and in-demand area which I could contribute to." 

And he has indeed been contributing to this field – most recently in his role with the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, which has allowed him to do satisfying and technical work behind the scenes on high-profile projects. His journey since graduating has been filled with rewarding stepping stones across various positions. 

"I've worked in academia and within the private and public sector," says Ben.

"My PhD equipped me well to move in and out of different roles until I found the one which was best for me."

The benefits of a PhD have been obvious and numerous to Ben, both in terms of the career opportunities and lifestyle advantages available. But these benefits aren't necessarily things you have to wait for – you may experience some of them while studying.

"From a remuneration perspective alone, some industry PhD scholarships are quite attractive," says Ben. 

"They also offer flexible working hours, and this offers time for other commitments."

"Workplaces are becoming more competitive, especially for recent graduates. Attaining a PhD provides graduates with valuable work experience and specialist knowledge within their chosen field."

Ben recognises a higher degree by research isn't for everyone, but he also sees multiple reasons why a PhD is worth it for candidates.

"Obtaining a PhD is only one of many options, and having a PhD isn't a prerequisite for success," he says. 

"However, a PhD is a requirement for many positions within academia or research, so for people embarking on this career path, a PhD is likely essential." 

He also believes the PhD path can provide:

• a great opportunity for graduates to ease into working life while still enjoying the familiarity of university life
• a fantastic environment filled with talented and hardworking people, where graduates who haven't landed their dream job can gain work experience and improve their career prospects .

Ultimately, Ben believes the decision of whether to pursue a PhD comes down to personal circumstances and goals. 

"I think people need to weigh up their different options and decide what’s best for them."

I now get to work with some of the world's most talented and inspiring epidemiologists. I couldn't think of a better job.

Brigid completed a PhD in population health, looking specifically at how physical activity could impact quality of life for colorectal cancer patients. Her motivation and drive came from combining her previous study areas with a personal passion for the topic.

“The project brought together my undergraduate training (Human Movement Studies and Psychology at UQ) with my interest in epidemiology,” says Brigid.

“So, it was something I could really commit to for the long haul.”

Not long after finishing her PhD, Brigid received a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council, funding her for 2 years of international work followed by 2 years back in Australia.

“Having a PhD is a passport to live and work around the globe,” she says.

“As a postdoctoral fellow, I moved to Alberta, Canada, to work with one of the world’s leading researchers in the physical activity and cancer field. After 2 years of snow and Chinook winds, I returned to Australia.

“One of my career highlights was being funded to spend 3 months working at the University of Bristol. Being able to work and study abroad has opened up a lot of opportunities for research collaboration.”

Brigid is now Deputy Head of the Cancer Epidemiology Division at Cancer Council Victoria.

As someone who continues to work in research, Brigid says the benefits of having a PhD are still obvious to her every day. However, she also recognises how a higher degree by research can help those who follow other paths – just like Angie.

“Even for people who want to work in industry or for government, I think there are very clear benefits of a PhD,” says Brigid.

“So many of the skills you develop when doing a PhD are transferrable, such as project management, critical thinking and strong communication.”

An unexpected benefit of a PhD

While Angie and Brigid’s thesis topics and PhD journeys were quite different, there’s one thing they have in common: the first thing that came to mind when asked for the highlights of studying their PhD at UQ. They both went straight to talking about the people.

“The colleagues and friends I met along the journey are a highlight,” says Angie.

“My supervisor remains one of my closest friends and a long-time mentor.”

Brigid whole-heartedly agrees.

“I met some great people along the way, many of whom I still work with in one way or another,” she says.

“I really enjoy dropping into the School of Public Health when I’m in town.”

Building a supportive network was a key benefit for Ben, too.

"My research organisation placed a high value on networking and provided opportunities to grow," he says. 

"I've remained in contact with my PhD supervisor and some of my colleagues, and this has given me a network of old friends at UQ."

Doing your PhD at UQ means you'll get to create connections with some of the most influential and highly cited researchers in the country . And yes, some of these researchers might just become your lifelong friends.

Reasons to pursue a PhD

A good way to determine whether a PhD is worth it for you is to consider your motivations – what are your reasons to do a PhD?

For Angie, this boils down to asking yourself 2 key questions:

• Why do you want to do a PhD?
• What do you want to get out of it ?

Hint from Angie: “If the answer to either question involves any person other than yourself, that’s a red flag. You should only ever do a PhD for yourself. It will be the toughest challenge you ever set for yourself – and it’s only worth doing if you’re doing it for yourself.”

Brigid suggests adding these 2 questions to your decision-making process:

• Are you passionate about your field and topic?
• Can you make a difference to the community or contribute new knowledge that could make change happen?

If your reasons to do a PhD are genuine and you have a strong vision of what you’ll study and why, this may make your decision clearer.

The financial value of a PhD

Reading Angie and Brigid’s stories may lead you to think that most candidates are driven solely by their passion for research and that the PhD starting salary is irrelevant. But this is a valid and common consideration for many people. After all, knowing what to expect from a PhD graduate salary can help you justify pursuing your doctorate and plan appropriately for your future career.

The median salary of a PhD graduate is around $96,000pa , though it’s important to note this figure can vary significantly depending on your field.

Wondering if you'll get a PhD income while you study? Find out more about living stipend scholarships .

While making decent money is an enticing perk, perhaps the more important financial benefit of having a PhD is the higher chance of getting (and staying) employed in the first place. According to QILT's Graduate Outcomes Survey , in 2022, the overall employment rate for postgraduate research students in Australia was 91.9%, with 84.7% of graduates in full-time employment.

A comprehensive report from Ribit.net and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute shows there is increasing demand for PhD graduates across many industries in Australia. Some of the nation’s most competitive firms are recruiting higher degree by research students from a wide range of disciplines. This further proves Angie and Brigid’s point about PhD research equipping graduates with transferrable and highly employable skills – skills that are recognised beyond the realm of academia.

So, what makes PhD graduates so employable? Well, at UQ, we expect our Career Development Framework plays a large part. This gives all our researchers access to workshops and other opportunities to capitalise on their research skills and turn them into industry practice. 

UQ is also home to UniQuest , leaders in research commercialisation. Our researchers can work with UniQuest to translate their academic discoveries into commercial products, effectively taking their research to market.

Whether you’re driven by personal passions, academic ambitions, financial goals or a combination of all these reasons to pursue a PhD, the evidence is strong: a PhD is worth it.

Start your journey today

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Disruptions flagged for 83 WA public schools as teachers strike in latest pay rise bid

A planned half-day teachers strike across WA looks set to up-end plans for parents and employers on Tuesday, when thousands of teachers are expected to walk off the job until lunchtime.

Most government schools are expected to be impacted, with some closing and others supervising children but not teaching them.

Here's what you need to know:

Which schools will be affected, and how?

The strike will affect students at government schools only.

The department says 22 schools will be completely shut during the action, while 61 will remain partially open.

But most schools are expected to face disruption to the normal program of learning.

Many schools have told parents their children will be supervised but won't be taught in normal lessons.

Some schools will combine students together in classes that span multiple year groups.

In other words, there could be a lot of TV watching if your child attends school.

What about the afternoon?

Schools forced to close due to lack of staff will reopen to students after 11:30am in the Kimberley and Pilbara and 12:30pm in all other regions.

So what's the strike about?

The SSTUWA is pushing for a 12 per cent pay rise over two years for teachers, but the government has offered 11 per cent over three years.

The union has also demanded a range of measures to improve workplace conditions and address teachers' workloads.

Among the demands are restrictions on class sizes. 

Education Minister Tony Buti wants the union "to sit down with us and let's settle this once and for all."

Premier Roger Cook said there was "no reason" teachers should stop working on Tuesday, describing the stop-work action as "regrettable and unnecessary".

He said the government had made a revised offer to teachers that should be considered before the strike went ahead.

What does the department say?

Department of Education director-general Lisa Rodgers said the planned action was "really disappointing".

"Schools will look quite different, so we won't have the standard teaching and learning program in the mornings … but some schools may be open and there may be little disruption," she told ABC Radio Perth.

"If we can't provide a duty of care, we'll have to close the school … and we'll inform parents of that.

"We're going to do our very best to keep schools open, particularly support schools.

"It's really disappointing we've got to this point, to be honest."

Ms Rodgers said there were other components of the offer that would address concerns about workload and class sizes.

She said teachers who chose to participate in the strike action would not be paid for the notional half day.

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