Excellent research opportunities offered by universities, educational infrastructure that meets international standards, and rigorous programs make the Doctorate of Philosophy or PhD one of the most sought-after study programs in Australia. Also known as a doctorate in Australia, a PhD is a research-based degree with a duration of 3-5 years. So, if you are planning to enrol for a PhD degree in Australia, this guide is for you.

Key Highlights

• Why should you study PhD programs in Australia?
• Popular PhD programs in Australia
• Top 10 universities in Australia for PhD
• PhD in Australia for Indian students: Eligibility criteria
• Cost of pursuing a doctorate in Australia

Why should you study PhD programs in Australia?

• Universities in Australia are recognised for their advanced teaching pedagogy, state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities, and experienced faculty members offering full support to international students.
• Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to study in the country for up to 5 years. It even allows visa holders to work part-time for up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. This helps students to gain valuable work experience and support their stay in Australia.  
• Companies operating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) fields, banking, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors are some of the top employers that offer lucrative employment opportunities to PhD students.

Popular PhD programs in Australia

In Australia, students can explore PhD programs in specialisations such as Social Sciences, Education, Engineering & Technology, Business Management, etc. The most popular PhD programs are:

• PhD in IT in Australia :

  It is an advanced research-oriented program that imparts an in-depth understanding of Computer Science, Information Technology, and related disciplines. It includes subjects like Principles of Information Security, Data Mining, Software Engineering, and Information Systems Analysis, to name a few. After completing the program, PhD graduates can take academic and professional positions in the IT field.

• PhD in Mathematical Sciences :

  This program equips students with the latest mathematics and statistical research methods and techniques. It is suitable for candidates who are keen to conduct mathematical research in areas like Algebra and Geometry, Statistics, Probability, etc.

• PhD in Economics :

  PhD in Economics covers components like macroeconomic & microeconomic theory, applied economic analysis, and econometrics. As per interests, students can choose research topics like behavioural economics, health economics, industrial organisation, labour economics, etc.

PhD in Australia for Indian students: Eligibility criteria

Indian students need to meet certain requirements to get admission to PhD programs in Australian universities. They need to submit the application form along with the following documents to their preferred universities:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree program in a related field from a reputed university.
• Academic transcripts (degrees and certificates)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) results
• Exam results of English language proficiency tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Resume

It is important to verify eligibility criteria before pursuing PhD in Australia for Indian students as these requirements may vary from one college to another.

Cost of pursuing a doctorate in Australia

The average annual tuition fee ranges from ~AUD 10,000 to ~AUD 50,000 (~INR 5,60,000 to ~INR 28,00,000) for PhD programs. The cost of living comprises accommodation expenses, food expenses, travelling costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. The average cost of living in Australia ranges from ~AUD 2,500 to ~AUD 3,000 (~INR 1,40,000 to ~INR 1,68,000) monthly. Students can benefit from part-time jobs or internships that pay stipends to the PhD students.

So, if you are planning to enrol in a PhD program in Australia but are facing financial hiccups, you can opt for an education loan for studying abroad. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer hyper-personalised education loans with benefits like 100% finance, flexible repayment options, quick sanctions, etc. Call us today to gather important details like an education loan interest rate and documents required to apply for a loan.