Program Requirements
The Doctor of Philosophy requires completion of a research project that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of study. This includes the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words.
Completion of a standard program for a Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum of 96 units and a maximum of 192 units of enrolment in the research component.
Admission Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
Admission to a Doctor of Philosophy is also subject to supervisory capacity, availability of appropriate infrastructure and resources, and approval from the relevant Delegated Authority within the Academic College.
Applicants must:
1. Present a relevant Bachelor Honours degree or international equivalent
- With a minimum grade of First Class Honours (H1);
- or an equivalent combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to the field of study.
2. Provide:
- Original evidence of all relevant academic qualifications and graduation documentation (with English translation as appropriate);
- An up-to-date CV including academic qualifications, work experience and research publications;
- At least three reports of which a minimum of two must be academic referee reports.
3. All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students
Indicative fees
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $50,760.00
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
Scholarships
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.
The PhD program offers students access to state-of-the-art optical, infra-red, radio, and computational facilities and draws on the expertise of some 50 RSAA astronomers, as well as researchers at CSIRO's Australia Telescope National Facility, the Australian Astronomical Observatory, and collaborators around the world.
The main research areas at RSAA include:
- Observational and theoretical aspects of extra-solar planets
- Stellar atmospheres and evolution
- The interstellar medium
- Galactic structure and stellar populations
- The Magellanic Clouds and dwarf galaxies
- The formation and evolution of galaxies
- Supernovae and gamma-ray bursts
- Cosmology
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.
Employment Opportunities
Career options following the Doctor of Philosophy include many opportunities in addition to an academic path. Some of our alumni work within the public service as analysts or work as software developers within industry.
Learning Outcomes
- critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate complex information in a specific area of the discipline relevant to their research;
- formulate a research plan and undertake independent research to address specific research questions that make a substantial contribution to knowledge;
- ensure that research is carried out with integrity and actively promote responsible conduct of research;
- develop, adapt and implement research methodologies relevant to their research questions;
- demonstrate expert technical and/or specialist skills relevant to their research focus;
- communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences in both written and oral form;
- demonstrate appropriate collegial and professional behaviour, and safe working practices as required by their specific research focus.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this program.
Further Information
The completion of a Doctor of Philosophy normally takes between three and four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent and is conducted in English. The award is made on the basis of independent research resulting in a detailed thesis comprising original written work, normally of up to 100,000 words, that is independently assessed by no fewer than two external examiners of international standing.
All candidates are required to complete Research Integrity Training. In addition, candidates will also be able to participate in the College of Science Career Development Framework and demonstrate broader skills in research training, teaching and learning, industry and innovation, policy and governance; and opportunities to develop other transferable skills.
More information on how to apply can be found at https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/anu-postgraduate-research-domestic-and-international-applications.
There are a number of scholarships available to ANU HDR candidates to assist with the cost of their studies; however, in general first class honours might be required for consideration for a scholarship. Scholarships are highly competitive and not all applicants that receive an offer of admission to a HDR program will be successful in receiving a scholarship.
