Duration of candidature
A PhD normally takes between three to four years full-time or up to eight years part-time study. Students are generally required to submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words that makes a substantial contribution to the relevant scholarly literature and demonstrates how their research relates to their discipline.
Admission criteria
Admission to the PhD Program normally requires as a minimum qualification an Australian university honours degree (at the level honours 2A or above), or equivalent prior studies in Australia or elsewhere (for example a bachelor’s degree plus a graduate diploma or a master’s degree) that includes some research work.
In some situations, professional qualifications, work experience and published research may be deemed equivalent to the Honours degree or equivalent prior studies.
There are also English language requirements.
Application deadlines
PhD applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. However, please keep in mind that: (a) there are deadlines for scholarships; and (b) there are advantages to commencing study at the beginning of the Australian academic year (February).
To meet ANU scholarship application deadlines, prospective students should express their interest in the APCD Graduate Program (see How to apply) no later than 31 May (international students) or 31 August (domestic students). For all other scholarships, prospective students should express their interest in the APCD Graduate Program at least two months in advance of the scholarship deadline (if formal acceptance to a university is a scholarship eligibility requirement).
Fees and scholarships
Domestic students (ie, citizens of Australia and New Zealand and permanent residents of Australia) are eligible for the Research Training Scheme (RTS) – their tuition fees are covered by a HECS Exemption scholarship.
All other students are required to pay International Student Fees (ISF) unless these are covered by a scholarship. Further information on fees.
