Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) (CRICOS course code 001019C) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This AQF Level 10 program is designed for students who want to contribute original research to the field of materials engineering, including areas such as nanomaterials, polymers, ceramics, and composites. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a CRICOS-registered provider (00098G) and a leading Australian research university. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets strict Australian government standards for international education, ensuring quality and student protections under the ESOS Act. UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney provides a vibrant research environment with state-of-the-art facilities. HeadStart Academy draws this data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), which lists 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia. This course is ideal for international students seeking a research-intensive doctoral degree that can lead to careers in academia, industry R&D, or high-tech sectors.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) focuses on advanced research in materials engineering (field of education code 030305). Students typically undertake a supervised research project that contributes new knowledge to the field, culminating in a thesis. Research areas may include the synthesis, characterisation, and application of materials, from metals and polymers to advanced composites and biomaterials. At AQF Level 10 (Doctoral Degree), the program develops high-level skills in critical thinking, research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly communication. Graduates emerge as independent researchers capable of leading projects and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. While specific syllabi vary by supervisor, the learning outcomes are aligned with global standards for doctoral education. UNSW's Faculty of Engineering provides access to labs, workshops, and collaboration with industry partners. This is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) is registered on CRICOS as a 4-year program (208 weeks). The standard mode is full-time on-campus study, delivered in English. There is no part-time option for international students on a student visa. This is a single qualification (no dual degree). The language of instruction is English, which ensures all students can fully engage with coursework, supervision, and research activities. The CRICOS duration reflects the minimum expected time to completion, though actual time may vary based on research progress. UNSW provides academic support, including English language assistance, to help international students succeed.
Indicative tuition fees for this course are A$253,000 for the full program, with non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities fees) of approximately A$4,000, giving an estimated total of A$257,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. Sydney's cost of living for a single student is roughly A$25,000–A$35,000 per year (inclusive of rent, groceries, and transport). Always confirm the latest fees directly with UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this data as a guide only — no fees are guaranteed.
Entry to the Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) typically requires a Bachelor's degree with honours (at least H2A or equivalent) or a Master's degree with a research component. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (depending on discipline). Some applicants may need to provide a research proposal and secure a supervisor. There are no foundation studies pathways built into this course; however, UNSW offers pre-Masters and English language programs for those who need to meet entry requirements. Always check the exact entry criteria on UNSW's website, as requirements may vary by research area. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission — competitiveness is high.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a research degree, students may engage in voluntary industry collaborations, internships, or teaching assistantships that are not part of the CRICOS registration. Any work beyond the course must comply with student visa work conditions.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, New South Wales. Sydney is Australia's largest city and home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a diverse student population of over 200,000 international students. The Kensington campus is well-connected by public transport, including buses and light rail to the city centre. Sydney's weekly living costs are estimated at A$400–A$600 for rent, A$70–A$100 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for transport. The campus is located near the suburbs of Kingsford and Randwick, providing easy access to affordable housing and amenities.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents' expenses (if applicable). Visa conditions, including work rights, are set by the Department of Home Affairs and may change. HeadStart Academy strongly recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. All international students in Australia are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures refund policies, course quality, and student support.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** Use HeadStart Academy's free database to compare courses. Filter by study level (Doctoral Degree), field (Materials Engineering), and location (NSW). All providers listed are CRICOS-registered and data is sourced from the official register.
**Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** Check UNSW's website for specific entry requirements, including academic qualifications, English test scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0), and research proposal guidelines. Submit your application before the deadline. UNSW may require you to contact a potential supervisor first.
**Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** If accepted, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet the GTE requirement.
Ready to start your research journey? Explore entry requirements and apply directly to UNSW today.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science & Engineering) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.