Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) (CRICOS course code 001050D) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This research-intensive program is designed for international students who wish to pursue a career in medical research, academia, or clinical leadership. As a CRICOS-registered course (00098G), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. UNSW is a leading public university located in Kensington, Sydney, ranked among the top universities globally. The Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) allows students to undertake a substantial research project under expert supervision, contributing new knowledge to the field of general medicine. Graduates emerge with advanced skills in critical analysis, experimental design, and scholarly communication. This page provides detailed information on fees, entry requirements, study locations, and visa pathways to help you decide if this doctoral degree aligns with your academic and career goals.
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) (CRICOS course code 001050D) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This program sits at AQF Level 10, the highest level of academic qualification in Australia. It falls under the field of education 06 - Health, specifically 0601 - Medical Studies (General Medicine). As a doctoral candidate, you will conduct original research leading to a thesis that makes a significant contribution to medical knowledge. UNSW's Faculty of Medicine and Health is renowned for its research impact in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. The course is CRICOS-registered, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards required for enrolling international students under the ESOS Act. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, UNSW stands out as a top-tier institution for medical research. This degree is ideal for those seeking to advance their expertise in medicine and pursue careers in research, academia, or specialised clinical practice.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) is an advanced research degree that focuses on the field of General Medicine (060101). As a doctoral candidate, you will develop a deep understanding of medical science, research methodologies, and ethical practices in healthcare. The program is primarily thesis-based, meaning you will spend the majority of your time conducting independent research under the guidance of a supervisory panel. You may also have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and teaching activities. Typical research areas include clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, and medical education. Graduates gain transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, and scientific writing, which are highly valued in both academic and industry settings. Note that this is a general description; the specific syllabus is determined by your chosen research topic and supervisor at UNSW. For detailed curriculum information, consult the provider's website.
According to the official CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) has a duration of 4 years, equivalent to 208 weeks. This is a full-time program with instruction in English. The course is a single qualification, not a dual degree, and does not include foundation studies. As a doctoral degree, it requires sustained commitment to original research. The 4-year duration is typical for PhD programs in Australia, though completion times can vary depending on the research project and individual progress. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. UNSW may offer part-time options in limited circumstances, but this is generally not available for international students due to visa requirements.
The indicative tuition fee for Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) at UNSW is A$257,500, with non-tuition costs of approximately A$4,000, bringing the estimated total to A$261,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and costs around A$600–A$1,000 per year depending on the provider. Living expenses in Sydney are estimated at A$30,000–A$40,000 per year for rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. The student visa application charge is currently A$710 (may change). Always confirm current fees directly with UNSW before applying. UNSW's website provides the most up-to-date fee information and may offer scholarships or research stipends for PhD candidates.
Typical entry requirements for Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) include an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no band below 6.0. Some applicants may need higher scores in specific bands. Prior qualifications should include a four-year Honours degree or a Master's degree in a relevant field such as medicine, biomedical science, or health sciences. Research experience is highly valued. Applicants must submit a research proposal and secure a supervisor. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for doctoral degrees; however, UNSW may offer a Master of Philosophy as a pathway to a PhD. These are general guidelines; exact requirements are set by UNSW and the Faculty of Medicine. International students should also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. For detailed entry criteria, consult the UNSW website or contact their admissions office.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component such as an internship or practicum. However, PhD candidates often engage in teaching or research assistant roles, which are voluntary or paid separately. Student visa work rights allow international students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can provide valuable professional experience in a research environment.
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 6 km from the city centre. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia's largest city with a population of over 5 million. The city is a major international student destination, hosting more than 50 CRICOS-registered providers. Sydney offers excellent public transport, including trains, buses, and light rail, connecting easily to UNSW. Living costs in Sydney are relatively high; indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$300–A$400, groceries A$80–A$120, and public transport A$40–A$60. UNSW provides on-campus accommodation and support services for international students. The campus is close to Coogee Beach and Centennial Park, offering a vibrant student lifestyle.
Sydney is one of the world's most liveable cities, offering a multicultural environment, world-class institutions, and strong job prospects. For international students, it's important to budget carefully. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the Australian average, but part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight) can help offset expenses. The city also has excellent healthcare and safety standards. All CRICOS-registered institutions like UNSW must comply with the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition fees are protected and you receive support services. Sydney's diverse population means you'll find cultural communities and student clubs from around the world. Whether you prefer the outdoors, arts, or nightlife, Sydney has something for everyone. Consider your lifestyle preferences and financial situation when deciding if Sydney is right for you.
To study Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) at UNSW, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. You will also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Financial capacity must be shown to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs sets the visa application charge, currently A$710. Upon acceptance, UNSW will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is required for the visa application. Note that HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. All courses listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian standards for international education.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) at UNSW:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore doctoral degrees in medicine across Australia. Filter by field, level, and location to find programs that match your interests. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UNSW's website to check specific entry requirements, English language tests (e.g., IELTS), and application deadlines. Prepare your research proposal, academic transcripts, and referee reports. Submit your application through UNSW's online portal.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): If accepted, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Plan to arrive in Sydney before your course starts.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) 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.