Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) at UNSW

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) — CRICOS 001051C

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) (CRICOS course code 001051C) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This course falls under the field of Medical Studies (06) and is offered at AQF Level 10, preparing graduates for high-level research and academic careers in medical education. UNSW is a public university based in Kensington, New South Wales, and is CRICOS-registered (code 00098G). As a CRICOS-registered provider, UNSW meets Australian Government standards for enrolling international students. The course is conducted entirely in English and is a single qualification (not dual or combined). Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this doctoral program is one of them. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. International students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.

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Course overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) (CRICOS course code 001051C) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. The course is designed for students seeking to advance knowledge in medical education through original research. It is classified under the field of Medical Studies (06) and is at AQF Level 10, the highest level of academic qualification in Australia. UNSW, located in Kensington, NSW, is a leading Australian university with a strong research focus. The indicative tuition fee is A$236,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$4,000, totaling an estimated A$240,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or visa application charges. The course has no mandatory work component. Entry typically requires a relevant master's degree or equivalent, and an English proficiency of IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall (or equivalent). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS framework. HeadStart Academy recommends verifying current fees and entry requirements directly with UNSW before applying.

What you'll study

The Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) focuses on developing advanced research skills in the field of medical education. Students typically engage in a substantial research project under the supervision of experienced academics. The field of medical education covers areas such as curriculum development, assessment methods, simulation-based learning, and clinical teaching. Graduates of doctoral programs in this field are expected to contribute original knowledge to the discipline and are prepared for leadership roles in academic institutions, healthcare organisations, and policy-making bodies. While specific syllabi may vary, the general outcome is the ability to design and conduct rigorous research, critically evaluate existing literature, and communicate findings effectively. The course is delivered at AQF Level 10, requiring completion of a thesis or equivalent research output. This level is characterised by systematic and critical investigation, synthesis of complex ideas, and creation of new knowledge. UNSW offers state-of-the-art research facilities and access to a network of medical education experts.

Duration and study mode

According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) has a duration of 4 years, equivalent to 208 weeks. The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (not dual or combined). There is no foundation studies component, consistent with its doctoral level. Students are expected to engage in full-time research, though part-time enrolment may be possible by arrangement. The course does not include a work component, though students may have opportunities for teaching or research assistantships outside the program. The delivery location is UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney, NSW. This campus is well-connected by public transport and is part of a vibrant student community. Australia's student visa (Subclass 500) allows for 48 hours of work per fortnight during term and unlimited work during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. For doctoral students, research-related training and conferences may also be available.

Fees (indicative — set by The University of New South Wales (UNSW))

The indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) is A$236,000 for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees, which may include materials, library access, and student services, are estimated at A$4,000. The total estimated cost is A$240,000. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Fees are set by UNSW and may increase annually. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge. Indicative living costs in Sydney: weekly rent A$300-600, groceries A$80-150, transport A$30-50. Always confirm current fees with UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) requires a high level of academic achievement and research capability. Typical entry criteria include a relevant master's degree (by research or coursework with a research component), or a bachelor's degree with first-class honours. Applicants must demonstrate strong English language proficiency: an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall (or equivalent such as TOEFL or PTE) is commonly required. Some applicants may need to submit a research proposal and undergo an interview. For those who do not meet direct entry, pathway options such as a graduate diploma or a master's preparatory course may be available. Contact UNSW directly for detailed and current requirements. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; each application is assessed by the provider. All international students must also meet Australian student visa requirements, including genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria and financial capacity.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) is a research-intensive program focusing on thesis preparation. While no formal work placement is required, students may have opportunities to engage in teaching, research assistantships, or conference presentations outside the course requirements. International students holding a student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. These work rights do not form part of the course curriculum. Students should ensure their work does not interfere with their study commitments. For more information on work rights, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Delivery locations

The Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) is delivered at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) — Kensington, NSW. The Kensington campus is located in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 7 kilometres from the Sydney central business district. The campus is accessible by public transport, including buses and light rail. Sydney is home to over 1.5 million international students across multiple universities and colleges. There are more than 20 CRICOS-registered providers in the Sydney area offering courses at all levels. Living costs in Sydney are relatively high compared to other Australian cities; indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from A$400 to A$600. The city offers a vibrant multicultural environment, with many cultural and recreational activities. UNSW is a leading research university with state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and student support services.

Student visa

International students undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. The visa allows full-time study and work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Key requirements include: proof of enrolment via a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UNSW, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and dependents' expenses, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. OSHC is mandatory and covers medical and hospital care. The current visa application charge is approximately A$710 (subject to change). Dependents may accompany the student. For detailed advice, consult a registered MARA migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) at UNSW:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Browse courses by level, field, and location on HeadStart Academy to identify suitable doctoral programs. Confirm that UNSW (CRICOS 00098G) is registered for this course. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit UNSW's website (www.unsw.edu.au) for the application portal. Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, research proposal, English test scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0), and referee reports. Note application deadlines. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once accepted, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, GTE, and financial evidence. Processing times vary; apply well in advance.

Ready to take the next step? Browse more doctoral degrees in Australia on HeadStart Academy, or visit UNSW's website to apply.

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Source-backed course facts

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) 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.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education)
CRICOS course code
001051C
Provider
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (00098G)
Course level
Doctoral Degree
Field of education
06 - Health
Duration
208 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$236,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$240,000
Delivery locations
Kensington
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$236,000 for the full 4-year program, with non-tuition fees of A$4,000, totalling approximately A$240,000. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or visa costs. Fees are set by UNSW and subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the UNSW website.
The course duration is 4 years (208 weeks) on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time research degree. Part-time enrolment may be possible by arrangement with UNSW.
Entry typically requires a relevant master's degree (by research or with a research component) or a bachelor's degree with first-class honours. English proficiency of IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall (or equivalent) is expected. A research proposal and references may be required. Contact UNSW for specific requirements.
The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) — Kensington campus in Sydney, NSW. The campus is well-served by public transport and located in a vibrant student area.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$240,000 for Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Education) (tuition A$236,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with The University of New South Wales (UNSW) before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 001051C, offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (provider code 00098G). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.