Doctor of Philosophy (CRICOS course code 006249D) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 4 years (208 weeks). This research-intensive program in Philosophy and Religious Studies (Field of Education 091701) is designed for students who wish to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. Deakin University is a public university with CRICOS registration 00113B, offering this PhD at three Victorian campuses: Geelong Waterfront, Melbourne Burwood, and Warrnambool. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can study this program under the Australian student visa framework. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you plan your study in Australia. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, Australia is a top destination for doctoral studies. This page is a free resource with no referral fees.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy (091701) is a research degree that requires students to undertake a substantial, supervised research project culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. Graduates demonstrate expert knowledge in philosophy, critical analysis, and independent research skills. The field of Philosophy and Religious Studies (09 - Society and Culture) covers areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and the history of philosophy. At AQF Level 10, this degree prepares graduates for academic, research, or high-level professional roles. While exact curriculum varies by supervisor and topic, students typically undergo a confirmation process, annual progress reviews, and a final oral examination. Deakin University's research strengths include applied ethics, political philosophy, and environmental philosophy. International students benefit from access to Deakin's research centres and libraries.
This Doctor of Philosophy course has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies or VET components. Study mode is typically full-time on-campus, but some components may be off-campus with supervisor approval. Deakin University expects PhD candidates to be enrolled full-time unless exceptional circumstances apply. The course length assumes continuous enrolment; extensions may be possible but require approval. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their Student visa (Subclass 500). The CRICOS register accurately reflects this duration, but actual completion times can vary depending on research progress.
The indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Philosophy (006249D) is A$156,568 for the full program (4 years). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. The estimated total cost is therefore A$156,568. These fees are set by Deakin University (Deakin) and are subject to change. Please visit the Deakin University website for current fee schedules. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$25,000–30,000 per year for a single student in Victoria), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). Note that tuition fees do not cover textbooks, equipment, or research-related expenses. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for at least A$50,000 per year total (tuition + living costs). Always confirm fees directly with the institution before applying.
Entry into the Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University typically requires a Master's degree (by research) or a Bachelor's degree with Honours (Class 2A or above) in a relevant field. Applicants must demonstrate research capability and provide a research proposal. The English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent. Some supervisors may require higher scores. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Deakin may offer pathways such as a Master's by Research for students who do not meet direct entry. It is important to check specific academic requirements with the University for your chosen research topic. Foundation studies are not applicable at this level. For visa purposes, evidence of English proficiency must be provided with your student visa application.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree, and all activities are directly related to the thesis project. However, students may be permitted to undertake casual or part-time work outside their studies, subject to student visa conditions. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Note that work rights are tied to visa conditions and may change. HeadStart Academy advises students to prioritise their research commitments, as the PhD is a demanding full-time program.
Doctor of Philosophy (006249D) is delivered at three Deakin University campuses in Victoria: Geelong Waterfront Campus in Geelong, Melbourne Burwood Campus in Burwood, and Warrnambool Campus in Warrnambool. Geelong is a coastal city with a student population of over 10,000, offering lower living costs than Melbourne (approx. $200–300/week rent). Melbourne Burwood Campus is in suburban Melbourne, close to public transport, with higher living costs (approx. $300–500/week rent). Warrnambool, a regional city, offers a quieter lifestyle with cheaper accommodation (approx. $150–250/week rent). All locations provide access to Deakin's facilities and supervisors. Choose a campus based on your research area and lifestyle preferences. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a popular study destination.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and English proficiency. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the duration of the visa; Deakin may offer a recommended OSHC provider. Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during holidays. Post-study work rights may apply after completing a PhD (up to 4 years on a Temporary Graduate visa). Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for individual advice. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring tuition protection and quality standards.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin University (Deakin):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter PhD courses by field (Society and Culture) and location. Verify Deakin's CRICOS registration (00113B). Identify potential supervisors and draft a research proposal.
2. **Apply directly to Deakin** – Submit an online application via Deakin's applicant portal, including academic transcripts, English test scores, research proposal, and supervisor support. Deadlines vary; check the University's website. Some intakes are year-round for PhDs.
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa** – If accepted, Deakin will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online. Include OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Before enrolling in a PhD in Australia, consider the following: research alignment with potential supervisors, scholarship availability (e.g., RTP, Deakin DUPR), living costs by city, regional vs. metropolitan campus life, and career outcomes. Victoria has a strong research ecosystem with universities like Deakin, University of Melbourne, and Monash. Geelong and Warrnambool offer lower cost of living and regional lifestyle. PhDs are intellectually demanding; ensure you have adequate support and resources. Also, check if your research area is eligible for post-study work permissions. HeadStart Academy provides data from the CRICOS register to help you compare options. Remember that all CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act. Consult with HeadStart Academy's free resources (not migration advice) to make an informed choice.
Ready to begin your PhD journey? Explore CRICOS-registered PhD courses on HeadStart Academy and start your application today.
Doctor of Philosophy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). 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.