Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum Engineering (CRICOS course code 008931C) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This AQF Level 10 qualification is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in petroleum engineering, a field that combines engineering principles with geology and resource management. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00098G), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). The course is delivered at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney, one of Australia's premier research universities.
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Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum Engineering (CRICOS course code 008931C) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW), a CRICOS-registered provider (00098G) classified as a Government university. This course falls under the field of education '03 - Engineering and Related Technologies', specifically '0303 - Process and Resources Engineering', and is designed to produce graduates who can conduct independent research and contribute new knowledge to the petroleum engineering discipline. UNSW is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools globally, making this an attractive option for international students seeking a high-quality research degree. Australia's ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring international students receive quality education and student support.
As a Doctoral Degree in Petroleum Engineering, this program focuses on advanced research in areas such as reservoir engineering, drilling and completions, production optimisation, and hydrocarbon recovery. Students typically undertake a substantial research project under supervision, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field. The course develops skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, and technical communication. While the exact syllabus is set by UNSW, graduates of this level are expected to demonstrate specialist knowledge and the capacity to conduct research independently. This field is critical to Australia's energy sector, with many graduates finding opportunities in oil and gas companies, consulting firms, and research institutions.
The Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum Engineering has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include a foundation studies component. Full-time study is typical for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is research-intensive, meaning students will spend most of their time on independent research with supervision meetings, rather than traditional coursework.
The indicative tuition fee for Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum Engineering at UNSW is A$253,000 for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees (including student services and amenities fee) are estimated at A$4,000, bringing the estimated total to A$257,000. Please note: these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change by the provider. Always confirm current fees on UNSW's website. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent in Sydney averages A$350–600 per week for a room), and the visa application charge. International students should budget at least A$21,041 per year for living costs as advised by the Department of Home Affairs.
Admission to a Doctoral Degree typically requires a bachelor's degree with honours (or equivalent) in a related field such as engineering, petroleum engineering, or geoscience. For international students, English language proficiency is required: IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0) is a common benchmark, though UNSW may set specific requirements. Some applicants may need to complete a pathway program (e.g., a Master's degree) before commencing the PhD. Entry is competitive and based on academic merit and research proposal. HeadStart Academy recommends checking UNSW's official entry requirements and contacting the faculty for specific guidance. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
This course has no mandatory work component. It is a research-based doctoral program without industry placement or internship requirements. However, students may choose to engage in casual work during their studies, subject to visa conditions.
The Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum Engineering is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. The Kensington campus is located in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 6 km from the city centre. Sydney is home to over 140,000 international students and has excellent public transport links, including buses and light rail to the campus. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a single person around A$350–600, groceries A$80–150, and transport A$40–60. The campus provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the UNSW library.
International students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum Engineering will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Key requirements for the visa include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act provides protections, including tuition fee refund arrangements and support services. For visa application assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare doctoral programs in petroleum engineering across Australia. Filter by course level, field, and location to find your ideal program. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: For UNSW, prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.5-7.0), research proposal, and referee reports. Check application deadlines (typically aligned with semesters) and submit via UNSW's online application portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW issues your CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Processing times vary, so apply early.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with a vibrant multicultural population and a strong job market in engineering and resources. The city offers a high standard of living, but also higher costs. The University of New South Wales is located in Kensington, close to beaches and parks, and is easily accessible by public transport. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, you have many choices, but Sydney's concentration of universities and research institutions makes it a hub for doctoral studies. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and the support network available when deciding.
View the full The University of New South Wales (UNSW) profile →
Doctor of Philosophy - Petroleum 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.