Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Technology) (Dual Award PhD with IMT Atlantique) (CRICOS course code 0101011) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This unique dual award program allows you to earn a PhD from both UniSA and IMT Atlantique, a leading French engineering school. The course focuses on advanced research in mechanical, industrial, and technology engineering, preparing graduates for high-level careers in academia, R&D, and industry. As a CRICOS-registered course (00121B), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. You will study at UniSA's Mawson Lakes Campus in Adelaide, South Australia—a city known for its affordable living and strong engineering sector. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy. HeadStart Academy is a free resource; we do not charge referral fees.
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This Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) falls under the broad field of Engineering and Related Technologies (03), specifically Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology (0307) with a focus on Mechanical Engineering (030701). At this level, students undertake original research that contributes new knowledge to the field. Typical areas include advanced manufacturing, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, robotics, and industrial systems optimization. The dual award with IMT Atlantique adds an international dimension, allowing collaboration with French researchers. Graduates develop skills in critical analysis, experimental design, and scholarly communication. While specific syllabus details vary by research project, the program generally involves coursework in research methods, literature review, and thesis preparation. As a CRICOS-registered course, the curriculum meets Australian quality standards. Note that this is a single qualification despite the dual award—you receive one testamur from each institution but it is classified as a single course on CRICOS.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Technology) (Dual Award PhD with IMT Atlantique) has a CRICOS-registered duration of 4 years and 1 month (211 weeks). This is a full-time research program conducted in English. It is a single qualification course (not a dual qualification) meaning you enrol in one program that leads to one degree awarded jointly by UniSA and IMT Atlantique. Foundation studies are not included. The program does not have a VET national code as it is a higher education doctoral degree. Study mode is on-campus at the Mawson Lakes Campus, though some research may be conducted off-site. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative total tuition fee for this course is A$177,200, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, making the estimated total also A$177,200. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Adelaide are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne—expect around A$350–A$500 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Fees are set by University of South Australia and subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website before applying. HeadStart Academy sources indicative fees from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Entry into a Doctoral Degree typically requires a Bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8) or a Master's degree (AQF Level 9) in a related field, with a strong research component. For this program, you will likely need a background in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a closely related discipline. English language proficiency is required; the indicative IELTS requirement is 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0–6.5). Other tests like TOEFL or PTE may be accepted. Some applicants may be admitted via a pathway such as a Master's by Research. Contact the provider for specific prerequisite qualifications and any additional requirements like research proposals or interviews. HeadStart Academy does not provide admissions advice—always consult the institution directly.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component such as an internship or placement. However, PhD students often engage in teaching or research assistant roles independently. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Any paid work related to the program (e.g., research assistant) must not exceed these limits.
This course is delivered at University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, located in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Mawson Lakes is a northern suburb of Adelaide, approximately 12 km from the city centre. Adelaide has a population of about 1.3 million and is home to over 30,000 international students from 130 countries. The city offers affordable living costs—average weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit is around A$350, and public transport is efficient with buses and trains connecting to the campus. Mawson Lakes Campus is a modern technology precinct with strong links to industry. South Australia has 11 CRICOS-registered universities and 22 other providers offering over 3,000 courses. The state is known for its defence, manufacturing, and mining sectors, providing PhD graduates with diverse career opportunities.
International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UniSA, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, and living costs, and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. OSHC must be arranged before visa grant. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The visa is typically valid for the course duration plus additional time. Note that this course duration (4 years 1 month) is registered on CRICOS—visa validity will align. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers filtered by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Mechanical Engineering), and location (South Australia). Use HeadStart Academy's directory to compare options. Step 2: Apply directly to University of South Australia (UniSA) by meeting entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts, research proposal) before the application deadline. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UniSA and then apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and financial evidence ready.
Mawson Lakes is a purpose-built innovation district, home to technology companies, startups, and UniSA's STEM faculties. The campus features state-of-the-art labs and co-working spaces. Living in Adelaide means lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne—approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for a single person (excluding tuition). Public transport from Mawson Lakes to Adelaide city centre takes about 25 minutes by train. The city has a vibrant cultural scene and easy access to beaches and wine regions. For PhD students, South Australia offers industry partnerships in defence (ASC, BAE Systems) and renewable energy (Tesla, SA Power Networks). The state government also provides scholarships for international PhD students. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality assurance under the ESOS Act.
Start your application journey today. Use HeadStart Academy to compare CRICOS-registered doctoral programs in Mechanical Engineering and take the next step toward your PhD.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Technology) (Dual Award PhD with IMT Atlantique) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of South Australia (UniSA). 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.