Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering, Architecture, Design, Computer Science, Physics) (CRICOS course code 011526A) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Queensland over 4 years. This elite research program is designed for international students who aspire to push the boundaries of knowledge in engineering, architecture, design, computer science, or physics. The University of Queensland (CRICOS 00025B) is a government-run institution consistently ranked among the world's top universities, offering world-class supervision and facilities at its St Lucia Campus in Brisbane. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and all listed institutions are protected by the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that helps you navigate this landscape with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Please note: we are not a registered migration agent and do not provide immigration advice.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering, Architecture, Design, Computer Science, Physics) (CRICOS course code 011526A) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) offered by The University of Queensland. This research-intensive program spans four years (208 weeks) and is delivered entirely in English. It does not include a work component or foundation studies, and is a single qualification (no dual award). The field of education is Engineering and Related Technologies (broad field 03), specifically 'Engineering and Related Technologies, n.f.d.' (narrow field 030000). As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00025B), international students enrolled in this program are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality assurance and student rights.
As a Doctoral Degree candidate, you will undertake original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen discipline. Graduates at this level demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of a substantial body of knowledge, expert skills in research methodology, and the ability to communicate research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. In fields like engineering, architecture, design, computer science, and physics, this typically involves advanced experimental or theoretical work, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and a thesis of 80,000–100,000 words. The University of Queensland offers cutting-edge laboratories, computing resources, and expert supervision to support your research. Note: This is a general description of doctoral-level study; specific syllabi and research topics are determined by the supervising academic and the candidate's research proposal.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to be enrolled full-time, as is standard for international student visa holders. The University of Queensland may allow part-time study in exceptional circumstances, but this is not the norm. Always confirm with the provider regarding any flexibility in study mode.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$128,800 total. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$128,800. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Please visit The University of Queensland's official website for the most current fee schedule. Note: The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. As a guide, international students in Brisbane should budget approximately A$500–A$700 per week for accommodation, groceries, and transport. OSHC for a single student is around A$1,500–A$2,000 per year. Always confirm all costs directly with the provider.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Indicative requirements: IELTS overall 6.5–7.0 (with no band below 6.0–6.5). Other tests like TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. For academic entry, candidates typically need a four-year bachelor's degree (Honours) or a master's degree in a relevant field with a strong research component. Some applicants may be admitted based on a bachelor's degree plus substantial research experience. The University of Queensland requires a research proposal and agreement from a supervisor. Foundation/pathway options are not applicable at this level; if you do not meet entry requirements, consider a master's degree or graduate diploma first. Always check the provider's website for exact requirements.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa holder, you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This is not part of the course but a general visa entitlement.
This course is delivered at St Lucia Campus in ST LUCIA, QLD. The University of Queensland's main campus is located in Brisbane, Queensland's capital city, which is home to over 2.6 million people. Brisbane has a large international student community with more than 20 CRICOS-registered providers in the city. The St Lucia campus is well-connected by public transport, including buses and ferries, making it easy to reach from surrounding suburbs. Living costs in Brisbane are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$200–A$350.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application also requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to prove your intention to stay temporarily for study. For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide visa advice.
Brisbane offers a vibrant lifestyle with a subtropical climate, affordable living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and a growing innovation ecosystem. The University of Queensland is a Group of Eight university, providing strong research networks and industry connections. The city has excellent public transport and is close to beautiful beaches and national parks. However, consider that Brisbane can be humid in summer, and the public transport may not be as extensive as in larger cities. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationwide, you can compare options using HeadStart Academy's free search tool.
A doctoral degree requires a significant commitment of time and resources. Before applying, ensure you have a clear research question and a potential supervisor at UQ. Consider funding opportunities such as scholarships or research assistantships. The indicative fees of A$128,800 are substantial, but many PhD students receive stipends. Check the tax-free status of research scholarships in Australia. Also, think about career outcomes: graduates often pursue academia, R&D roles in industry, or government positions. The ESOS Act protects your rights as a student, including access to complaints processes. Use HeadStart Academy to explore other Engineering PhD programs across Australia.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering, Architecture, Design, Computer Science, Physics) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Queensland. 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.