Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) (CRICOS course code 015804G) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This research-intensive program at AQF Level 10 in the field of Microbiology is designed for students aiming to make significant contributions to scientific knowledge in microbiology and immunology. Located at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney, the course offers world-class facilities and supervision. Indicative tuition is A$253,000 with non-tuition fees of A$4,000, totalling estimated A$257,000. OSHC, living costs, and visa application charge are not included. The course has no mandatory work component. An IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 is generally required. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. UNSW is CRICOS-registered (00098G) and ensures compliance with the ESOS Act, protecting your rights as an international student. For more details on entry requirements and fees, visit the UNSW website.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) falls under the field of Biological Sciences (Code 0109), specifically Microbiology (010911). At the Doctoral Degree level, students engage in original research that contributes new knowledge to the field. Typical areas of study include microbial pathogenesis, immunology, virology, bacteriology, and host-pathogen interactions. Students work under the supervision of experienced faculty and are expected to produce a thesis of publishable quality. The program emphasises critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, or public health organisations. Note that this is a general description based on the field of education; specific syllabus details should be confirmed with UNSW. Microbiology and immunology are crucial in addressing global health challenges such as infectious diseases and vaccine development. NSW is home to several leading universities and research hubs, making it an ideal environment for doctoral research. Sydney, where UNSW is located, has a vibrant biotech sector with opportunities for collaboration.
This course has a CRICOS-registered duration of 4 years, equating to 208 weeks. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation study components. Students are expected to engage in full-time research, though part-time options may be available under certain visa conditions. As a Doctoral Degree, the program requires a significant commitment to independent research and writing. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with student visa conditions. UNSW provides support services for international students including academic skills workshops, English language support, and research training. Most PhD students are required to be on campus for supervision, but some research may be conducted off-site. The university offers state-of-the-art laboratories and libraries. The duration is indicative and may vary based on research progress and thesis submission. Typically, a full-time PhD takes 3–4 years to complete.
Indicative tuition fees for the Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) are A$253,000 for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees amount to A$4,000, bringing the estimated total to A$257,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge are not included. OSHC for a single student is typically around A$600–A$1,000 per year. Living costs in Sydney, including rent, groceries, and transport, can range from A$400 to A$600 per week. For current fee information, always refer to the University of New South Wales website. UNSW may also offer scholarships or research stipends to eligible PhD candidates. It is advisable to explore funding options early in your application process.
Entry requirements for Doctoral degrees generally require completion of a bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8) or a master's degree (AQF Level 9) in a relevant field such as microbiology, immunology, or biological sciences. For international students, English proficiency is typically demonstrated through an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0 (exact requirements vary by institution). Some programs may require a research proposal or prior research experience. UNSW may also consider applicants with substantial professional experience. Foundation or pathway options are not available for PhD programs; however, some students may undertake a research master's before applying. Always check the specific entry requirements on the UNSW website as they may differ from this general guidance. International students should also ensure they meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa. A registered MARA agent can help assess eligibility.
This course has no mandatory work component registered on CRICOS. While PhD students may engage in teaching or research assistant roles, these are not part of the course requirements. 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 employment must not interfere with course progress. Engaging in research-related activities can enhance your experience and employability. After completing a Doctoral Degree, international students may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) with a stay period of up to 4 years, depending on their qualification. This provides valuable work experience in the Australian job market, particularly in research and development roles.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 7 km from the city centre. The campus is well-serviced by public transport, including buses and light rail. Sydney has a large international student population of over 200,000, with many universities and colleges. The city offers a multicultural environment, with cost of living estimated at A$500–$700 per week for a single student including rent. NSW has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses across all levels. Studying in Sydney provides access to world-class research facilities, including the nearby Randwick hospital precinct and various biotech companies. UNSW's Kensington campus is modern and well-equipped. The faculty of science has strong links with industry and government research organisations.
International students who accept a place in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UNSW. Key conditions include maintaining OSHC, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2025, the student visa application charge is approximately A$710. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to comply with visa conditions to avoid cancellation. The Department of Home Affairs provides up-to-date information. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for specific advice. Note that all CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student.
We have outlined a 3-step process for applying to the Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the HeadStart Academy website to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Microbiology and Immunology), and location (Sydney). Confirm that UNSW is CRICOS-registered (00098G) and that the course (015804G) is current.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the UNSW website to review specific entry requirements, including academic qualifications and English language test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5-7.0). Prepare your research proposal, transcripts, and any other required documents. Submit your application by the deadline.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW offers you a place, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Wait for visa approval before travelling to Australia.
A PhD is a significant commitment that requires passion for research and resilience. Before choosing this path, consider your research interests: microbiology and immunology are broad fields. Identify potential supervisors at UNSW whose expertise aligns with your interests. Funding is another key factor: while tuition fees are high, many PhD students receive scholarships or stipends. UNSW offers various funding options for international students. Location matters: Sydney offers a high quality of life but a high cost of living. Ensure you have adequate budget. Career outcomes: PhD graduates often move into academia, research institutes, or industry. The Australian job market for microbiologists and immunologists is growing, with opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Also consider the duration: a PhD typically takes 3-4 years, and international students must maintain their visa conditions. Finally, understand the ESOS protections: your rights as an international student are protected, including access to complaints processes.
Ready to start your PhD journey? Use HeadStart Academy to research CRICOS-registered courses like this one, compare providers, and find your path to studying in Australia.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology and Immunology) 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.