Doctor of Education (CRICOS course code 023972B) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Curtin University over 4 years. This program is designed for experienced educators and professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in education studies and contribute original research to the field. As an AQF Level 10 qualification, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in education policy, curriculum development, and academic research. Curtin University, a public research institution (CRICOS 00301J), is one of Australia's leading providers of doctoral programs, with a strong focus on innovation and global engagement. The course is delivered at its Bentley campus in Perth, Western Australia, a city known for its vibrant student community and strong education sector. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, this program stands out for its research-intensive approach and alignment with Australia's Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protections, ensuring international students receive a high-quality education. Whether you aim to advance your career in academia or influence educational systems, this Doctor of Education offers a rigorous yet flexible pathway.
Doctor of Education (CRICOS course code 023972B) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Curtin University over 4 years. This program is part of the field of Education (0703 - Curriculum and Education Studies) and focuses on advanced research in education theory, practice, and policy. Graduates typically emerge as experts capable of driving change in educational institutions, government agencies, and research organisations. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international students. As an AQF Level 10 qualification, it requires a significant research component, culminating in a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the discipline. Curtin University, a government-owned institution, has a strong reputation for research excellence, particularly in education and social sciences. With over 50,000 students, including many international students, the university provides a supportive environment for doctoral candidates. The course is delivered in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component, and does not include a mandatory work component.
The Doctor of Education focuses on Education Studies (070303), encompassing curriculum theory, educational leadership, policy analysis, and research methodologies. At this doctoral level, students undertake original research that addresses complex issues in education, such as equity, technology integration, and pedagogical innovation. The program typically involves coursework in research design and then a substantial thesis (80,000–100,000 words) under the supervision of experienced academics. While specific curriculum details are set by the provider, graduates of this field are prepared to critically evaluate educational systems, develop evidence-based solutions, and lead organisational change. The AQF Level 10 descriptor emphasises that graduates will have systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline. This means you'll develop skills in independent research, critical analysis, and scholarly communication. The program is ideal for those with a background in education who want to move into senior roles in academia, government, or private sector education consultancy.
The Doctor of Education has a CRICOS-registered duration of 4 years (208 weeks). This is the standard full-time equivalent for a doctoral degree in Australia. The course is delivered in English, and there is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are expected to maintain full-time enrolment. Most doctoral programs at Curtin University offer flexible study arrangements, including the option to study on campus or through a combination of on-campus and remote supervision, subject to visa conditions. However, the CRICOS registration for this course specifies delivery at the Bentley campus only. It is important to note that the duration may vary depending on the progress of your research, and extensions may be possible with the provider's approval. The program is structured as a single qualification, meaning you graduate with only the Doctor of Education award.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$100,500 for the full 4-year program, as recorded on the CRICOS register (April 2026). Additional non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,000 (including student services and amenities fees), bringing the estimated total to A$101,500. These fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with Curtin University. The tuition fee does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (see our OSHC page for guidance), living expenses, or the visa application charge for a Student visa. International students should budget for living costs in Perth: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$300–$450, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$40–$60. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Always check the official Curtin University website for the most current fees and any scholarships available.
Entry to the Doctor of Education typically requires a recognised master's degree or equivalent in education or a related field, plus several years of professional experience in education. International students must meet English language proficiency requirements: an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (with no band below 6.0) is generally expected, though specific bands may vary. Some applicants with a strong research background may be considered with a bachelor's degree with honours. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this level, but Curtin University may offer pre-sessional English courses for those who do not meet the English requirement. It is crucial to verify entry requirements directly with Curtin University, as they are subject to change and may include additional criteria such as a research proposal, referee reports, and an interview. All international students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa application.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component such as an internship or practicum. However, as a doctoral candidate, you may have opportunities for teaching or research assistantships within Curtin University, but these are not compulsory and would be arranged separately. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are a valuable way to gain experience and supplement income, but they must not interfere with your study commitments. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
This course is delivered at Curtin University of Technology — Bentley, Western Australia. Bentley is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Perth is known for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and a thriving student population of over 200,000. The city is home to five public universities and numerous CRICOS-registered providers, making it a popular destination for international students. Living costs in Perth are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$200–$350. Public transport is accessible via trains and buses, with a student concession card offering discounts. The Bentley campus is located about 6 km from the Perth CBD and is well-connected by bus and cycle paths. The campus features modern facilities, including libraries, research centres, and student support services. Curtin University has been a key player in Western Australia's education landscape since 1966, with a strong reputation for research and industry partnerships.
International students enrolling in the Doctor of Education at Curtin University will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application requires evidence of English proficiency, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, financial capacity (tuition, living costs, travel), and health insurance. The indicative financial capacity for a single student in Perth is approximately A$21,041 per year for living costs (excluding tuition). All applicants must satisfy the GTE criterion, demonstrating that they intend to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily for study. For detailed guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy provides general information only and does not offer immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Doctor of Education at Curtin University: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use our course search to filter by Doctoral Degree and Education Studies in Western Australia. Compare providers based on location, fees, and specialisations. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your documents (qualifications, English test scores, research proposal, references) and submit an online application via Curtin University's admissions portal. Check application deadlines—doctoral programs often have multiple intakes. Fulfil all entry requirements, including English proficiency (IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall). 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Curtin will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online, providing evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Await visa grant, then plan your arrival in Perth.
Ready to apply? Start your journey by researching CRICOS-registered providers and comparing doctoral programs in Education on HeadStart Academy today.
Doctor of Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Curtin University. 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.