Doctor of Philosophy (Leisure and Tourism) (CRICOS course code 027435F) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This research-intensive program is designed for students who wish to make a significant contribution to the field of tourism and leisure studies. As an AQF Level 10 qualification, the PhD prepares graduates for academic careers, senior leadership roles in tourism organisations, or policy development in government. The University of Newcastle is a public research university with a strong reputation in tourism and hospitality research, located in the coastal city of Newcastle, New South Wales. All international students must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course to obtain a student visa, and this program meets that requirement. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Leisure and Tourism) (CRICOS course code 027435F) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This program sits within the field of Management and Commerce, specifically Tourism (080701). As a doctoral-level research degree, students will undertake a substantial original research project culminating in a thesis. The University of Newcastle (CRICOS 00109J) is a government-funded university with over 40,000 students, including a vibrant international community. The degree is offered at the Newcastle City campus, located in the heart of Newcastle’s central business district. CRICOS registration ensures that the course meets Australian government standards for international student education, providing access to the ESOS Act protections.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Leisure and Tourism) falls under the broad field of Management and Commerce (08), specifically Tourism (0807). At the doctoral level, students engage in advanced research methodologies, critical analysis, and independent scholarship. While specific syllabus details vary by supervisor, typical outcomes include the ability to design and conduct research that advances knowledge in tourism, leisure, and hospitality. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, tourism consultancy, destination management, or corporate research. The University of Newcastle has a strong research culture, with dedicated supervision and access to libraries, data resources, and research networks.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Leisure and Tourism) has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). The program is delivered full-time in English. It is a single qualification, not a dual degree, and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to be on campus for most of the duration, though some research activities may be conducted off-site. The language of instruction is English, and all coursework (if any) and the thesis must be written in English.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$166,212, with non-tuition fees estimated at A$1,608, bringing the estimated total to A$167,820. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change by the institution. The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). For current fees, always check the University of Newcastle's website (www.newcastle.edu.au). Living costs in Newcastle are generally lower than in Sydney, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$300–A$400, groceries A$60–A$90, and a public transport pass A$40–A$60 per week.
Admission to a doctoral program typically requires a bachelor's degree with honours (Class IIA or above) or a master's degree with a research component. For international students, English language proficiency is required, with the indicative requirement being IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band less than 6.0–6.5, depending on the component). The University of Newcastle also accepts equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE. Some applicants may need to complete a research proposal or secure a supervisor before admission. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, pathway options such as a Graduate Diploma or Master's program may be available — consult the university for details. Always confirm exact requirements with the institution as they are subject to change.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are responsible for finding any optional work experience or internships independently.
The program is delivered at The University of Newcastle (Newcastle City) — Newcastle, NSW. Newcastle is the second-largest city in New South Wales, with a population of over 500,000. It boasts a lively student community, coastal lifestyle, and affordable living costs relative to Sydney. The city has over 10 CRICOS-registered providers, including several higher education institutions. The university campus is close to public transport (train, bus, ferry) and offers modern facilities. For more on studying in this state, see our guide to Doctoral Degrees in NSW.
To study this course, international students need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, travel), and proof of English proficiency. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. All international students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. The ESOS Act provides legal protections for international students, including refund policies and course change procedures. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA migration agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Leisure and Tourism) at The University of Newcastle (UoN):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's tools to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Management and Commerce), and location (Newcastle, NSW). Verify that The University of Newcastle is CRICOS-registered (00109J) and that this course is on the register (027435F).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check the University of Newcastle's website for application deadlines, entry requirements, and required documents. You may need to submit a research proposal, academic transcripts, and English test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). Some programs require you to secure a supervisor before applying.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and proof of funds ready.
Ready to begin your PhD journey? Explore more doctoral programs in Management and Commerce across Australia, or contact The University of Newcastle directly for application advice.
Doctor of Philosophy (Leisure and Tourism) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). 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.