Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) (CRICOS course code 039737D) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This research-intensive program in the field of Psychiatry (Health) prepares graduates for academic and clinical research careers. The University of Newcastle is a government-funded university (CRICOS 00109J) located in New South Wales. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource based on the official CRICOS register (April 2026). With an indicative tuition fee of A$223,364 and estimated total of A$224,972, this course offers comprehensive research training. Students conduct original research under expert supervision at the University's Callaghan campus. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, making this program one of many options for international students seeking world-class education at a doctoral level.
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The Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) is an AQF Level 10 doctoral degree focused on advanced research in medical studies. Students in this program undertake original research under the supervision of experienced academics, culminating in a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field of psychiatry. The field of education is Health (06), specifically Medical Studies (0601) and Psychiatry (060105). Graduates typically develop skills in critical analysis, research methodology, data interpretation, and scholarly writing. This program is ideal for those aiming to pursue careers in academic research, clinical leadership, or specialised psychiatry practice. While the specific curriculum is set by The University of Newcastle, doctoral degrees generally require students to complete a research proposal, ethics approvals, and a substantial independent investigation. International students benefit from Australia's strong research infrastructure and supportive academic environment.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 4 years, equivalent to 208 weeks. The language of instruction is English, and it is offered as a single qualification (no dual or combined award). There is no foundation study component. Students are expected to engage in full-time research throughout the program. The University of Newcastle may offer flexible arrangements, but the standard duration as registered is fixed. As a non-VET course, there is no VET national code. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative fees for the Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) as recorded on the CRICOS register are: tuition fee A$223,364 and non-tuition fees of A$1,608, giving an estimated total of A$224,972. These fees are set by The University of Newcastle and are subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. For current fee information, always check the provider's website at www.newcastle.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee fee amounts; we recommend confirming directly with the institution before applying.
Admission to a doctoral program typically requires a strong academic background. For this course, the English language proficiency guide is IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants are expected to hold a prior qualification such as a research master's degree or a bachelor's degree with honours (Class I or IIA) in a relevant field like medicine, psychology, or health sciences. Some candidates may be admitted based on a combination of qualifications and research experience. Foundation or pathway options may be available through the University’s enabling programs or postgraduate preparatory courses — refer to The University of Newcastle for specific entry pathways. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of financial capacity.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. It is a research-only doctoral degree with no integrated work placement or internship. Students may, however, have opportunities for teaching or research assistant roles within the university, but these are not part of the course requirements. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) is delivered at The University of Newcastle (Callaghan), located in CALLAGHAN, New South Wales. The Callaghan campus is the main campus of the university, situated approximately 12 km from the Newcastle city centre. Newcastle is a vibrant coastal city with a student population of over 60,000 across multiple institutions. The city offers a range of affordable living options compared to Sydney and Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $250-$350. Public transport includes buses and a light rail system connecting the campus to the city. The area is known for its beaches, cultural events, and strong community atmosphere. Australia is home to 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers, and Newcastle itself has several universities and colleges providing diverse study opportunities.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of study, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs sets annual living cost benchmarks — as of 2026, these are approximately A$21,041 per annum for a single student. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All CRICOS-registered courses come with ESOS Act protections, ensuring tuition assurance and refund safeguards. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent or visiting homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised guidance.
Newcastle offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With a lower cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne, it is an attractive option for students on a budget. The city has a strong healthcare and research sector, with the University of Newcastle's medical school and research institutes providing ample networking opportunities. Public transport is reliable, and the campus is well-connected. However, students seeking a larger city experience may prefer Sydney or Melbourne. Consider your preference for campus size, social scene, and climate. HeadStart Academy provides this information to help you make an informed decision — explore more locations and courses on our site.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more doctoral degrees in Health on HeadStart Academy, or begin your application directly with The University of Newcastle. Remember to check CRICOS registration and visa requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) 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.