Doctor of Musical Arts (CRICOS course code 059611G) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Western Australia (UWA) over 3 years. This AQF Level 10 program falls within the field of Creative Arts, specifically Performing Arts (Music). It is designed for accomplished musicians seeking to deepen their artistic practice through research and performance. UWA is a CRICOS-registered provider (00126G) and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, visa information, and application steps—all sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is your free, independent resource for comparing CRICOS-registered courses across Australia.
The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is a research-based doctoral degree equivalent to a PhD but focused on creative practice in music. Students undertake a substantial research project culminating in a portfolio of works, a public performance, and a written dissertation. The program typically includes advanced coursework in research methods and music scholarship. As a CRICOS-registered course (059611G), it meets the Australian Government's standards for international student enrolment. UWA's location in Crawley, Perth, offers access to world-class music facilities and a vibrant arts community. Perth is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a growing international student population of more than 50,000. The cost of living in Perth is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit around A$350–500, groceries A$80–120, and public transport A$40–60. The ESOS Act ensures your tuition is protected and your rights as a student are upheld.
This field of education (10 - Creative Arts, 1001 - Performing Arts, 100101 - Music) focuses on advanced creative and scholarly work in music. Graduates of a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) are expected to demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline. For the DMA, this includes mastery of performance, composition, or musicology, and the ability to conceive, design, and execute a major research project that makes a significant contribution to musical practice. While specific syllabi vary, typical areas of study include advanced performance practice, music theory, music history, and research methodologies. Students work closely with a supervisory panel of academic experts.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Musical Arts is a 3-year (156-week) program. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. It is not a VET course (no national code). Domestic students may have different duration options; international students must maintain full-time enrolment as per their visa conditions. UWA may offer flexible study arrangements, but on-campus attendance is expected. Always confirm the exact mode and duration with the provider.
The indicative fee structure for the Doctor of Musical Arts at UWA, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, is as follows: Tuition fee A$115,200 (total for 3 years), Non-tuition fees A$1,119 (including amenities and services fee), and an estimated total of A$116,319. These fees do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. OSHC for a single student is typically around A$500–700 per year. Living costs in Perth are estimated at A$21,041 per year for a single student (Department of Home Affairs 2026 rate). Visa application charge for Subclass 500 is A$1,600. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change—always confirm directly with UWA. HeadStart Academy does not set or guarantee fees.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall band score of 6.5–7.0 (or equivalent) with no band less than 6.0. For doctoral programs, a strong academic background is required, usually a master's degree in music or a related field, or a bachelor's degree with honours plus substantial professional experience. A portfolio of creative work and a research proposal are often required. Some applicants may be admitted via a pathway program (e.g., a Graduate Diploma or Master's qualifying course) offered by the same or another provider. UWA sets specific entry requirements—check the provider's website. HeadStart Academy advises consulting a registered migration agent for visa-related English exemptions.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Some doctoral programs may offer teaching or research assistantships, but these are not part of the CRICOS-registered course structure. Always check with UWA for any optional internship or industry placement opportunities.
The Doctor of Musical Arts is delivered at The University of Western Australia, located at 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009. Crawley is a suburb of Perth, about 5 km from the city centre. UWA's campus is near the Swan River and is accessible by public bus and the free CAT bus service. Perth has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city offers a range of cultural attractions, including the Perth Concert Hall and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Perth's international student community is well-supported with dedicated services at most institutions.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for course 059611G, evidence of English proficiency, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds, and OSHC. The visa allows work rights as described above. For dependants (Subclass 500 family members), work rights are also available. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice. ESOS Act protections apply, including Tuition Protection Service (TPS) if the provider fails to deliver.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Doctor of Musical Arts at UWA: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers:** Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Doctoral Degree), field (Music), and location (Perth, WA). Verify CRICOS registration for UWA (00126G) and course 059611G. 2. **Apply directly to UWA:** Submit your application through UWA's online portal. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0), research proposal, portfolio, and referee reports. Check application deadlines (usually September for February intake, or April for July intake). 3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa:** Once accepted, UWA will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for Subclass 500 visa online. Pay the visa fee, arrange OSHC, and demonstrate financial capacity. Await visa grant before travelling to Australia.
Perth is Australia's sunniest capital city, with a relaxed lifestyle and strong economy. It is home to four public universities (UWA, Curtin, Murdoch, Edith Cowan) and several private providers, offering over 2,000 CRICOS-registered courses. The city's arts scene is dynamic, with festivals like Perth International Arts Festival and venues such as the State Theatre Centre of WA. Living costs are moderate, and public transport is reliable. However, Perth is geographically isolated—the nearest major city (Adelaide) is a 3-hour flight away. If you value a close-knit student community and outdoor activities, Perth is an excellent choice. Consider your field's local industry connections: UWA has strong links with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and other arts organisations.
Ready to start your doctoral journey in music? Explore UWA's details and discover other doctoral courses in Western Australia.
View the full The University of Western Australia (UWA) profile →
Doctor of Musical Arts is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Western Australia (UWA). 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.