Doctor of Health Sciences (074300J) at The University of Notre Dame Australia

What You'll Study

This course falls under the field of Education 06 - Health, specifically 0699 - Other Health and 069900 - Health, n.f.d. At the doctoral level, candidates undertake substantial independent research that contributes new knowledge to the health sciences. While specific syllabi may vary, typical areas include advanced research methodologies, health systems analysis, clinical leadership, and evidence-based practice. Graduates develop high-level skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, and scholarly communication. The Doctor of Health Sciences is not a dual qualification and does not include foundation studies or a VET national code. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 10 standards, ensuring your qualification is recognised internationally. Students are expected to produce a thesis or equivalent body of work that makes a significant original contribution to the health field. The program may involve coursework components, but the emphasis is on research. The University of Notre Dame Australia provides supervision from experienced academics. This program is ideal for those aiming to become leaders in health research, education, or clinical practice.

Duration and Study Mode

The Doctor of Health Sciences is registered on CRICOS with a duration of 3 years (156 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual degree. The course is offered on a full-time basis, with no work component included. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The University of Notre Dame Australia structures the program to provide a balance of research training and independent study. It is important to note that the duration may vary depending on individual progress, but the CRICOS registration reflects the standard timeframe. For students requiring part-time study, options may be available; however, international students should check visa implications. The course does not include foundation studies, so students enter directly at doctoral level.

Fees (Indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Health Sciences at The University of Notre Dame Australia is A$146,190 for the entire 3-year program. Non-tuition fees are A$0 according to the CRICOS register, meaning there are no mandatory additional charges from the institution beyond tuition. However, students should budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge, which are not included in this total. Indicative weekly living costs in Broome or Fremantle range from A$350-A$600 for rent, groceries, and transport, varying by lifestyle. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.nd.edu.au, as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. This indicative data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you compare courses.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Doctor of Health Sciences typically include an English language proficiency level of IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall (or equivalent). As a doctoral program, candidates are expected to hold a prior qualification such as a Master’s degree in a health-related field or a Bachelor’s degree with honours. Some applicants may also demonstrate significant professional experience. The University of Notre Dame Australia may require a research proposal and an interview. This course has no foundation or pathway options listed on CRICOS, so you should meet the direct entry criteria or discuss alternative pathways with the provider. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa. For precise details, contact The University of Notre Dame Australia directly or refer to their website.

Work Component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. According to the CRICOS register, there is no work placement, internship, or practicum as part of the Doctor of Health Sciences program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may seek employment during their studies, subject to visa conditions: 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work opportunities can provide valuable industry experience and supplement living costs. Nevertheless, the doctoral program is research-intensive and requires significant dedication to independent study. Students should prioritise their academic commitments and consider part-time work only if it does not interfere with their research progress. Always check your visa work conditions and refer to the Department of Home Affairs for updates. The absence of a work component means the course focuses solely on research and scholarly output. Students are expected to spend the majority of their time on thesis preparation, data collection, and academic writing. This structure is typical for doctoral degrees in Australia, which emphasise original research.

Delivery Locations

The Doctor of Health Sciences is delivered at two campuses of The University of Notre Dame Australia in Western Australia: Broome and Fremantle. Broome is a regional city in the Kimberley region, known for its unique cultural and natural environment. Fremantle is a vibrant port city near Perth, offering access to major health facilities and research centres. Both locations provide a supportive learning environment. Broome has fewer international students but offers a close-knit community, while Fremantle is part of the greater Perth area with many amenities. Public transport in Fremantle is extensive, with bus and train connections to Perth CBD. Broome has a smaller public transport network but is walkable. When choosing a campus, consider your lifestyle preferences and research needs. The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private institution with a strong focus on personal attention and academic excellence.

Student Visa

International students enrolling in the Doctor of Health Sciences will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus additional time. You must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration. Additionally, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel is also required. Upon receiving your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the university, you can apply for the visa. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.

How to Apply

Applying for the Doctor of Health Sciences at The University of Notre Dame Australia is straightforward with these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use our course search to filter by level, field, and location. Ensure the course meets your academic and career goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, including English test scores and prior qualifications. Submit your application, research proposal, and supporting documents before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application, along with evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. The university's website at www.nd.edu.au has detailed application procedures.

Is Western Australia the Right Place for Your Doctor of Health Sciences?

Western Australia (WA) offers a unique environment for doctoral studies in health sciences. With over 130 CRICOS-registered providers and thousands of courses, WA is home to renowned universities. Living costs in Perth are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging A$350-A$500. Fremantle, being a coastal city, offers a relaxed lifestyle with access to beaches and the port. Broome provides a tropical climate and a chance to engage with Indigenous communities and rural health issues. Public transport in Perth is reliable, with free bus services in the CBD. Students on a Student visa benefit from work rights and ESOS protections. Consider your research interests and preferred campus culture when choosing. Both campuses offer supervision in health sciences, but the specific expertise may vary. Contact the university to discuss potential supervisors.

Ready to start your doctoral journey? Begin by researching CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy, then apply directly to The University of Notre Dame Australia.

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