Doctor of Philosophy (CRICOS course code 076015J) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Australian University of Theology Limited over 3 years. This course, classified under field of education 091703 Religious Studies, is designed for students pursuing advanced research in philosophy and religious studies. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international education, ensuring quality and student protections under the ESOS Act. The program is offered across six campuses in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, providing flexibility for students to choose a study location that suits their lifestyle. With indicative tuition fees of A$84,960 and a total estimated cost of A$85,260, this doctoral degree represents a significant investment in academic and professional development. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and reliability. Whether you are exploring theological research or seeking to deepen your expertise in religious studies, this course offers a structured pathway to a doctoral qualification at a private higher education provider.
The Doctor of Philosophy (CRICOS 076015J) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) offered by Australian University of Theology Limited (CRICOS 02650E), a private higher education provider. The course is delivered over 156 weeks (3 years) and focuses on the field of Religious Studies (091703). Students engage in independent research leading to a thesis that contributes original knowledge to the discipline. This level of study requires critical analysis, advanced research methodologies, and scholarly writing. Australian University of Theology Limited is one of 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, ensuring that international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act. The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual or foundation options). Prospective students should verify current course details on the CRICOS register, as registration status may change.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies (field 091703) involves advanced exploration of philosophical and theological concepts, religious texts, ethics, and comparative religion. While the specific syllabus is determined by the provider, typical doctoral outcomes include the ability to conduct rigorous academic research, synthesise complex ideas, and present findings in a substantial thesis. Graduates develop expertise in critical thinking, scholarly writing, and original contribution to knowledge. The program aligns with AQF Level 10 descriptors, emphasising systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of the discipline. Students should consult Australian University of Theology Limited for their research areas and supervision availability.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a 3-year full-time program registered as 156 weeks on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification course — it does not include dual or foundation studies. Students are expected to engage in continuous research under supervision. The duration may vary depending on individual progress, but the CRICOS registration reflects the standard full-time load. Part-time options may be available for domestic students but international students must maintain full-time enrolment as per visa conditions. The course is delivered across multiple campuses, each affiliated with Australian University of Theology Limited.
As recorded on the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Philosophy is A$84,960, with additional non-tuition fees of A$300, bringing the estimated total to A$85,260. These fees are set by Australian University of Theology Limited and are subject to change. Important: fees shown are indicative only and do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge for Student visa (Subclass 500). International students should budget for additional costs such as accommodation, transport, and healthcare. For current fee schedules and any available scholarships, contact the provider directly via their website at www.actheology.edu.au.
General entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy include an overall IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent English test). Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or demonstrate equivalent research experience. Some students may need to complete a preparatory or pathway program if they do not meet direct entry criteria — check with Australian University of Theology Limited for specific foundation options. As this is a doctoral-level course, a strong academic background in a related field is essential. International students must also meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements for their student visa. Always confirm exact requirements with the provider before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-focused program with no integrated internship, placement, or work experience requirement. While students may choose to engage in voluntary research activities or casual work, the course itself has no work component. Note that 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. However, this work is not part of the course.
The Doctor of Philosophy is delivered at six campuses affiliated with Australian University of Theology Limited: Brisbane School of Theology in TOOWONG, QLD; Christ College in BURWOOD, NSW; Melbourne School of Theology - Wantirna campus in Wantirna, VIC; Morling College - Macquarie Park campus in MACQUARIE PARK, NSW; Morling College - Perth campus in BENTLEY, WA; and Morling College: Brisbane Campus in GAYTHORNE, QLD. Each location is in a major city with access to public transport and a vibrant student community. For example, Toowong is near Brisbane’s CBD; Burwood is a suburb of Sydney; Wantirna is in Melbourne’s east; Macquarie Park is a university hub; Bentley is near Perth’s Curtin University; and Gaythorne is north of Brisbane. Living costs vary by city — Sydney and Melbourne are typically more expensive, while Brisbane and Perth offer slightly lower costs. HeadStart Academy provides location-specific guides to help you choose the right study destination.
International students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in Australia for the duration of the course. Key requirements include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during recognised breaks. Australia’s ESOS Act provides legal protections for international students, including tuition assurance and refund policies. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised visa advice.
Ready to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy at Australian University of Theology Limited? Follow these three steps:
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to compare doctoral degrees in Religious Studies across multiple locations. Filter by course level, field, and city.
Step 2: Apply directly to Australian University of Theology Limited. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.5-7.0), research proposal, and supporting documents. Submit your application through the provider’s admissions portal before the deadline.
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once the provider issues your CoE, use it to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds ready.
Choosing to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies is a significant decision. First, consider your research interests — are you passionate about a specific area of religious or philosophical inquiry? The program requires years of focused independent study, so alignment with your academic goals is crucial. Second, evaluate the delivery locations. Australian University of Theology offers campuses in major cities across four states, each with different living costs and student communities. For instance, Macquarie Park in NSW is close to Sydney’s tech hub, while Bentley in WA is near Perth’s cultural and academic precinct. Third, understand the costs: indicative total fees are A$85,260, but you must also budget for living expenses (approx. A$20,000-25,000 per year for rent, food, transport) plus OSHC (around A$600-800 per year for single cover). Finally, check the entry requirements thoroughly and contact the provider to confirm supervision availability in your area of interest. HeadStart Academy’s free resource helps you compare CRICOS-registered courses and providers to make an informed choice.
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Doctor of Philosophy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian University of Theology Limited. 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.