Doctor of Philosophy (Complementary Medicine) (CRICOS course code 079728G) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 4 years. This course is designed for international students seeking to conduct advanced research in complementary medicine, particularly in areas like Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00122A), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. RMIT is a government university based in Melbourne, Victoria, with a strong reputation for research and industry engagement. This page provides detailed information on fees, entry requirements, study locations, and the student visa process for this PhD program.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Complementary Medicine) (CRICOS course code 079728G) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) offered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (CRICOS 00122A). The field of education is Health (06) with a focus on Complementary Therapies (0619) and specifically Traditional Chinese Medicine (061905). This research-based program allows students to undertake a significant original investigation in a chosen area of complementary medicine. The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual award). It does not include a mandatory work component, but students may engage in research-related activities. The indicative total fee is A$166,612, covering tuition and non-tuition costs. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that lists 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses. ESOS Act protections apply to all listed institutions.
As a Doctoral Degree in Complementary Medicine, this course equips students with advanced research skills and knowledge to make a significant contribution to the field of traditional and complementary therapies. Graduates typically develop expertise in research design, data analysis, and critical evaluation of evidence in areas such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, or integrative health. The program involves independent research under supervision, culminating in a thesis. While the specific syllabus is determined by RMIT, students can expect to engage with contemporary issues in complementary medicine, health policy, and clinical practice. This level of study prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, or clinical settings. Australia has over 26,000 CRICOS-registered courses across all levels, and this PhD offers a pathway to becoming a subject matter expert.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Complementary Medicine) has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification; no dual or combined awards are offered. The course does not include foundation studies. As a research degree, students are expected to work on their thesis throughout the duration. RMIT may offer flexible study arrangements, but the CRICOS duration is fixed at 4 years. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with visa conditions. The Bundoora Campus in Melbourne, Victoria, is the only delivery location.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$165,120 for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees (which may include student services, amenities, or materials) are estimated at A$1,492, bringing the total estimated cost to A$166,612. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Please note: Fees are subject to change. Always check RMIT's official website (www.rmit.edu.au) for current fees. The following costs are not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$450–A$600 per week for rent, food, and transport. International students must demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay.
Entry into a Doctoral Degree typically requires completion of a recognised bachelor's degree with honours or a master's degree in a relevant field. For this course, RMIT expects a strong academic background in health, complementary medicine, or related disciplines. English language proficiency is required, with an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). Some candidates may need to demonstrate research experience or submit a research proposal. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this level; however, RMIT offers pre-research programs for some candidates. For precise requirements, contact RMIT directly. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration or admission advice; always consult the provider and a registered MARA agent for visa guidance.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, PhD students often engage in teaching or research assistant roles, and international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Any work must not interfere with the course requirements. Work rights are subject to visa conditions, and students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current rules.
This course is delivered at the Bundoora Campus, located at Plenty Road, Bundoora, Victoria 3083. Bundoora is a suburb in northern Melbourne, approximately 16 km from the city centre. The campus is accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and has many CRICOS-registered providers (over 60 in Victoria). Living in Melbourne offers a vibrant multicultural environment, with indicative weekly costs: rent A$250–A$400, groceries A$60–A$100, and transport A$40–A$60. The ESOS Act ensures student rights and protections.
International students enrolling in this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, travel). Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during course periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions vary; always check the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only. We recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for visa applications.
Apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Complementary Medicine) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Complementary Medicine), and location (Victoria). Compare RMIT with other options. 2. Apply directly to RMIT: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.5–7.0), research proposal, and referee reports. Check application deadlines on RMIT's website. RMIT is a government university with CRICOS code 00122A. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you have the CoE, submit a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement.
Ready to start your PhD journey? Explore more Doctoral Degree courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy, or visit RMIT's website to begin your application.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Complementary Medicine) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. 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.