Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) (CRICOS course code 079729F) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 4 years. This research-intensive program is designed for international students who wish to advance nursing knowledge through original investigation. RMIT, a government-owned university with CRICOS provider code 00122A, offers this course at its Bundoora Campus in Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered provider, RMIT meets rigorous Australian standards for international education, ensuring your qualification is recognised globally. The course falls under field of education 060300 (Nursing, n.f.d.) at AQF Level 10. With over 26,000 courses available across 1,500+ CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, this PhD represents a significant opportunity to contribute to healthcare research while experiencing life in Melbourne – a city with a student population exceeding 400,000 and vibrant research community.
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) (CRICOS course code 079729F) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 4 years (208 weeks). This program is classified under field of education 060300 – Nursing, n.f.d., at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 10. As a research doctorate, it requires you to produce a substantial thesis that makes an original contribution to nursing knowledge. The course is taught entirely in English and is a single qualification (no dual awards). RMIT, a government university (CRICOS 00122A), has been providing higher education for over 130 years and is recognised for its strong industry connections. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, giving you legal rights as an international student. Data for this page is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) is a research degree that involves an extended, supervised research project culminating in a thesis – typically between 80,000 and 100,000 words. Candidates develop advanced skills in research design, data collection and analysis, and academic writing. The field of nursing at this level often explores topics such as clinical practice improvement, health policy, patient outcomes, or nursing education. While exact topics depend on your supervisor, the program emphasises independent critical inquiry. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in academia, healthcare management, or specialist clinical research. As with all AQF Level 10 qualifications, the PhD requires you to demonstrate a substantial contribution to knowledge. RMIT provides access to its state-of-the-art research facilities and online resources. For specific research areas, consult the RMIT nursing research webpage.
According to the CRICOS register, Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) at RMIT has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). This is the standard full-time duration for a doctoral program in Australia. The course is conducted in English across all delivery activities. It is a single qualification (not a dual or joint award). No foundation studies are required, as the PhD presumes prior qualifications at a lower level. There is no mandatory work component. You will be expected to maintain regular contact with your supervisory team and meet progress milestones. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment. RMIT offers research training and development programs to support your candidature. The Bundoora Campus provides a dedicated research environment with libraries, laboratories, and study spaces.
Course fees shown are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change – always confirm directly with RMIT before applying.
These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the Student visa application charge. For international students, OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay. Living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$600–900 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. For current fees, visit the RMIT website at www.rmit.edu.au. Remember, this is a research program – you may be eligible for scholarships or research training programs. Always verify the total cost with RMIT's fee office.
Entry into the Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) requires a strong academic background and English proficiency. The indicative English language requirement is IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (or equivalent), as per RMIT's standards. You will typically need a master's degree in nursing or a related field, or a bachelor's degree with honours (at least upper second class). A research proposal outlining your intended study area is usually required. Some candidates may need to complete a research master's or a graduate diploma before being accepted. No foundation studies are offered for direct entry. Since requirements can vary, you should check the specific entry criteria on RMIT's course page. If you need advice on meeting requirements, consult a registered migration agent or contact RMIT's international admissions.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) is a research degree focused on independent study and thesis preparation. However, as an international student, you are permitted to work under your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions: up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled vacations. Many PhD candidates undertake tutoring or research assistant roles to supplement their income. While not required, relevant work experience can enhance your research and career prospects. Always ensure that any work does not interfere with your study obligations.
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) is delivered at RMIT's Bundoora Campus, located at Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083. Bundoora is a suburb approximately 18 kilometres north of Melbourne's central business district. The campus is well-served by public transport, including the 86 tram line and various bus routes connecting to the city and surrounding areas. Bundoora is part of the City of Whittlesea and offers a mix of residential and commercial facilities. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and has more than 25 CRICOS-registered providers offering doctoral degrees. The city's cost of living is moderate compared to Sydney, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$450–600. RMIT's Bundoora Campus houses health and biomedical research centres, providing a collaborative environment for nursing PhD candidates.
To study Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during your course's scheduled study periods and unlimited hours during any recognised vacation. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement applies – you must demonstrate that you intend to stay temporarily for study purposes. Financial capacity evidence is also required. After completing your PhD, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). HeadStart Academy cannot provide migration advice – consult a registered MARA migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest requirements.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Nursing), and location (Victoria). Confirm the provider (RMIT) is CRICOS-registered (00122A) and the course has the correct CRICOS code (079729F).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit RMIT's website (www.rmit.edu.au) and locate the Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) page. Prepare your academic transcripts, English language test results (IELTS 6.5–7.0), a research proposal, and any required supporting documents. Pay attention to application deadlines – PhD programs often have multiple intake dates.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – If accepted, RMIT will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Choosing to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) in Melbourne offers unique advantages. Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities, with a strong healthcare and research sector. The city boasts over 20 hospitals and numerous research institutes, providing potential collaboration opportunities. As an international student, you'll join a diverse community of over 200,000 international students. Living costs are manageable: average weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit is A$450–600, groceries around A$100–150, and public transport A$40–60 (with student concessions). Victoria is home to 36 CRICOS-registered universities and many other providers. When choosing a PhD, consider the reputation of the research group, supervisor expertise, and available facilities. RMIT's Bundoora Campus has dedicated research support, including ethics approval processes and statistical consulting. Always verify that your intended supervisor is available and has capacity. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you compare options – no fees, no commissions.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) 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.