Doctor of Philosophy (Business) (CRICOS course code 079807G) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 4 years. This program is designed for aspiring researchers and academics aiming to contribute original knowledge to the field of business management. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00122A), it meets Australian Government standards for international students and is protected under the ESOS Act. Located at RMIT's Melbourne campus, this PhD offers a rigorous research environment within a vibrant city known for its multicultural student population. Australia hosts over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this doctoral program stands out for its focus on management and commerce. Whether you aim to become a thought leader or advance in academia, this degree provides the foundation. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Always confirm details with the provider before applying.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Business) (CRICOS course code 079807G) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (CRICOS 00122A), a government-funded university. The course belongs to the field of Management and Commerce (0803), specifically Business Management (080301). It is a research-intensive program requiring students to undertake substantial original research culminating in a thesis. The duration is 4 years (208 weeks) with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification with no dual awards or foundation studies component. RMIT is a prominent provider in Melbourne, which hosts numerous CRICOS-registered institutions. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee safeguards and access to complaints processes. As a doctoral candidate, you will engage with cutting-edge business theories and methodologies under expert supervision.
This doctoral program is situated within the broad field of Management and Commerce (0803), focusing on Business Management (080301). At AQF Level 10, graduates demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline. You will develop advanced research skills, including designing and executing a research project, analyzing data, and communicating findings to both academic and non-academic audiences. Typical learning outcomes involve contributing original knowledge to business management, such as in organizational behavior, strategic management, or innovation. While the specific syllabus is set by RMIT, the course prepares you for leadership roles in research, academia, or industry. The program emphasizes independent study, with milestones such as confirmation of candidature and thesis submission. You will work closely with a supervisory panel of experienced researchers.
According to the CRICOS register, Doctor of Philosophy (Business) has a duration of 4 years, equivalent to 208 weeks. Instruction is in English, and the course is offered as a single qualification (no dual awards). It does not include any foundation studies component. Typically, doctoral candidates enroll full-time to meet visa requirements, though part-time options may be available for domestic students. The program structure includes coursework in research methods and ethics, followed by a substantial thesis. RMIT provides access to research resources, libraries, and supervisory support. International students must maintain full-time enrollment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The 4-year duration is standard for Australian PhDs, though actual completion times vary. Always confirm the latest study mode options directly with RMIT.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$165,120, with non-tuition fees of A$1,492, giving an estimated total of A$166,612. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For a single student, OSHC typically costs around A$600–A$700 per year, and living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$30,000–A$35,000 annually (including rent, groceries, and transport). Melbourne's average weekly rent for a shared apartment is about A$250–A$350. Always confirm current fees with RMIT's official website (www.rmit.edu.au) as institutions adjust fees periodically. Remember, course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register — they are not guaranteed.
Entry into Doctor of Philosophy (Business) typically requires a bachelor's degree with honours or a master's degree with a research component, demonstrating high academic achievement. English language proficiency is assessed via IELTS (overall 6.5–7.0) or equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE. Some applicants may need to complete a research proposal and attend an interview. Foundation or pathway options are not typically offered for direct entry to a PhD; however, RMIT may offer a Master by Research or a Graduate Diploma as stepping stones. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and provide evidence of financial capacity. Consult RMIT's website for precise entry criteria and any prerequisites specific to the business field. HeadStart Academy advises always checking official entry requirements with the institution.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory internship, placement, or work experience element. However, doctoral candidates often engage in teaching or research assistant roles voluntarily. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. These work rights provide flexibility to gain experience and supplement income. While not part of the curriculum, many PhD students find part-time work in research or academia. Remember to check visa work condition updates on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Doctor of Philosophy (Business) is delivered at RMIT University - 124 Latrobe Street, Melbourne, in the city of Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, with a population of over 5 million, and hosts a large international student community (approximately 250,000 international students). The city offers excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses) and a vibrant cultural scene. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$400–A$500 and monthly groceries about A$400–A$600. RMIT's campus is centrally located, providing access to libraries, research centers, and student services. International students benefit from a diverse environment and strong industry connections. For those considering other locations, Victoria has numerous CRICOS-registered providers offering similar doctoral programs.
To study Doctor of Philosophy (Business) as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain adequate OSHC, and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent. You must also show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents. As of April 2026, the base visa application fee is A$650 (subject to change). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Post-study work rights may be available after graduation for doctoral graduates. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
Melbourne is a top destination for doctoral studies, with multiple universities and research institutes. It is home to over 150,000 international students and offers a high quality of life, though living costs are significant. The city has a strong public transport network, making RMIT's campus easily accessible. Melbourne's diverse economy includes thriving business and finance sectors, providing networking opportunities for PhD candidates. However, consider your budget: weekly rent for a shared apartment averages A$250–A$350, and annual living costs are around A$30,000. For a research-focused program like this, access to supervisors and research facilities is crucial. Melbourne's strong academic community in management and commerce makes it a suitable choice. Weigh these factors against other Australian cities like Sydney or Brisbane before deciding.
The application process for Doctor of Philosophy (Business) at RMIT involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by doctoral level, business field, and location. Confirm that RMIT (CRICOS 00122A) offers this course (CRICOS 079807G) and review entry requirements.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit your application through RMIT's online portal, including academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent), a research proposal, and referee reports. Check application deadlines and prerequisites, as PhD applications often require supervisor endorsement.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, RMIT will issue a CoE. Then apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs, providing evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE compliance. Allow several weeks for visa processing.
Remember to consult RMIT's admissions page for detailed instructions. HeadStart Academy provides free resources but recommends contacting a registered migration agent for visa assistance.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Business) 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.