Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences) (CRICOS course code 082557F) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by University of Tasmania (UTas) over 4 years. This AQF Level 10 course is designed for international students seeking to undertake original research in natural and physical sciences. As Australia's only island university, UTas offers unique access to pristine environments and world-class research facilities. The course is CRICOS-registered (00586B), ensuring ESOS Act protections and eligibility for a Student visa (Subclass 500). With an indicative total fee of A$173,000, the program spans 208 weeks and is delivered across three Tasmanian campuses: Burnie, Hobart, and Launceston. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 — a free resource with no commission. Explore whether this PhD aligns with your research goals and how to apply.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences) (CRICOS 082557F) is a doctoral-level research program offered by University of Tasmania (UTas), a government-funded institution with CRICOS code 00586B. The course falls under the field of education '01 - Natural and Physical Sciences' (specifically 019999 Natural and Physical Sciences, n.e.c.) and is classified as AQF Level 10 (Doctoral Degree). The program has a standard duration of 4 years (208 weeks) and is taught in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. According to the CRICOS register, the indicative tuition fee is A$173,000 with no additional non-tuition fees, bringing the estimated total to A$173,000. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. Always confirm current fees with UTas at www.utas.edu.au/international. The course is delivered at three locations: Cradle Coast (Burnie), Hobart (Sandy Bay), and Launceston, giving students flexibility to choose a campus that suits their research environment.
As a Doctoral Degree in Natural and Physical Sciences, this PhD program focuses on advanced research methods and original contribution to knowledge across a broad spectrum of sciences including physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. Typical learning outcomes include the ability to design and conduct independent research, analyse complex data, and communicate findings through a thesis. While specific syllabi vary by supervisor, graduates develop high-level skills in critical thinking, project management, and scientific communication. This field (019999) covers emerging and multidisciplinary areas not elsewhere classified, allowing for customised research topics suited to Tasmania's unique natural environment — from Antarctic studies to marine biology, geology, and renewable energy. Students are expected to complete a substantial thesis that demonstrates significant original research under expert supervision.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences) is registered on CRICOS with a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). This is the standard full-time duration expected for a doctoral degree in Australia. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification — no dual awards or embedded diplomas. There is no foundation study component; entry assumes prior qualifications at a high level. Part-time options may be available but are generally not permitted for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), which requires full-time enrolment. The course is delivered through research supervision, seminars, and laboratory work, with no mandatory work component. Students should plan for intensive research commitments across the 208-week period.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire program is A$173,000, with no additional non-tuition fees recorded on the CRICOS register, resulting in an estimated total of A$173,000. These fees are set by University of Tasmania (UTas) and are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — they are subject to change. Important: The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (approximately A$500–$700 per year for single cover), living expenses (estimated at A$21,041 per year for a single student according to Department of Home Affairs), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). To get the most accurate and up-to-date fee schedule, visit UTas's international student page at www.utas.edu.au/international. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for annual tuition increases and additional research costs such as materials or fieldwork.
Admission to this doctoral program typically requires a completed master's degree or a bachelor's degree with honours (at least 2A or equivalent) in a relevant field of natural and physical sciences. A strong research proposal and alignment with available supervision are essential. English language proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 (with no band less than 6.0–6.5) or equivalent is commonly required. Some universities may accept PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Foundation or pathway options: UTas offers pre-doctoral programs such as a Master by Research, but for this specific CRICOS course, no foundation studies are listed. International students should consult UTas's entry requirements page for exact criteria. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; places are competitive and dependent on supervisor availability. HeadStart Academy advises checking individual course prerequisites on UTas's website.
This course has no mandatory work component. The Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences) is a research degree focused on thesis completion, with no integrated industry placement or internship required. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled university breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work must not interfere with course progress. Researchers may also explore casual tutoring or research assistant positions within the university, but these are not part of the course curriculum.
University of Tasmania delivers this PhD across three campuses in Tasmania: Cradle Coast in Burnie, Hobart (Sandy Bay), and Launceston. Each location offers unique strengths: Hobart is the main campus with comprehensive research facilities and proximity to Antarctic research; Launceston features strengths in agricultural and environmental sciences; Burnie (Cradle Coast) provides a smaller, community-focused environment with access to coastal and wilderness study sites. Tasmania is home to over 120 CRICOS-registered providers across the state (April 2026), with UTas being the major university. Living costs in Tasmania are generally lower than mainland capitals: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from A$250–$400 in Hobart and A$200–$350 in Launceston/Burnie. Public transport between campuses and city centres is available, though some regional travel may require a car. When choosing a campus, consider your research area, supervisor location, and personal preferences for urban vs. regional living.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course (082557F) are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and provides work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. To obtain the visa, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependents (if applicable), and hold OSHC for the duration of your stay. The current visa application charge is A$1,600 (subject to change). All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition fee protection and consumer rights. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Tasmania offers a unique environment for doctoral research in natural and physical sciences. With 40% of the state designated as national parks and world heritage areas, researchers have direct access to pristine ecosystems, marine environments, and geological diversity. The University of Tasmania is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight-ish? (actually it's not Go8, but it is a leading research university with strong Antarctic and climate research programs). The state's student population exceeds 40,000 (including international students), creating a welcoming community. However, Tasmania's smaller scale means fewer direct flights and colder winters than mainland counterparts. Living costs are lower than Sydney or Melbourne, but job opportunities for partners may be limited. If you value a close-knit research environment with direct access to natural laboratories, Tasmania could be an excellent choice. Discuss your research proposal with potential supervisors before applying.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences) at University of Tasmania (UTas):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's search tools to compare doctoral courses in natural sciences across Australia. Filter by CRICOS registration, course level, and location. For this course, note CRICOS code 082557F and provider code 00586B.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit UTas's international admissions page (www.utas.edu.au/international) to review entry requirements, English language tests (e.g., IELTS 6.5-7.0), and application deadlines. Prepare your research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, and referee reports. Some departments require contacting a potential supervisor before applying.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: If accepted, UTas will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online (ImmiAccount), attaching evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Once approved, you can plan your travel to Tasmania. Remember, visa processing can take several weeks, so apply early.
Ready to apply? Visit University of Tasmania's international page at www.utas.edu.au/international for the latest fees and application details.
Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of Tasmania (UTas). 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.