Doctor of Philosophy (Joint - ECU home) (CRICOS course code 085258D) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) delivered by Edith Cowan University (CRICOS 00279B) over 3 years (156 weeks). This program falls under Field of Education 09 - Society and Culture, specifically Philosophy (091701). It is offered at four campuses: ECU City Campus in Perth, ECU Joondalup, ECU Mt Lawley, and ECU South West Campus in Bunbury, all in Western Australia. The indicative tuition fee is A$127,350 with no additional non-tuition fees. English language proficiency is required at IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can study under a Student visa (Subclass 500). Edith Cowan University is a government-funded public university known for its industry-focused research. HeadStart Academy provides this information sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you compare doctoral programs across Australia. The course does not include a mandatory work component, and it is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies. Students will engage in original research under supervision, contributing new knowledge to the field of philosophy. For detailed syllabus and research areas, please consult Edith Cowan University directly. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this program is one of many doctoral options available.
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This Doctoral Degree is in the field of Philosophy (091701), which sits within Society and Culture. Students will undertake advanced research, critically analyze philosophical theories, and produce a substantial thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. Graduates develop sophisticated analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills applicable in academia, research, and various professional fields. While specific syllabi vary by supervisor, typical areas include ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and social and political philosophy. The program is research-intensive, requiring independent study and close collaboration with supervisory panels. As a joint program (ECU home), it may involve partnerships with other institutions, but the primary registration and degree granting are through Edith Cowan University.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Joint - ECU home) has a CRICOS-registered duration of 3 years (156 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (no dual degree). There is no foundation studies component. Students are expected to be enrolled full-time to meet visa requirements, although part-time options may be available for domestic students or with special permission. The program is campus-based, requiring attendance at one of the four delivery locations. No online or distance mode is specified in the CRICOS record.
The indicative tuition fee for this course, as recorded on the CRICOS register, is A$127,350 for the entire program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0. Therefore, the estimated total cost is A$127,350. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (such as accommodation, food, and transport), or the Student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$600–$1,500 per year depending on coverage. Living costs in Western Australia vary: Perth's average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$350–$500, while Bunbury is more affordable at A$250–$350. Budget at least A$21,000 per year for living expenses. Fees are set by Edith Cowan University and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website (www.ecu.edu.au) before applying.
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band less than 6.0–7.0, depending on the research area). A prior qualification at AQF Level 9 (Master's degree) or AQF Level 8 (Honours degree with research component) is typically required. You will also need to submit a research proposal aligned with the expertise of available supervisors at Edith Cowan University. Academic transcripts, referee reports, and an interview may be part of the selection process. Some candidates may be admitted via a pathway such as a Graduate Diploma or Master's by coursework if they have significant relevant experience. Always verify specific requirements with Edith Cowan University, as entry criteria can vary by discipline and supervisor.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no internship, placement, or practicum as part of the program. However, 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. Any employment outside the course is not organized by the university and should not interfere with research commitments.
Doctor of Philosophy (Joint - ECU home) is delivered at four Edith Cowan University campuses across Western Australia. ECU City Campus is located in Perth's central business district, providing access to urban amenities and public transport (train, bus). ECU Joondalup Campus is in the northern suburb of Joondalup, about 25 km from Perth, with a major shopping centre and train station. ECU Mt Lawley Campus is an inner-northern suburb close to Perth's cultural precinct. ECU South West Campus in Bunbury is a regional campus 175 km south of Perth, serving a growing student population. Perth has over 12 universities and colleges, while Bunbury offers a quieter lifestyle. All campuses are accessible by public transport, and interstate students can fly into Perth Airport.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidentiary document, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency evidence. With a Student visa, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay. After graduation, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) depending on your qualifications and location. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa advice consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for this program: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Philosophy), and location (Western Australia) to compare options. Confirm that Edith Cowan University (CRICOS 00279B) meets your preferences. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Edith Cowan University's website (www.ecu.edu.au) to review entry requirements, prepare your research proposal, check English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), and note application deadlines. Submit your application online with all required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): If accepted, the university will issue a CoE (indicated by the CRICOS course code 085258D). Use the CoE to apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE and financial requirements. Your CoE also enables you to arrange OSHC.
Western Australia offers a unique environment for doctoral research, particularly in philosophy. Perth, the state capital, is home to a diverse student population of over 100,000 international students, with excellent research facilities and a strong economy. The cost of living in Perth is lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent around A$400 for a one-bedroom apartment. Bunbury, a regional city, offers a lower cost of living (A$280 rent) and a close-knit community. Both cities have reliable public transport. Consider your research field: if your topic aligns with ECU's strengths (e.g., applied ethics, philosophy of mind), the university provides strong supervisory support. Additionally, the ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, ensuring education quality and consumer protection. Before committing, research the specific research centres and supervisor profiles at ECU to ensure alignment with your goals.
Ready to take the next step? Use HeadStart Academy to compare this Doctor of Philosophy with other doctoral programs in Australia, and apply directly to Edith Cowan University.
Doctor of Philosophy (Joint - ECU home) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Edith Cowan University. 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.