Doctor of Philosophy (English) (CRICOS course code 085786B) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This AQF Level 10 program focuses on Literature (field 091523), part of the Society and Culture discipline. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00098G), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. UNSW is a leading public university with campuses in Sydney and Canberra. This PhD is offered at UNSW Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, a city known for its political and cultural significance. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this program represents a high-level research opportunity for international students. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed study decisions.
This Doctor of Philosophy (English) immerses you in advanced research within Literature (field 091523), a sub-discipline of Society and Culture (09). Doctoral candidates typically undertake independent research under expert supervision, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. You will develop critical analysis, scholarly writing, and research methodologies specific to English literature, literary theory, or related areas. The program is designed to produce graduates who can pursue academic careers, research roles, or high-level positions in cultural institutions, publishing, and education. While the exact syllabus is set by UNSW, all doctoral programs in Australia follow the AQF Level 10 guidelines, ensuring rigorous academic standards and a focus on scholarly excellence.
According to the CRICOS register, Doctor of Philosophy (English) has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — not a dual degree — and there is no foundation studies component. As a doctoral program, it is typically offered on a full-time research basis, though some flexibility may be available. International students should note that maintaining full-time enrolment is generally a condition of the Student visa (Subclass 500). The CRICOS registration ensures that the course length and mode of delivery meet Australian Government requirements for international students.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$193,000, with non-tuition fees estimated at A$4,000, resulting in a total estimated cost of A$197,000. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For example, living costs in Canberra are approximately A$450–A$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are set by UNSW; they are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the UNSW website before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this data as a free resource — no commission or referral fees are involved.
International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency, with an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). For a Doctoral Degree, you are expected to hold a prior qualification such as a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8 or higher) in a related field. Some programs may also require research experience or a research proposal. Entry requirements are set by UNSW and may vary. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this level; however, UNSW may offer preparatory programs for doctoral study — refer to the provider's website. Remember, all CRICOS-registered providers must publish clear admission criteria, and you should check directly with UNSW for the most current requirements.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Student visa (Subclass 500), you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks, subject to visa conditions. This work is optional and not part of the course curriculum.
This course is delivered at UNSW Canberra — Canberra, ACT. Canberra is the capital city of Australia, home to over 400,000 people and a growing student population of around 50,000. The city has more than 10 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a diverse study environment. Canberra's public transport network includes buses and light rail, making campuses accessible. Living costs in Canberra are moderate, with indicative weekly rent around A$350–A$500 for shared accommodation. The city is known for its safety, cultural institutions (like the National Library and Parliament House), and high quality of life. International students benefit from the ESOS Act protections, ensuring their rights are upheld at all CRICOS-registered institutions.
To study this course in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during breaks), and includes dependant options. Key requirements include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed information. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or visiting homeaffairs.gov.au for visa advice. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, which protects your tuition fees and study rights.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (English) at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Society and Culture), and city (Canberra) to find suitable programs. Use the CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) to verify registration status. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Check UNSW's entry requirements (including English test scores and academic transcripts), prepare your research proposal, and submit your application by the deadline. UNSW may have specific application rounds for PhD programs. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, UNSW will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and funds to cover the first year of study and living costs.
Ready to start your doctoral journey? Explore more PhD programs on HeadStart Academy or visit UNSW's website for application details.
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Doctor of Philosophy (English) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). 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.