Doctor of Philosophy (History) (CRICOS course code 085788M) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This CRICOS-registered program is designed for international students seeking to conduct original research in history at the highest academic level. UNSW is a government-funded university with CRICOS provider code 00098G, ensuring ESOS Act protections for overseas students. The course is delivered at UNSW Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, offering access to rich historical archives and research networks. As a doctoral candidate, you will develop advanced analytical and writing skills, culminating in a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource to help you understand the course structure, indicative costs, entry requirements, and student visa process. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Remember, this is not a migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for visa-specific guidance.
The Doctor of Philosophy (History) falls under the field of education '09 Society and Culture', specifically '0903 Studies in Human Society' and '090305 History' (AQF Level 10). At this level, students are expected to undertake independent, original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in their chosen area of history. Typical research areas may include Australian history, military history, political history, or social history. Graduates develop high-level skills in critical analysis, archival research, scholarly writing, and public presentation. While the specific syllabus is determined by your supervisor and UNSW, the program generally involves coursework in research methods (if required), comprehensive literature review, and a doctoral thesis of 80,000–100,000 words. Candidates also participate in seminars, conferences, and publications. The 4-year duration provides dedicated time for deep exploration of primary and secondary sources.
This course has a standard duration of 4 years (208 weeks as registered on CRICOS). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include a foundation studies component. The program is offered full-time on campus at UNSW Canberra. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. There are no online delivery options for this research-intensive doctoral program. Typical annual workload involves 48 weeks of study with scheduled breaks in line with university terms.
The indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Philosophy (History) at UNSW is A$193,000 for the full 4 years, as sourced from the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees (such as student services, materials, and thesis submission) are estimated at A$4,000, bringing the total estimated cost to A$197,000. These figures are indicative only and set by the institution; always confirm current fees via UNSW's official website. Additional costs not included in this estimate: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for you and any dependents (approximately A$500–$2,000 per year depending on policy), living expenses in Canberra (roughly A$500–$700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport), and the Australian student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). ESOS Act protections require providers to publish fees transparently.
Entry into the Doctor of Philosophy (History) typically requires a completed master's degree with a substantial research component, or a bachelor's degree with first-class honours in a relevant field. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, with an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent. Some candidates may need to submit a research proposal, provide academic references, and attend an interview. UNSW may offer pathway options such as a Master by Research or Pre-PhD program for those who do not meet direct entry. Always check the updated requirements directly with UNSW as they can change. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the UNSW admissions office for precise eligibility.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as a doctoral candidate, you may be involved in teaching or research assistance roles, but these are not compulsory. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled university breaks. Any work must not interfere with course requirements. Work rights are subject to visa conditions; always verify your specific conditions on your visa grant letter.
The Doctor of Philosophy (History) is delivered at UNSW Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory. Canberra is Australia's capital city, home to over 450,000 residents, including a large international student population (approximately 20,000 students study in Canberra across multiple CRICOS-registered providers). The city offers a safe, study-friendly environment with access to national institutions like the National Library, National Archives, and the Australian War Memorial — ideal for historical research. Public transport includes buses and light rail connecting the campus to the city centre. Weekly living costs in Canberra are about A$600–$800 for rent, groceries, and transport. Over 1,000 CRICOS-registered providers operate across Australia; UNSW Canberra is one of the leading research-intensive institutions.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for CRICOS course 085788M. Visa conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, meeting OSHC requirements, demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, and showing sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living expenses + OSHC). As of 2026, students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring refund policies, tuition assurance, and complaint processes. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent for the latest visa requirements.
Follow these three steps to apply for this CRICOS-registered course:
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's search tools to filter courses by level (Doctoral Degree), field (History), and location (Canberra). Confirm that UNSW (provider 00098G) is registered to deliver this course.
Step 2: Apply directly to UNSW – Check the specific entry requirements (qualifications, English test scores, research proposal). Prepare your documents, including academic transcripts, IELTS results (6.5–7.0), CV, and referees. Submit your application through UNSW's online portal. Note application deadlines – PhD programs may have multiple intake periods.
Step 3: Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa – If accepted, UNSW will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for course 085788M. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa. Prepare supporting documents: CoE, OSHC policy, financial evidence, GTE statement. Submit online via the Department of Home Affairs. Once granted, you can commence your studies at UNSW Canberra.
Canberra offers a unique environment for history doctoral candidates. As the seat of Australian government, it houses the National Archives, National Library, Australian War Memorial, and Parliament House. Many historians choose Canberra for proximity to primary sources. The city has over 3,500 international students enrolled in higher education across multiple universities. The cost of living is generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne – indicative rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$450–$600 per week. Public transport is affordable and accessible. However, Canberra is smaller and less bustling than larger cities; some students may find the slower pace ideal for focused research. Consider your personal preferences and research needs when deciding.
Ready to apply? Use HeadStart Academy's course search to compare doctoral programs in history across Australia.
View the full The University of New South Wales (UNSW) profile →
Doctor of Philosophy (History) 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.