Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) (CRICOS course code 088987B) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This research-intensive program is designed for students seeking to address complex environmental challenges through advanced scientific inquiry and engineering solutions. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00121B), it meets Australian Government standards for international education. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and UniSA is a government-owned institution with a strong reputation in environmental research. Located in Adelaide, South Australia, students benefit from a vibrant academic community and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. The indicative tuition fee is A$177,200, though fees are set by the institution and subject to change. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Adelaide is home to over 30,000 international students and offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The University of South Australia's campuses in City East and Mawson Lakes provide excellent facilities for environmental research. International students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource with no commission or referral fees.
Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) (CRICOS course code 088987B) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This program falls within the field of Environmental Studies (050900) under the broader Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies discipline. It is a research-only degree, requiring candidates to produce a substantial thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field. The University of South Australia is a government-owned CRICOS-registered provider (00121B) with a strong reputation in environmental science and engineering research. Students benefit from world-class supervision and access to facilities such as the Future Industries Institute. The course is offered in English and is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies. The indicative tuition fee is A$177,200, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. However, students should budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register, updated April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science and Engineering is a research degree at AQF Level 10 under the field of Environmental Studies (050900). Graduates at this level are expected to make a significant and original contribution to knowledge through independent research. Typical areas of investigation include climate change adaptation, water resource management, renewable energy systems, pollution control, and sustainable development. Students work closely with a supervisory panel to design and execute a research project that addresses real-world environmental problems. The program does not follow a taught coursework structure; instead, it emphasises critical analysis, experimental design, and scholarly writing. The University of South Australia encourages interdisciplinary approaches, often collaborating with industry and government agencies. While specific syllabus content is determined by the candidate's research topic, all doctoral candidates must complete a thesis of typically 80,000–100,000 words and undergo an oral examination (viva voce). This level of study prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutes, environmental consultancies, and policy development.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) is scheduled over 4 years and 1 month, equivalent to 211 weeks on the CRICOS register. This duration reflects the typical full-time enrolment for a doctoral degree, though part-time options may be available subject to visa conditions. The language of instruction is English, and the program is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. Students are expected to be on campus for research activities, but some flexibility may exist for fieldwork or off-site data collection. The University of South Australia provides research training modules to support candidates throughout their candidature. It is important to note that the CRICOS registered duration is a maximum; actual completion times vary depending on research progress. International students must maintain full-time enrolment and comply with student visa requirements, including meeting course progress standards.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$177,200, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. However, this does not include mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which for a single student is estimated at A$1,500–A$2,000 per year, nor does it include living expenses or the visa application charge. The total estimated cost of A$177,200 is for tuition only and is subject to change by the institution. HeadStart Academy strongly recommends confirming current fees directly with the University of South Australia via their official website (www.unisa.edu.au). The CRICOS register provides an indicative fee, but institutions may adjust fees annually. International students should also budget for accommodation (approximately A$200–A$350 per week in Adelaide), groceries (A$80–A$150 per week), and local transport (A$30–A$50 per week). These figures are guides only and may vary based on lifestyle and location.
Entry into the Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) typically requires a completed Master's degree (by research or coursework with a research component) or an Honours degree (First Class or Second Class Upper) in a relevant field such as environmental science, engineering, chemistry, or biology. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, with the University of South Australia typically requiring an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no band less than 6.0 or 6.5 depending on the research area. Other equivalent English tests (e.g., TOEFL, PTE) are also accepted. Applicants may need to submit a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor before applying. Some candidates with extensive professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Foundation or pathway programs are not applicable for doctoral entry; however, the University of South Australia offers a Master's by Research as a potential pathway. It is essential to check specific entry requirements on the University of South Australia website, as criteria may vary by research area and are subject to change.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree focused on independent study and thesis production, with no compulsory internships, industry placements, or practicum hours. Students may, however, choose to engage in casual teaching or research assistant roles for additional experience, but these are not part of the course requirements. The absence of a work component is typical for PhD programs in Australia, as the emphasis is on original research. International students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Any paid work must not interfere with course progress.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) is delivered at two campuses of the University of South Australia in Adelaide, South Australia. The City East Campus, located in Adelaide's central business district, offers facilities such as the Barbara Hardy Institute and the Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation. The Mawson Lakes Campus, situated about 12 km north of the city, houses the Future Industries Institute and engineering laboratories. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, with a population of approximately 1.3 million, including over 30,000 international students from more than 130 countries. The city is known for its affordability, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$300–A$400. Public transport, including buses and trains, connects both campuses to the city centre and suburbs. Adelaide has over 10 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses, making it a popular study destination. Students attending UniSA benefit from a vibrant cultural scene, festivals, and proximity to natural attractions like the Adelaide Hills and beaches.
International students enrolled in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the University of South Australia, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. As of 2026, the indicative living cost requirement is A$21,041 per year. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. It is mandatory to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. The ESOS Act protects international students' rights, including access to refunds and complaints processes. Always verify current visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised assistance.
Applying for the Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) at the University of South Australia is a straightforward process. Follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location to confirm that the University of South Australia is the right fit for your research interests. Check that your intended supervisor's expertise aligns with your project.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS/TOEFL), a detailed research proposal, and a CV. Submit your application through the University of South Australia's online portal. Application deadlines vary; check the university website for specific intake dates.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, UniSA will issue a CoE. Use this document to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds to support your stay.
Pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment, and environmental science and engineering is a competitive yet rewarding field. Before enrolling, consider the following: First, identify your research interests – are you passionate about climate change, water sustainability, renewable energy, or pollution remediation? The University of South Australia has strong research groups in these areas. Second, consider the location: Adelaide offers a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, but it is a smaller city with fewer industry connections outside of South Australia. Third, think about career outcomes: a PhD opens doors to academia, government research agencies (e.g., CSIRO), or private sector R&D. However, the job market can be competitive. Fourth, examine the supervision: check potential supervisors' publication records and ensure they have capacity to take on new students. Finally, plan financially: even with a tuition fee of A$177,200, living costs over 4 years add A$80,000–A$100,000. Many PhD students secure scholarships or research assistantships to offset these costs. HeadStart Academy recommends using the CRICOS register to verify course data and consulting the university for the most current fee and entry information.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science and Engineering) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of South Australia (UniSA). 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.