Doctor of Philosophy (Public Health and Behavioural Sciences) (CRICOS course code 096518J) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This AQF Level 10 qualification is designed for individuals aiming to undertake high-level research in public health, behavioural sciences, and related interdisciplinary fields. Graduates emerge as independent researchers capable of contributing new knowledge to improve population health outcomes. The University of Newcastle is a government-funded CRICOS-registered provider (00109J) with a strong reputation for health research. This course is delivered at the Callaghan campus in Newcastle, NSW – a vibrant regional city with a large student population and lower living costs compared to Sydney. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from ESOS Act protections and can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource – no referral fees, no commissions. Always verify current course details directly with the institution.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Public Health and Behavioural Sciences) (CRICOS code 096518J) is a 4-year doctoral program at The University of Newcastle. This research-intensive degree prepares students to design and execute original research that advances the fields of public health and behavioural science. The course is classified under the field of education 061399 – Public Health, n.e.c., and is delivered at the highest level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 10). The University of Newcastle is one of Australia's leading research universities, with strong industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities. The Callaghan campus offers a supportive environment for doctoral candidates, with access to dedicated research centres and supervision from experienced academics. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student education, ensuring quality and legal protections.
As a doctoral candidate, you will undertake a supervised research project culminating in a thesis that makes a significant original contribution to knowledge. The program covers advanced research methods, data analysis, theoretical frameworks, and scholarly communication. While the specific syllabus depends on your research topic, typical learning outcomes include the ability to critically evaluate literature, design robust studies, manage ethical considerations, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences. This degree is ideal for those seeking careers in academia, research institutes, government health departments, or non-governmental organisations focused on public health policy, epidemiology, health promotion, or behavioural interventions.
The CRICOS register records the duration as 4 years (208 weeks). This is a full-time research degree with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The language of instruction is English. The course is a single qualification (doctoral degree only). Students are expected to be on-campus for supervision and access to resources, although some flexibility may be negotiated with the supervisor. The University of Newcastle offers a range of support services for international doctoral candidates, including academic writing workshops and research skills development.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The indicative tuition fee is A$166,212 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are estimated at A$1,608, bringing the estimated total to A$167,820. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. Living costs in Newcastle are moderate – indicative weekly rent for a single person is around $250–$350, groceries $80–$120, and public transport $30–$50. Always confirm the most current fees on The University of Newcastle's official website (www.newcastle.edu.au) as fees are subject to change. International students should budget for a total cost of around $55,000–$70,000 per year including tuition, living expenses, and health cover.
Entry to a doctoral program typically requires completion of a relevant master's degree or a bachelor's degree with first-class honours. For this course, The University of Newcastle expects a strong academic background in a related field such as public health, health sciences, or behavioural sciences. English language proficiency is required – the indicative requirement is IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 6.5–7.0, depending on the component). Other equivalent tests (TOEFL, PTE) may also be accepted. Foundation or pathway options are generally not available for doctorate level; however, candidates who do not meet direct entry may consider a research master's as a stepping stone. Always check the exact entry requirements with The University of Newcastle admissions office. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to competition and supervisor availability.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a PhD candidate, you may have opportunities to engage in teaching, tutoring, or research assistant positions within the university, which can provide valuable experience and additional income. Any such work is optional and not part of the course requirements.
The course is delivered at The University of Newcastle (Callaghan), located in CALLAGHAN, NSW. The Callaghan campus is the main campus of UoN, situated about 12 km west of Newcastle's city centre. Newcastle is a regional city with a population of over 500,000, including a large student community. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and has good public transport connections to the campus. Newcastle has over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering a diverse range of courses. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks, and vibrant arts scene.
International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can study this course. Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents if applicable. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to understand that a visa does not guarantee a job. For visa application assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for this course involves three simple steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Public Health), and city (Newcastle). Confirm that The University of Newcastle is CRICOS-registered (00109J) and that course 096518J meets your interests. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – visit The University of Newcastle's website to review detailed entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, and referee reports as required. Submit your application through the university's online portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – upon acceptance, UoN will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and meet GTE requirements. Start your application early to allow time for visa processing.
New South Wales is home to over 500 CRICOS-registered providers and a wide range of study destinations from Sydney to regional centres like Newcastle. Newcastle offers a relaxed lifestyle with lower living costs than Sydney, making it attractive for doctoral students on a budget. The city has a strong health research sector, with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) affiliated with UoN. Consider factors such as climate, proximity to family, and career opportunities when choosing a location. Regional NSW also offers post-study work opportunities with additional points for regional visas.
A PhD is a significant commitment. Consider your research interests, supervisor expertise, funding opportunities, and career goals. Public health research often requires collaboration with communities or health services, so look for institutions with strong industry links. The University of Newcastle has a dedicated School of Medicine and Public Health with active research groups. Also think about the total cost and duration – a PhD typically takes 3-4 years full-time, and funding sources like scholarships or research assistantships can offset costs. Network with current students and attend virtual open days. Remember that HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you compare options, but always do your own due diligence.
Start your PhD journey – explore The University of Newcastle's doctoral programs and apply today.
Doctor of Philosophy (Public Health and Behavioural Sciences) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). 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.