Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) (CRICOS course code 114619F) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 3 years. This PhD-level program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to make a significant contribution to knowledge in their field through rigorous research. The course is classified under Information Technology (field 02), specifically Other Information Technology (0299), and is delivered at UNSW Canberra City in Reid, ACT. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student education. UNSW is a leading Australian university, consistently ranked among the top 50 globally. This program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and professional practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in industry, government, or academia. The indicative total fees for this program are A$197,000, with tuition at A$193,000 and non-tuition costs of A$4,000. All figures are indicative and subject to change—always confirm with the provider.
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The Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) focuses on advanced research in the broad field of Information Technology, with a particular emphasis on areas not elsewhere classified. At the doctoral level, students are expected to develop a substantial original contribution to knowledge, typically through a thesis of 80,000–100,000 words. The program cultivates high-level research skills, critical analysis, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. While specific syllabus details are set by the university, graduates of doctoral programs in this field often pursue careers as IT researchers, chief technology officers, or university lecturers. The course equips students with expertise in areas such as information systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Given the professional focus, students may also engage with real-world industry problems and innovative solutions. UNSW Canberra's location in the national capital provides unique opportunities for collaboration with government agencies and defence organizations.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) has a duration of 3 years (156 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification with no dual degree or foundation studies component. The program is offered on a full-time basis. International students should note that the duration listed on CRICOS may differ from the actual time to completion—research degrees can sometimes extend beyond the scheduled duration depending on thesis progress. UNSW may offer part-time options for domestic students, but international student visa conditions typically require full-time enrolment. The course does not involve any work component such as internships or placements, which is typical for a research doctorate.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$193,000, with non-tuition fees of A$4,000, bringing the estimated total to A$197,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that the following are not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge. For the most current fee information, always visit the provider's official website at www.unsw.edu.au. As a guide, international students in Canberra should budget approximately A$3,000–A$4,000 per month for accommodation, food, and transport. The Australian Government requires evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. ESOS Act protections ensure fee refund policies are transparent. HeadStart Academy recommends confirming fees directly with UNSW before applying, as institutions may revise costs annually.
Typical entry requirements for a Doctoral Degree at UNSW include a recognized master's degree or a bachelor's degree with honours (Class I or IIA). For this professional PhD, applicants generally need a strong academic record and relevant professional experience. The English language proficiency requirement is IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) with no band below 6.0. Some faculties may require higher scores. Foundation or pathway options are not available for this level; however, UNSW offers pre-doctoral programs such as a Master by Research or Graduate Diploma that can serve as a pathway. Always check the specific entry requirements on the UNSW website, as they can vary by discipline. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and provide evidence of English proficiency from approved tests.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Unlike some professional degrees that incorporate internships or placements, the Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) is a research-focused program centered on independent study and thesis preparation. However, students may have opportunities to engage in casual tutoring, research assistant roles, or industry collaborations at the discretion of the supervisor. These activities are not part of the formal curriculum and do not count towards credit. International students should be aware of visa work restrictions: Student visa (Subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. UNSW's CareerHub may assist in finding casual work.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) is delivered at UNSW Canberra City, located in Reid, Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Canberra is the capital of Australia and hosts a large student population due to its universities and government institutions. There are over 10 CRICOS-registered providers in ACT offering more than 800 courses. Living costs in Canberra are moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne; indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$400–A$550, groceries A$100–A$150, and public transport about A$40. The campus is accessible via bus from the city centre and nearby suburbs. UNSW Canberra is also close to the Australian Defence Force Academy, offering a unique academic environment.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, attend at least 80% of classes, demonstrate satisfactory course progress, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. The visa allows work of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during holidays. Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and show evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. OSHC costs vary by provider and duration; for a single student, expect around A$500–A$600 per year. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent—for visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Applying for the Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) at UNSW involves three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and location. Ensure the provider (UNSW) and course (114619F) are CRICOS-registered. Review entry requirements and deadlines. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application through UNSW's online portal. You will need to provide academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.5-7.0), a research proposal, and referee reports. Deadlines vary by intake—check the UNSW website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW offers you a place, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online. Attach all required documents, pay the visa fee, and attend a biometric appointment if needed. Remember, only CRICOS-registered courses qualify for student visas.
Canberra offers a unique study experience as Australia's capital. It is home to over 40,000 students across multiple universities, including UNSW Canberra, ANU, and UC. The city is known for its high quality of life, safety, and green spaces. Living costs are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a studio around A$350–A$450 and a monthly transport pass about A$120. Canberra's job market is strong in government, defence, and technology sectors, which may benefit PhD graduates. However, the city can feel quieter than larger capitals. If you value a focused academic environment with proximity to national institutions, Canberra is an excellent choice. Use HeadStart Academy's location tools to compare other cities.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Professional Studies) 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.