Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) (CRICOS course code 117061D) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Queensland over 4 years. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international education. As a doctoral program at AQF Level 10, it prepares students for advanced research careers in information technology. Located across three campuses in Queensland – Gatton, Herston, and St Lucia – UQ is a leading public research university (CRICOS 00025B). Whether you're aiming for academia, R&D, or senior IT roles, this degree provides the depth and recognition needed in the global tech landscape.
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This course falls under the broad field of Information Technology (Field of Education 020000). At the Doctoral Degree level, students undertake original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. While specific syllabi vary, typical learning outcomes include advanced research methodology, critical analysis of IT systems, development of novel algorithms or frameworks, and rigorous academic writing. Students work closely with a supervisory team to produce a thesis of publishable quality. The program is designed to foster independent thinking, problem-solving, and expertise in a chosen IT sub-discipline such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, or software engineering. It is a single qualification (not a dual or double degree) and does not include a mandatory work component. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a full-time research program; part-time options may be available but are not typical for international student visa holders. As a single qualification, students focus entirely on their doctoral research without concurrent foundation studies or VET components. The University of Queensland delivers this course across three campuses: Gatton Campus (GATTON, QLD), Herston Campus (HERSTON, QLD), and St Lucia Campus (ST LUCIA, QLD). St Lucia is the main campus near Brisbane’s city centre, while Gatton and Herston are specialised sites. Brisbane, the state capital, has a student population of over 150,000 across multiple universities and is one of Australia's most affordable major cities for students, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$200–350 plus utilities.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$168,192, with non-tuition fees of A$1,404 (including materials, services, etc.), bringing the estimated total to A$169,596. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by The University of Queensland. Always confirm exact costs on UQ's official website (www.uq.edu.au). Note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For a single international student, OSHC typically costs around A$500–700 per year, and living expenses in Brisbane are estimated at A$21,000–25,000 per year according to Department of Home Affairs guidelines. Rent for a shared apartment can range from A$150–250 per week in suburbs near St Lucia. HeadStart Academy provides these figures as a guide only; fees are subject to change by the provider.
English language proficiency is a key requirement. For this doctoral program, an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0) is typically expected, though some fields may require higher scores. Prior qualifications should include a master's degree or honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., computer science, information systems). Research experience or a demonstrated capacity for independent research (e.g., publications, thesis) strengthens the application. Foundation studies or pathway programs are not applicable at this level. Each institution sets its own specific requirements; consult The University of Queensland's website for precise details. International students must also meet visa requirements under the Student Visa (Subclass 500), including Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria and sufficient financial capacity. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the university directly and consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised migration advice.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students holding a Student Visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Research students may also receive stipends or scholarships that sometimes involve teaching or research assistant duties, but these are not part of the CRICOS-registered course structure.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) is delivered at three campuses of The University of Queensland: Gatton Campus (GATTON, QLD), Herston Campus (HERSTON, QLD), and St Lucia Campus (ST LUCIA, QLD). Gatton is a rural campus about 90 km west of Brisbane, specialising in agriculture and veterinary sciences yet offering some IT research opportunities. Herston is located near Brisbane's Royal Brisbane Hospital, focused on health sciences. St Lucia, the main campus, is situated along the Brisbane River, 7 km from the city centre. It is the largest and most comprehensive, hosting most IT research groups and facilities. Brisbane has a student population exceeding 150,000 and over 20 CRICOS-registered institutions, including major universities like QUT and Griffith. University of Queensland has its own dedicated bus services, and public transport (ferry, bus, train) connects St Lucia to the city in about 20 minutes. The College of St. Lucia provides on-campus accommodation, and private rentals range from moderate to high cost.
International students enrolling in this course require a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include maintaining enrolment in a full-time CRICOS-registered course, holding adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration, and demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependents (Subclass 500 included) may have work rights as per visa conditions. Upon completion, students may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) if they meet requirements. Financial capacity: The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of funds to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year as of April 2026), and OSHC. For a single student, this totals approximately A$35,000–45,000 per year. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; always consult the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered MARA agent.
Follow these three steps specific to Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) at The University of Queensland: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to browse doctoral programs in Information Technology. Filter by location (Queensland) and level. UQ is a CRICOS-registered provider (00025B) with a strong research reputation. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Review UQ's entry requirements, English language tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE), and application deadlines. Prepare your research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, and referee reports. Submit online via UQ's Graduate School portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UQ offers a place, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, financial, and OSHC requirements. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is Australia's third-largest city with a population of over 2.5 million. It offers a subtropical climate, affordable living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and a growing tech sector. With over 20 CRICOS-registered institutions, including the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, and Griffith University, the city is a hub for international students. The University of Queensland's St Lucia campus is close to the Brisbane River, providing a scenic study environment. Living costs: rent for a shared room near campus averages A$180–280 per week, groceries A$80–120 per week, and public transport A$50–80 per week (student concession is available). Brisbane's public transport network includes buses, trains, and ferries (CityCat). The city has a strong community for IT researchers, with conferences, meetups, and industry links. However, consider that Gatton and Herston campuses are more specialised; St Lucia offers the broadest IT research environment.
Ready to start your doctoral journey? Browse CRICOS-registered courses with HeadStart Academy and take the first step toward studying at The University of Queensland.
Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Queensland. 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.