Doctor of Philosophy (CRICOS course code 119291G) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by Federation University Australia over 4 years. This AQF Level 10 program falls under the field of Society and Culture, specifically Behavioural Science (Psychology). Designed for advanced research and scholarship, the Doctor of Philosophy equips students with the skills to conduct original, significant research that contributes to knowledge in their discipline. Federation University Australia, a government-owned institution with CRICOS code 00103D, offers this course across three campuses in Victoria: Ballarat, Berwick, and Churchill. With a strong reputation for research and teaching, Federation University provides a supportive environment for doctoral candidates. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international education, ensuring quality and student protections under the ESOS Act. International students considering this program should be aware of the indicative tuition fee of A$144,000, plus non-tuition fees of A$455. English proficiency requirements are typically IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall. The course duration is 208 weeks (4 years). No work component is included, but student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. With three delivery locations across Victoria, students can choose a campus that suits their research interests and lifestyle. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that helps international students navigate CRICOS-registered courses and providers like Federation University Australia.
Doctor of Philosophy (CRICOS 119291G) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) offered by Federation University Australia, a government-funded public university. The course is classified under Field of Education 090701 — Psychology, within the broader Society and Culture stream. This PhD program is designed for students who wish to pursue independent research at the highest level, culminating in a thesis that makes a substantive contribution to knowledge. Federation University Australia is registered with CRICOS (00103D) and has been delivering quality education for over 150 years. The course is available at three Victorian campuses: Ballarat, Berwick, and Gippsland (Churchill). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the strict standards of the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and consumer protections. All information on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, reflecting the most up-to-date data available.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-intensive program where students engage in original investigation under the supervision of academic experts. While the specific research topic is self-defined and approved by the university, the program typically includes advanced research methodology training, literature review, data collection and analysis, and thesis writing. Graduates develop high-level skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and scholarly communication. The field of Psychology (090701) encompasses the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and a PhD in this area prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, government, and private sector roles requiring expert analytical and research capabilities. Federation University Australia offers supervision in a range of psychology sub-disciplines; prospective students should discuss their research interests with potential supervisors during the application process.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a full-time program with a duration of 4 years (208 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. Students are expected to dedicate themselves to full-time research, though part-time options may be available for domestic students. International student visa holders must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. The program is delivered through face-to-face supervision and access to campus facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and research spaces. Online or blended options are not typically available for PhD candidates. All students are required to complete their thesis within the maximum period of candidature set by the university.
The indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Philosophy is A$144,000 for the entire 4-year program. Non-tuition fees amount to A$455, bringing the estimated total to A$144,455. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by Federation University Australia. Please note: fees are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm current fees with the provider before applying. Additional costs not included in this estimate are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students; living expenses (rent, groceries, transport); and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 as of July 2024, subject to change). For example, living costs in Ballarat are lower than in Melbourne, with weekly rent around A$200–300 for a shared apartment, groceries A$80–120, and public transport A$30–50. For current fee details, visit the Federation University Australia website at www.federation.edu.au.
Entry into the Doctor of Philosophy typically requires the equivalent of an Australian master's degree with a significant research component, or a bachelor's degree with first-class honours. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency — generally an IELTS overall band score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no band below 6.0 (specific requirements vary by field and are set by Federation University). A detailed research proposal and identification of a willing supervisor are usually required before application. Some candidates may be offered a pathway through a master's by research or a graduate diploma. Note: Foundation studies are not available for this program. Entry is competitive and based on academic merit, research experience, and alignment with the university's research strengths. Always refer to Federation University Australia's official website for precise entry criteria, as these can change. HeadStart Academy does not assess qualifications or guarantee entry.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student at Federation University Australia, you may have opportunities for casual tutoring, research assistance, or industry placements related to your field. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This work must not interfere with your studies. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current work conditions, as these can change.
Federation University Australia delivers the Doctor of Philosophy at three campuses in Victoria: Ballarat, Berwick, and Churchill (Gippsland). Ballarat is a regional city with a strong student community, offering a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne. Berwick is a growing suburb in Melbourne's southeast, providing access to urban amenities. Churchill is part of the Latrobe Valley, known for its natural environment and affordable living. Each campus offers dedicated research facilities, library services, and supervision by experienced academics. Students can choose a location that best supports their research topic and lifestyle. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering courses in every state, Federation University stands out for its strong regional presence and personalised support.
International students intending to study the Doctor of Philosophy must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Federation University Australia, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, meet English language requirements, and prove sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel. As a visa holder, you can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and make satisfactory academic progress. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your visa. Visa conditions, including work rights and financial requirements, are subject to change. For current information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Ready to apply? Follow these three steps specifically for the Doctor of Philosophy at Federation University Australia:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy's tools to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Society and Culture > Psychology), and location (Victoria). Confirm the course and provider on the official CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit Federation University Australia's website (www.federation.edu.au) to check entry requirements, prepare your research proposal, arrange supervision, and submit your application before the deadline. You may need to provide academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.5-7.0), and references.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once accepted, Federation University will issue your CoE. Gather your documents (CoE, passport, GTE statement, financial evidence, OSHC, visa application fee) and lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent.
Ready to start your PhD journey? Follow the how-to-apply steps above or contact Federation University Australia directly for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and deadlines.
Doctor of Philosophy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Federation University Australia. 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.