There are 372 Doctoral Degree courses offered by 20 CRICOS-registered providers across New South Wales. Aspiring researchers can choose from fields including Natural and Physical Sciences, Health, Engineering, and more. Doctoral degrees (AQF Level 10) prepare students for leadership roles in academia, research, and industry. With tuition ranging from A$38,563 to A$279,090 and durations from 26 weeks to 5.5 years, NSW offers flexible options. All providers listed are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government, ensuring quality and ESOS Act protections. Whether you are aiming for a PhD at the University of Sydney or a professional doctorate at UTS, our data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) helps you compare and choose.
Counted from the official register for NSW: 391 non-expired CRICOS courses across 26 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Doctoral Degree in New South Wales on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
The University of Sydney is a government CRICOS provider with 665 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$634,121.477. Common levels include Doctoral Degree, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00026A, Government, 665 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a government CRICOS provider with 665 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$854,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Masters Degree (Research), Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00098G, Government, 665 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a government CRICOS provider with 526 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$320,031. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00099F, Government, 526 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Macquarie University (Macquarie)
Macquarie University (Macquarie) is a government CRICOS provider with 458 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$397,192. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00002J, Government, 458 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of Newcastle (UoN)
The University of Newcastle (UoN) is a government CRICOS provider with 456 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,999 to A$514,259. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Doctoral Degree, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00109J, Government, 456 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Wollongong (UoW)
University of Wollongong (UoW) is a government CRICOS provider with 352 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,253 to A$312,683. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00102E, Government, 352 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Western Sydney University is a government CRICOS provider with 315 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$2 to A$429,100. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00917K, Government, 315 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 175 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 175 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 167 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$134,455. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 167 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 142 active courses matched to Doctoral Degree in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,880 to A$144,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 142 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-06).
A Doctoral Degree is the highest level of study in Australia, classified as AQF Level 10. It qualifies graduates as independent researchers, scholars, or professionals capable of making significant contributions to their field. Typical entry requires a Master's degree (AQF Level 9) or a Bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8). Some providers may accept substantial professional experience. Doctoral programs often involve a research thesis of 80,000–100,000 words, with some offering coursework components. Graduates frequently pursue careers in academia, research institutes, senior industry roles, or government. In New South Wales, over 370 doctoral courses are available across 10 broad fields of education.
Tuition for Doctoral Degrees in New South Wales ranges from A$38,563 to A$279,090 (indicative, set by individual providers). Duration varies from 26 weeks (typical for some professional doctorates) to 286 weeks (5.5 years) for research PhDs. Note that these fees cover tuition only. Additional costs include visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and course materials. Indicative weekly living costs in Sydney are around A$500–700 for rent, groceries, and transport. Below is a breakdown by field of education.
The University of Newcastle (UoN) offers the most doctoral courses (101) with strengths in health, engineering, and science. Located in Newcastle, it provides a vibrant student city experience. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney ranks second with 99 courses, excelling in STEM and business research. The University of Sydney (44 courses) is renowned for research in arts, health, and sciences. University of Wollongong (UoW) (39 courses) has strong industry links and a diverse campus. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (30 courses) focuses on practice-led research. University of New England (14 courses) offers regional flexibility with online options. Macquarie University (10 courses) specialises in health, linguistics, and finance. Charles Sturt University (7 courses) supports rural and regional research. All are CRICOS-registered, government-funded universities.
Doctoral Degrees in New South Wales span 10 fields: 09 - Society and Culture (anthropology, sociology, history), 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology), 12 - Mixed Field Programmes (e.g., interdisciplinary PhDs), 06 - Health (medicine, nursing, public health), 07 - Education (curriculum studies, educational leadership), 02 - Information Technology (computer science, data science), 05 - Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (environmental science, marine biology), 08 - Management and Commerce (finance, marketing, economics), 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies (civil, mechanical, electrical), 04 - Architecture and Building (urban design, construction management), and 10 - Creative Arts (fine arts, design, music). This diversity lets you pursue almost any research topic.
Most Doctoral Degree programs in New South Wales require an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge scores). Specific requirements vary by provider and field. For example, health or education programs may demand a higher score. Always check the institution’s English language criteria. If your previous study was in English, some providers may waive this requirement.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study a Doctoral Degree in Australia. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, sufficient financial capacity for tuition and living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay. The visa allows unlimited work once the course starts. You must maintain enrollment with the same CRICOS-registered provider and notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes. For detailed guidance, see our visa page. Always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to start your doctoral journey in New South Wales:
New South Wales hosts over 372 doctoral courses across 20 providers, from Sydney's research-intensive universities to regional campuses in Newcastle, Wollongong, and Armidale. Sydney’s cost of living is higher, but it offers vast research networks and career opportunities. Regional cities have lower living costs and a strong sense of community. Consider supervision quality, research facilities, and industry connections. With ESOS protections and CRICOS oversight, your rights as an international student are guaranteed. The state also has excellent public transport, multicultural communities, and stunning natural attractions. Decide based on your research area, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
Ready to start your doctoral journey in New South Wales? Explore our comprehensive directory of CRICOS-registered providers and compare courses today.
Showing 80 doctoral degree courses from 6 CRICOS providers in New South Wales.