Q: How long does it take to complete a PhD?
A: Usually, it takes about 3- 4 years on average to complete if you are studying full-time. Part-time students take about 6-7 years to finish their PhD.
Q: Can you work during your PhD?
A: If you are a scholarship recipient, there may be some conditions attached to your contract. If you are a self-financing student, you may be able to work 40 hours per fortnight while studying upon the approval of your supervisor. The visa grant letter specifies your right to work in Australia.
Q: Can you study part-time?
A: International students cannot undertake a part-time PhD in Australia.
Q: How difficult it is to get into a PhD program?
A: On the scale of 0 to 10 where 10 is the most difficult, I’d say 8. Every year universities receive a large number of applications and only a handful of them are able to secure a spot in PhD programs. Even if you get selected for a PhD program, there is no guarantee that you would receive financial assistance.
Q: Can you do a PhD without a master’s?
A: Yes, you can. If you have an honours degree (4-year degree) with a significant research component, you may be eligible to apply for a PhD.
Q: Do university rankings matter for a PhD?
A: No, University ranking may be a deciding factor when it comes to a Bachelor’s degree. The most important factor for a successful PhD is your supervisor and the kind of research they conduct. You may want to find a supervisor who can allocate a sufficient amount of time for your research than someone with a lot of responsibilities who you rarely get to meet. The other important factor is your interest and commitment to the research. Surely, having a PhD from a high-ranking university will carry greater weight and look good on your resume, but it isn’t a factor to be considered for a PhD.
Q: When should you apply?
A: You can apply any time of the year for a PhD. There isn’t a deadline for PhD applications in Australian universities. However, if you are applying for a scholarship, you may want to keep an eye on the scholarship rounds.
Q: Is there an interview in the selection process?
A: Some supervisors conduct a skype/zoom interview as a part of the selection process. This is highly applicable if you have applied for a project assistantship. If you get shortlisted in the initial steps, the university will notify you and invite you for an interview.
Q: How much does a PhD cost?
A: 25,000-40,000 AUD/ year (based on 2021 data) for international students.
Q: What are the types of funding available?
A: University-specific scholarships: Australian universities offer a number of different scholarships for their prospective higher degree research students. Information about these postgraduate research scholarships and their application rounds can be found on the university website.
Research Training Program (TRP) scholarship: The RTP scholarships are available to domestic and international students and applications can be made through the university. The RTP scholarship provides a tuition fee waiver, a stipend to cover your living cost and allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.
Endeavour scholarship: The Endeavour scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded on the basis of academic excellence to study postgraduate degrees and professional development courses in Australia. It is offered to the citizens and/or permanent residents of participating countries. It covers the tuition fee and student services and amenity fees. It also provides a travel allowance, establishment allowance, monthly stipend, overseas student health insurance, and travel insurance.
Q: What is a PhD stipend?
A: A PhD stipend is a non-repayable grant provided by the Australian Government or your university (depending on the type of scholarship you receive) to cover your basic living cost like rent, utility bills, and food during your course. The stipend is paid fortnightly and tax-free for full-time students.
Q: Do you have to pay tax?
A: If you are receiving a stipend from the university, you are exempt from the tax deduction, However, if you undertake any paid work, you are entitled to pay the tax.
Q: Is there a thesis defence (viva voce)?
A: No, there isn’t. But there is a thesis examination that would take up to 6 months upon submitting your thesis. Your supervisor will nominate three independent examiners who will evaluate your thesis and write an examiner’s report with their commentary and recommendations. These three examiners include two local (reside in Australia) examiners and one international. As a part of the examination process, PhD candidates will not be notified of the final composition of the examination panel until after they receive results.
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