Study Doctor of Philosophy at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

International students

Campus
Magill
City West

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MPHD

Fees
AUD$ 38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
See research areas (PDF)

Program level
Doctorate by research

Entry requirements
You must check the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for and make sure you are eligible.
Please note
1. If you are an international applicant you also need to check that you meet the English language requirements.
2. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee entry into a research degree.
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Develop the ability to independently design and execute original research that generates new knowledge, understandings or insights, including through creative practice-based methods.
Benefit from our extensive national and international research links and strong record in winning national competitive grants.
Undertake exciting and innovative research in our creative disciplines, which are recognised for their world-class research in contemporary arts, design, creative writing and journalism, creative industries, film, architecture and built environment, communication and culture¹.
Work under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified research supervisors.
Learn from visiting scholars and artists and participate in our vibrant research culture.
Tailor your PhD studies to suit your research interests and/or work on industry-linked research projects.
Work in a dynamic and well-equipped research environment.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities², we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
²UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

What is a research degree?

A research degree is an advanced program of study allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your field. Under the supervision of world-class researchers, research degree students learn and apply advanced research methodologies to produce new knowledge, understandings and insights, and provide solutions to the world’s challenges. Completing a research degree means becoming an expert in your field. It’s your opportunity to take a topic that interests you, explore it in depth, tackle intellectual, creative and practical challenges, and communicate your findings.

You can study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications) and Master of Research.

Research degrees offered at UniSA

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Produces graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. By the end of the degree, a PhD student will be capable of independently designing and executing original research that generates new knowledge, understandings and insights (three to four years full-time equivalent).

Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications)

Allows formal recognition of established researchers and/or scholars who do not already hold a PhD qualification, and who have produced research of international standing in their field with an ongoing record of academic publication (work).

Master of research

Students analyse their thesis topic at an advanced level, applying research methodology and techniques to contribute new knowledge, understandings and insights to their field, under appropriate supervision (two years full-time equivalent).

Please note, a Master by Coursework (such as an MBA) involves enrolling in selected courses and participating in lectures and tutorials (online or on campus). It is different to a Master of Research.

Find out more about what you can study.

Why do a research degree?

UniSA research is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of today. In the 2018 Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation of Australian universities, all of our assessed research was rated at world class or above. We are vibrant, outward-facing and responsive. We partner with industry, government and communities to seek answers to questions that arise in the real world.

Learn more about our research.

The transformed PhD

UniSA intends to deliver industry and end-user informed research that supports employer-relevant curriculum. To achieve this, and to produce entrepreneurial and business-aware graduates, we have developed the transformed PhD.

We have added a structured component to research degrees including enhanced skill development, supervisory panels and a technology-enabled oral defence of the thesis. Through these activities you will develop a set of professional, transferable skills relevant to our knowledge-based enterprise economy.

The aim of the transformed PhD is to increase your employment prospects in any career path. You will possess the knowledge, expertise and confidence to meet the emerging needs of academia, industry, government and the community.

Four good reasons to do a research degree

Challenge yourself. You will need to work hard, be dedicated and think analytically at a high level. You will tackle completely new research and different research methods, or extend research already undertaken.
Increase your career opportunities. A research degree provides evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project in a given timeframe. Your research could allow you to develop a new specialisation, academic field or career. A research degree at UniSA will also allow you to develop a skillset which sets you apart, putting you at the centre of your professional development.
Make your ideas public. Your research findings may be published, presented at conferences, provide a commercial return and have a positive impact on society.
Contribute to society. Discover new methods, understandings and techniques, and solve a real-world problem.

What can I research?

We offer doctoral candidates the opportunity to undertake exciting and innovative research in the following disciplines:

creative industries
design
contemporary art
architecture
planning
digital arts
media and communication
creative writing
performing arts
music
film studies
journalism
media arts

Find a research area

To find a research area, you'll need to match your qualifications and interests to the research projects offered at UniSA. These have been developed by teams of academics who will supervise you during your research degree.

Scholarships and projects

A scholarship allows you to focus on your research without needing to do paid work. At UniSA, you can explore high achiever scholarships, vacation research scholarships, as well as Vice Chancellor and President’s scholarships.

We also offer thematically-based scholarships. These scholarships will not only address local, national and international grand challenges, they will also ensure you work across the University, with industry, and with community partners.

Learn more about available scholarships.

Graduate outcomes

There are seven identified graduate qualities and outcomes that result from doing a research degree at UniSA. Importantly, these competencies are transferable to the workplace, whether academic or professional. In brief, a research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:

understands, can contribute to and critique current research-based knowledge in their field
is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence
is an effective problem solver and researcher
can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher
is committed to ethical action and social responsibility
communicates research knowledge effectively
demonstrates international perspectives in research

Read about our research degree graduate qualities in more detail.

Why Doctor of Philosophy

UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where you are encouraged to explore your own ideas under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers.

We are widely recognised for our world-class research in contemporary art, design, creative arts and writing, language, communication and culture, architecture and the built environment¹.

In addition, we will ensure you graduate with transferable career skills that complement your research experience and enhance your global capability when you complete the Engaged PhD program. As part of this degree, you will complete skill development workshops and masterclasses aligned to your interests.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Career outcomes

Your career

A PhD will give you a competitive edge in the work place. You may choose to pursue a career in academia, or in research with a research institution or university. Alternatively, you may choose to work in your chosen specialisation. A research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:

understands current research based knowledge in their field and its methodologies for creating new knowledge, understandings and insights within a critical context
is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence in research within and beyond a discipline or professional area
is an effective problem solver, capable of applying logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of research problems
can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher within a particular discipline or professional area and within wider but related areas
is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen
communicates effectively as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading member of the community
demonstrates international perspectives in research in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen

How to apply

Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our step-by-step guide will take you through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.

Please check the research degrees calendar for all key dates.

Eligibility

Check to see if you meet the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for.

Go to eligibility

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Research Training Program international (RTPi) and University Presidents Scholarship

These scholarships will cover your tuition fees and your overseas health cover, and provide and a stipend (living allowance).

Learn more

Research Themes PhD Scholarships

These scholarships address local, national and international grand challenges, and encourage collaboration with industry and community partners.

Learn more

What others are saying

"My thesis emphasises the importance of preserving and recording family oral histories and photographs that will be left as a legacy for future generations and future researchers."

David Sweet

Doctor of Philosophy
Adjunct Research Associate, University of South Australia

David Sweet

Doctor of Philosophy
Adjunct Research Associate, University of South Australia

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Opportunities exist to study at Magill and City West campuses, depending on your area of research.

Magill campus:

Magill campus is set on stunning grounds, with campus features including:

multimedia studios and editing suites
theatre for stage productions
TV and radio studios
gym and outdoor sports field

City West campus:

City West is a state-of-the art campus, in Adelaide’s west end. Campus features include:

Australia’s only Architecture Museum
specialised computer suites
photography darkrooms and studios
Samstag Museum
MOD. – Australia’s leading future-focussed museum
award-winning contemporary art, architecture and design studios and workshops
state-of-the-art facilities for rapid prototyping and interactive media
South Australian School of Art Gallery
Gym and swimming pool

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/Research/Degrees/
What scholarships am I eligible for as a research degree student?

You are eligible for a range of scholarships and grants as a current research student. For example, the prestigious Vice Chancellor and President’s Scholarship, Maurice de Rohan International Travel Scholarships or one of UniSA’s International Travel Grants.
See Scholarships and Prizes for more information.