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View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Overview
Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, candidates undertake a novel and significant program of research, under the direction of two or more supervisors. The candidates then communicate the results of this research in a thesis or another approved format. To facilitate their research and their career, candidates also need to complete additional training and other activities in line with the HDR Policy
Fees
Domestic Students
Domestic students incur no fees, as these are covered by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. You may also be eligible for an extra stipend payment to assist with your living costs while you complete your research project. Learn more about domestic scholarships.
International students
International students do have to pay fees to undertake a research degree at CDU, however scholarships are available to reduce these fees. Learn more about international scholarships.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $33,704.80. This equates to $ $4,213.10 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a higher degree by research at CDU?
Undertake your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU and you’ll be supported by committed supervisors who are experts in their fields.
- 82% of CDU's research is rated at world standard and above (RA Research Excellence Rankings Analysis 2018)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Unique research opportunities found only in the Northern Territory
Why study a higher degree by research at CDU?
Undertake your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU and you’ll be supported by committed supervisors who are experts in their fields.
- 82% of CDU's research is rated at world standard and above (RA Research Excellence Rankings Analysis 2018)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
Why study a higher degree by research at CDU?
Undertake your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU and you’ll be supported by committed supervisors who are experts in their fields.
- 82% of CDU's research is rated at world standard and above (RA Research Excellence Rankings Analysis 2018)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Unique research opportunities found only in the Northern Territory
Why study a higher degree by research at CDU?
Undertake your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU and you’ll be supported by committed supervisors who are experts in their fields.
- 82% of CDU's research is rated at world standard and above (RA Research Excellence Rankings Analysis 2018)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
What will I study?
PhD Candidates complete a research project, usually over 3 to 4 years. During this time, they must also complete:
Course structure
- additional training around research integrity, research methods, communication, personal development, and career development
- a research proposal and oral presentation to confirm their candidature;
- a second presentation midway through their candidature;
- a third presentation towards the end of their candidature; and
- a thesis, usually comprising 60,000 to 100,000 words.
Instead of a thesis, some candidates may complete a creative output, such as a film, novel, or exhibition, as well as an exegesis or explanation of this work, usually comprising 30,000 to 50,000 words.
Study plan
Recommended Study Plans are not required for this course.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To achieve the minimum level of academic proficiency to enrol in a PhD, applicants must have completed:
A. at least one semester FTE of relevant research activity at AQF Level 8 and achieved a GPA equivalent to a Distinction;
B. at least one semester FTE of relevant research activity at AQF Level 9 or above; or
C. equivalent levels of research activity as approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
You must also plan to conduct research that is compatible with the research priorities and resources of this University. When you apply, you must submit a research proposal, comprising 500 to 1000 words.
The research priorities of this University tend to revolve around:
- tropical, regional, and remote health - including nursing, midwifery, and allied health;
- environmental studies;
- energy, resources, and engineering;
- social and public policy in Northern Australia and the region;
- community resilience;
- cybersecurity and IT;
- business and law; and
- education.
Essential requirements
Must have written evidence of agreement to supervise the applicant from a registered HDR supervisor (registered to supervise at PhD level as Principal on the CDU HDR supervisor register).
HDR students must have at least two supervisors at a campus to be approved to enrol at that campus.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Degree by Research applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| 2.0 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 2.0FTE of higher education study at level AQF 7 or above from Australia or an approved country where the medium of instruction was English, including an official testamur plus academic transcript/s and evidence of English as medium of instruction where required (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Degree by Research applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| 2.0 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 2.0FTE of higher education study at level AQF 7 or above from Australia or an approved country where the medium of instruction was English, including an official testamur plus academic transcript/s and evidence of English as medium of instruction where required (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
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The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
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CDU student
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
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CDU student
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You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
International applications
Apply to be a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student at CDU and you will be joining a recognised global leader in research closely tied to the needs of the Northern Territory and the Territory's Asian and Pacific neighbours.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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