Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

University of Sydney

Australia, Sydney

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University of Sydney

Australia , Sydney

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

000722K

Application Fee

AUD 150

Campuses

The University of Sydney

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines4-Aug-2025

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 55,600 / year

Next Intake 4-Aug-2025

Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

About

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Faculty of Science will allow you to pursue research from the many fields in which the faculty has expertise. Candidates undertake research culminating in the submission of an 80,000 word thesis.

The Faculty of Science attracts world-class researchers and top science students from across Australia, fostering a vibrant learning environment. This course is for students with a strong academic background seeking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in a research area.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply in plenty of time, and even before completion of their current qualifying degree. In these circumstances, referee reports are essential as part of the application for admission.

To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability.

In most cases, to be eligible to apply for a PhD you will have:

a Bachelors degree with first or upper second class Honours or
a Masters degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes a substantial component of original research, or
an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the Associate Dean (HDR) for a given Faculty.

Inherent requirements

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo,);
ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
hold a current scuba diving license;
hold a current Working with Children Check;
meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available degree only and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.

English Program Requirements

IBT-INDICATOR
TOEFL - IBT score
A minimum result of 85 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing
IELTS-INDICATOR
IELTS score
A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
PTE-INDICATOR
Pearsons Test of English
A minimum result of 61 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band

Career

The career prospects of a PhD graduate can transcend discipline area and even academia itself. You’ll find science PhDs in all industires – from banking to policy, to marketing and analysis. The possibilities are wide-ranging.

Graduate opportunities

Through the completion of a PhD, students gain deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. PhD graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.

Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

AUD 55,600

Application Fee

AUD 150

How to Apply

1. Choose a course

Use our course search to browse our wide range of courses. Use the filters to search by degree level and area of interest, then click on a course to find out more about:

what you'll study
admissions criteria
application deadlines
potential career paths.

You might want to bookmark the course page, as you'll be referring back to it as you prepare your application.

Inherent requirements

When choosing a course, you should see if it has any inherent requirements (this will be noted on the course page). These usually apply for courses that are preparing you for a career where you will be working closely with people or animals.

They aren't assessable admissions criteria, but are required for you to successfully complete the course. Researching the inherent requirements will allow you to make an informed decision about the course/career.

2. Check your eligibility

For all courses, you will need to demonstrate that you:

meet our English language requirements. If you have completed a recognised English language test, the required score can be found on the right hand side of the course page (found in step 1).

For all undergraduate courses, you will need to demonstrate that you:

have studied in or completed a recognised qualification with the required grades. Refer to the admission guides for an indicative required score for some overseas secondary education qualifications
2024 Admission Guide (for international students) (pdf, 179KB)

For all postgraduate courses, you will need to demonstrate that you:

have completed a recognised tertiary qualification. Details can be found on the specific course page and could include previous study in the same field, or an advertised minimum GPA.

You should also check the course page for any additional admissions criteria. This may include:

a prerequisite, such as previous studies in mathematics
an interview
a portfolio
assumed knowledge
relevant professional experience.

3. Gather your documents

We require official documents to support your application, including a scanned copy of your passport identification page.

4. Check your finances

Before applying, you should understand the fees you will need to pay. These include:

course fees, found on the specific course page
additional fees and costs.

You should also research financial support options that may be available to you. We have a wide range of scholarships available for international students, and some countries also provide education loans to their citizens.

5. Submit your application

Apply directly

Most international students can apply directly to the University. To do so, select the 'Apply now' button on your course page to commence your application, and follow the prompts.

This short video provides an overview of the application form. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our regional experts, who can provide personalised advice.

To submit your application, you will need to pay an application processing fee.

If you are applying with the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA Level 3), you may apply direct to the University or via UAC.

Apply through an authorised agent

Some students choose to apply through an authorised University of Sydney agent, for assistance with the university application and visa arrangements. Please note that only agents listed on our website are authorised to represent us.

Apply through UAC

You will need to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), if you are an undergraduate student studying:

a current Australian Year 12 qualification (eg NSW Higher School Certificate) in or outside Australia, or
a current International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in Australia.

If you are applying with the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA Level 3), you may apply via UAC or direct to the University.

Apply for Sciences Po Dual Degree

If you are applying for a Sciences Po Dual Degree, you need to apply directly to the University of Sydney (even if you are applying through UAC for your other preferences).