PhD / Doctorate Computer Science Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematical & Computer Sciences)

at Adelaide University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

001341D

CRICOS provider code

00123M

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

4 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$222,000 total

Per year

A$55,500/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematical & Computer Sciences) at the University of Adelaide is a research-intensive doctoral degree designed for those who want to contribute new knowledge in areas such as computer science, mathematics, or related fields. As a PhD candidate, you will work closely with academic supervisors to pursue a major original research project, which culminates in a thesis that is examined externally. Throughout your candidature, you can access seminars, workshops, and opportunities to publish or present your research at conferences within Australia and internationally.

This doctorate is structured over four years of full-time study. It does not have set coursework, but you'll complete milestone requirements such as a research proposal, progress reviews, and your final thesis submission. The course awards units of study that are measured by research progress, rather than traditional credit points. Some candidates may have the option to teach undergraduate classes or engage in outreach and collaboration with industry partners, especially given Adelaide’s connections to the defence, technology, data science, and software sectors.

During your studies, you will gain expertise in research design, data analysis, technical problem-solving, academic writing, and communication. This suits graduates with strong mathematical or computer science backgrounds who want careers in academia, research organisations, or advanced industry roles. International students are expected to demonstrate English proficiency and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while enrolled. Graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to remain in Australia and work after completing their doctorate.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Academic researcher or lecturer at Australian universities
Research scientist in national bodies such as CSIRO or DSTG
Data scientist, machine learning or AI specialist in technology companies
Software developer or systems architect in the finance, telecommunications, or defence industries
Policy advisor or analyst in government departments

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Mathematical & Computer Sciences) at Adelaide University?

It typically takes 4 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$222,000 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher or lecturer at Australian universitiesResearch scientist in national bodies such as CSIRO or DSTGData scientist, machine learning or AI specialist in technology companiesSoftware developer or systems architect in the finance, telecommunications, or defence ind...

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