PhD / Doctorate Philosophy Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Veterinary Science)

at Adelaide University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

074259E

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$250,000 total

Per year

A$62,500/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) at Adelaide University is a research doctorate where you’ll undertake original research making a significant contribution to veterinary science. Over four years, you’ll work closely with a supervisor and research team, often within one of the university’s research institutes or veterinary school facilities. The course is structured around a major research project resulting in a thesis, rather than traditional coursework. You’ll typically enrol in research units of study worth a set number of credit points each year, with progress assessed through formal milestones and annual reviews.

Expect to be deeply involved in both independent and collaborative research, which could include laboratory experiments, fieldwork, clinical studies, or epidemiological investigations, depending on your focus area. You’ll develop skills in research design, data analysis, academic writing, and critical appraisal of scientific literature. There may be opportunities to present your findings at conferences and publish in scientific journals, both important steps towards building a career in academia or research organisations.

This PhD suits candidates with a strong background in veterinary science, animal health, or a related field who are ready for advanced research and aspire to push the boundaries of knowledge. Adelaide is well known for its research-intensive environment and links to Australian industry, animal health agencies, and government departments. Confirm the exact unit requirements, project availability, and supervision options on the university’s official website.

If you’re an international student, you’ll need to meet English entry requirements – IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall is the minimum for most, but some research areas may expect higher. As a PhD student in Australia, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods under your student visa, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after completing your course.

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 in veterinary science
Senior scientist in government animal health agencies
Research and development roles in agribusiness or animal pharmaceuticals
Consultant for biosecurity or animal health management
Policy advisor in animal welfare or public health sectors
Science communication or education specialist

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) 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$250,000 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher or lecturer in veterinary scienceSenior scientist in government animal health agenciesResearch and development roles in agribusiness or animal pharmaceuticalsConsultant for biosecurity or animal health managementPolicy advisor in animal welfare or public healt...

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