PhD in Philosophy – Australian National University

PhD / Doctorate Philosophy Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy, Research School of Humanities and the Arts

at Australian National University · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

048381G

CRICOS provider code

00120C

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$194,710 total

Per year

A$48,678/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) offered by the Research School of Humanities and the Arts at Australian National University (ANU) is an advanced research degree intended for those who wish to contribute original knowledge to the field of philosophy and related disciplines. This rigorous programme is structured over four years of full-time study, during which candidates undertake independent, supervised research culminating in a substantial thesis that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to philosophical scholarship.

Doctoral students are guided by a supervisory panel of leading academics, benefiting from ANU's strong research culture and intellectual resources. Candidates are expected to participate in relevant seminars, research training, and conference activities, fostering engagement with both the scholarly community and wider debates within the humanities. The PhD program is typically research-intensive, with flexible coursework components determined by the needs of the student’s research project, offering tailored professional development opportunities.

The structure of the PhD at ANU involves progressive milestone reviews, ensuring ongoing support, timely feedback, and the development of critical research capabilities. Candidates develop advanced skills in analysis, critical thinking, project management, academic writing, and communication. The programme also values interdisciplinary exploration, reflecting the close ties between philosophy and other areas within the humanities.

This doctorate is suited to individuals with strong prior achievement in philosophy or a related discipline, and is particularly suitable for those aspiring to careers in academia, research, policy development, and intellectual leadership roles. International students must meet English proficiency requirements and may undertake up to 48 hours of paid work per fortnight during their studies, with access to the post-study work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) upon successful completion. As course details and structure may be updated, prospective students should confirm information on the official ANU page.

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 research positions at Australian universities and research institutes
University lecturing and teaching
Policy analysis and advisory roles in government agencies
Cultural and arts administration
Research and consulting roles within non-profit organisations and think tanks
Editorial positions in academic and scholarly publishing

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy, Research School of Humanities and the Arts at Australian National 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$194,710 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic research positions at Australian universities and research institutesUniversity lecturing and teachingPolicy analysis and advisory roles in government agenciesCultural and arts administrationResearch and consulting roles within non-profit organisations and think tanksEdi...

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