PhD in Mathematics – Australian National University

PhD / Doctorate Mathematics Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (School of Maths Sciences)

at Australian National University · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

048376E

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$234,100 total

Per year

A$58,525/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics at the Australian National University (ANU) offers advanced training and research opportunities in the field of mathematical sciences. Guided by leading academics, doctoral candidates undertake original research contributing new knowledge to areas such as pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and computational methods. The course requires candidates to develop a substantial thesis under supervision, which is examined by external experts in the discipline.

Australian PhD programmes like this are typically structured as an independent research degree over four years of full-time study. Students do not follow a set curriculum of units; instead, they focus primarily on their doctoral research project. Nevertheless, candidates may attend seminars, workshops, and sometimes undertake relevant units to support their research and skill development. The thesis is the core of assessment, and in many cases, participation in research seminars and publication in peer-reviewed journals is encouraged throughout the candidature.

During their PhD at ANU, students acquire advanced research skills, critical thinking, specialised mathematical techniques, and experience in scholarly communication and academic writing. The programme fosters the ability to solve complex problems, manage long-term projects, and collaborate within the global academic community. It is well suited to those with a strong academic background in mathematics who wish to pursue careers in research, academia, or applied mathematics in private and public sectors.

Based in Canberra, ANU’s School of Mathematics and its connections with Australian industry and research organisations offer candidates opportunities for academic networking, conference participation, and potential interdisciplinary collaboration. International students must demonstrate English proficiency, with IELTS and other tests accepted as per university and Student visa requirements. While studying, students may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and completion may provide eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. It is recommended to consult the official university page for specific application and course details.

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

University lecturer or academic researcher in mathematics and related disciplines
Applied mathematician or data scientist in government research agencies
Quantitative analyst or modeller in finance and insurance sectors
Mathematician in technology, defence, or consulting firms
Statistician or analyst in health, engineering, or environmental industries

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (School of Maths Sciences) 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$234,100 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

University lecturer or academic researcher in mathematics and related disciplinesApplied mathematician or data scientist in government research agenciesQuantitative analyst or modeller in finance and insurance sectorsMathematician in technology, defence, or consulting firmsStatis...

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