PhD in Nursing at Deakin University - Melbourne

PhD / Doctorate Nursing Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy

at Deakin University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

006256E

CRICOS provider code

00113B

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$196,336 total

Per year

A$49,084/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing at Deakin University offers an advanced research pathway for nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise and contribute to the discipline through significant original research. Based in Melbourne, this four-year doctoral programme is situated within one of Australia's leading public universities and is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in clinical practice, academia, research, and healthcare policy.

Australian PhD candidates in nursing undertake a substantial independent research project which culminates in a thesis designed to make a marked contribution to knowledge or practice in nursing. The programme is structured to allow access to specialised supervision, research training seminars, and engagement with Deakin University's collaborative industry research networks, which connect students to current developments within the Australian healthcare sector. Research progress is monitored through regular milestones and formal reviews.

PhD students gain advanced skills in research design, critical appraisal of the literature, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, academic publishing, and the ethical conduct of health research. Candidates often engage in interdisciplinary research teams and may have opportunities to contribute to teaching or clinical practice as part of their wider professional development. This programme is well-suited to registered nurses, midwives, or healthcare graduates with a passion for advancing nursing science and evidence-based healthcare.

International applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, with an IELTS Academic score of 7.0–7.5 (or equivalent), meeting both university entry expectations and the higher requirements typical of Australian nursing programmes. PhD candidates in Australia can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their studies, and graduates may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post completion. Programme details, including unit and credit requirements and specific research areas, should be confirmed via the official Deakin University page or CRICOS register.

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
Clinical nurse consultant or nurse educator within public and private healthcare
Research or policy roles in Australian healthcare organisations and government agencies
Leadership positions in hospital research units or clinical governance
Contributors to policy development in the aged care, mental health, or community health sectors

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin 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$196,336 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher or lecturer at Australian universitiesClinical nurse consultant or nurse educator within public and private healthcareResearch or policy roles in Australian healthcare organisations and government agenciesLeadership positions in hospital research units or clin...

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