Doctor of Public Policy and Governance | UNSW Sydney

PhD / Doctorate Public Policy Full Time

Doctor of Public Policy and Governance

at University of New South Wales · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

084048M

CRICOS provider code

00098G

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

3 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$180,000 total

Per year

A$60,000/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a high-level research programme designed for experienced professionals and aspiring academics seeking expertise in public policy formulation, implementation, and governance. Over three years of full-time study, candidates undertake an original research project that contributes significantly to the field of public policy, guided by expert academic supervisors based in Sydney, a vibrant hub for public affairs and policy innovation in Australia.

The programme is structured to align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requirements for doctoral study, focusing on advanced research skills, critical analysis, and in-depth investigation into complex real-world policy challenges. Candidates complete structured units of study in research methodologies and theoretical frameworks before embarking on their thesis, which represents a substantial piece of independent, original scholarship. The journey often includes the opportunity to engage with Australian policy organisations, enabling candidates to pursue work-integrated learning or establish valuable industry research links.

Graduates gain sophisticated skills in policy analysis, governance, critical thinking, and research design. The programme is suited to professionals from government, non-government organisations, and the private sector who wish to drive change, as well as those seeking academic or consulting careers. Throughout the PhD journey, international students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion. For entry, international applicants must evidence English proficiency, UNSW accepts a range of tests, including IELTS and TOEFL, and further English study options are available.

All details, including tuition fees and specific admission requirements, can be confirmed via the official CRICOS course page and the UNSW website.

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

Senior policy analyst or advisor in government departments
Consultant or researcher in think tanks and public policy institutes
Academic and lecturer roles in universities
Leadership positions in non-government organisations and international agencies
Roles in the Australian public sector, research bodies, and private sector policy teams

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Public Policy and Governance at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 3 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$180,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Senior policy analyst or advisor in government departmentsConsultant or researcher in think tanks and public policy institutesAcademic and lecturer roles in universitiesLeadership positions in non-government organisations and international agenciesRoles in the Australian public s...

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