Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Overview
The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.
As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.
Program details
The major component of a research program is a substantial written work known as a thesis, which investigates a particular subject or issue. As a research student, you will work with increased independence, under the direction of an academic supervisor or a supervisory panel of academic staff.
A PhD will normally take you between 2-4 years to complete.
Key facts
- 2 - 4 years full time
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
Testimonials
Dr Matt Nurse
Meeting great people at ANU has also been a highlight. My supervisor and panel were absolute rock stars and gave me the confidence to chase my hunches. It's been great working with a super smart and dedicated cohort of PhD students investigating emerging challenges in science communication.
Christer de Silva
My Master's at ANU included a rewarding placement at the Royal Institution of Australia, where I honed my science communication skills by assisting with COSMOS Magazine. Now, as a PhD researcher, I'm immersed in the ins and outs of my field. Working as a research assistant at the Responsible Innovation Lab has been a positive challenge that has extended my interests.
Careers
The Doctor of Philosophy is your gateway to an academic or research career in science. In addition to academia, PhD graduates work in diverse fields within government, education, industry and media.
Learning experience
The unexpected poetry of PhD acknowledgements
Not many people will read your PhD thesis, but if you completed your doctoral research at the Australian National University College of Science, then Tabitha Carvan has probably read one small part of it.
What she found is a kind of poetry in the science.
Read the story
Painting the universe red
Raghda Abdel Khaleq spends a lot of time contemplating the unknown sector of our universe. And not just for her PhD research in nuclear physics.
Learn about Raghda's exploration of dark energy
Life as an Industry PhD candidate: Rosie Georgelin
When athletic clothing retailer Lululemon recently unveiled its first jacket made from recycled polyester, The Australian National University (ANU) Industry PhD student Rosie Georgelin felt a sense of pride and excitement.
Read about Rosie's work on infinite plastic recyclingFees & scholarships
Scholarships
Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.
How to apply
Understand the how to apply steps
Visit the domestic postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
Domestic postgraduate research applicationsFinding an academic supervisor
Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.
Review the fields of research we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The ANU Researchers website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.
Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.
The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.
Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.
If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an expression of interest and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.
View sample projectsFinding available scholarships
ANU Colleges and individual research schools offer a number of scholarships that are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.
Find scholarshipsUnderstand the how to apply steps
Visit the international postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
International postgraduate research applicationsFinding an academic supervisor
Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.
Review the fields of research we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The ANU Researchers website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.
Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.
The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.
Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.
If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an expression of interest and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.
View sample projectsFinding available scholarships
ANU Colleges and individual research schools offer a number of scholarships that are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.
Find scholarships