PhD in Australia for Indian Students: Latest Guide in 2024

Written by

Alisha Azeem

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Dec 22,2024

PhD in Australia for Indian Students: A Comprehensive Guide- TerraTern

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If you are looking for information on PhD in Australia for Indian students, you have found the right blog. Pursuing a PhD is a big deal, and you should pursue it through the best possible path for you. If you are an academically driven student who wishes to learn and contribute more to the academic community, a PhD is the right path forward! Australia is one of the leading countries in the world of academia. It has some of the best universities worldwide, convincing many students worldwide to study in Australia

There are many options to pursue PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships. Australia has some of the best research and development facilities and is a leading research contender. Thus, a PhD in Australia for Indian students is a good option due to the high quality of education and knowledge available in Australia. 

If you are looking for more information regarding PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships, you have come to the right place! This curated blog has all the information you need to kick-start your PhD process. Keep reading to learn more. 

Latest Facts and News from Australia:

  • As of 2024, Australia boasts 9 universities in the global top 100 rankings

  • Recent changes in post-study work visa policies allow PhD graduates to stay in Australia for up to 4 years

  • Australia's unemployment rate remains low at 3.5%, indicating favourable job prospects for graduates

  • PhD graduates in Australia earn an average salary of 85,000 AUD (approximately 49 lakh INR) per year, ensuring many employment opportunities in Australia. 

Why Pursue PhD in Australia for Indian Students?

Why is a PhD in Australia for Indian students such a great option? Once you have read this blog, we are sure you will also be convinced. Australia has many attractive reasons that make it a great place for higher education:

1. World-class Research Facilities

Australia has some of the best research facilities in the world. From labs to advanced technology, Australia has it all. Thus, Australia's research quality is much better than most other countries. Due to the better availability of technology and data, research is a much-pursued advent here. 

2. Multicultural Environment

Australia is a melting pot of cultures. People from all parts of the world immigrate to Australia for all that it has to offer to its people. A high quality of life, high salaries, and the same quality of living as Western countries for a lesser price- what more do you want in a country you wish to live in? Thus, people from all backgrounds and ethnicities live in Australia, giving you a taste of global living. 

3. Post-Study Work Visa Options

Unlike most other countries, Australia welcomes people from other countries to live and work in Australia once they graduate. It welcomes immigrants and has a lot of rights and facilities for them. There are many work visa options you can explore, and immigration to Australia as a permanent resident is easier than in most other countries as well. 

Also Read: How Much Gap is Accepted for Study in Australia in 2024?

4. Strong Prospects in Academia

Australia is one of the leading countries in academia and research. It has a lot to offer to the world. As a result, there are many good job prospects available in academia. You can continue working as a researcher or take up the role of a professor and work at a university or other institution. As Australia makes strong contributions in the sector, there are many job opportunities, so job security is not something you will have to worry about should you choose to pursue PhD in Australia for Indian students.

 

Top Universities for PhD in Australia for Indian Students

There are many universities where you can pursue a PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships. Various factors determine the competitiveness and desirability of a university for a PhD level education. The accessibility of research, technology, technology, and research facilities is the number one determinant of this, followed by infrastructure, students, crowds, placements, and other factors.

1. Rankings and Specializations

According to global rankings, here are the top 10 universities for PhD in Australia for Indian students, with scholarships:

Name of University

QS University Ranking 2024

Top PhD Programs

University of Melbourne

14

Ecosystem sciences, biosciences, atmospheric sciences, mathematics, and statistics

University of Sydney

19

Economics, languages, and cultures, communication, English, business

Australian National University

34

International business, management, marketing, innovation, business, information, economics

Monash University

42

Engineering and technology, technology, natural sciences, mathematics, architecture, medicine, design

UNSW Sydney

45

Aviation, environmental sciences, material sciences, physics, psychology, chemistry, and mathematics

University of Queensland

47

Economics, management, and agricultural sciences

University of Western Australia

90

Clinical dentistry, health, psychology and pharmacy

University of Technology Sydney

90

Technology management, analytics, and business

University of Adelaide

109

STEM courses, agriculture, psychology, sociology 

University of Newcastle

110

Mathematics, microbiology, nanoscale sciences, pharmacy, and statistics



2. Research Facilities and Infrastructure 

Australian Universities are some of the best research facilities for prospective PhD students. If you are looking for state-of-the-art research, look no further in Australia because Australia has everything you need to conduct research. PhD in Australia for students is a very beneficial path because of everything that has to offer. There is a collection of resource institutes and groups that facilitate easy research for productive outcomes in Australia.

Moreover, many companies partner with these institutions to promote and facilitate research, thereby funding this research. The partnerships ensure that there is enough funding to conduct research and that the products of this research are used to their best extent, thereby applying the positive outcomes of research to daily life.

Also Read: Why Study in Australia in 2024? Latest Updated Guide

Admission Requirements for PhD in Australia for Indian Students

The path of pursuing PhD in Australia for Indian students entails that you successfully meet all the admission requirements for your specific course. However, the general requirements for PST and Australia for students with scholarships include the following few criteria that you must meet:

  • A bachelor's degree, at the very least

  • A master's degree at the very least as well; however, some programs, except students who graduated with a bachelor's degree with honours

  • A 6.5 in the IELTS exam or equivalent

  • Proof of you being a genuine temporary entrant 

  • A research proposal in your area of study with a detailed plan for carrying out this proposal is suggested, along with the formal application.

  • A police clearance certificate

  • Valid passport

  • Medical insurance

PhD in Australia for Indian Students with Scholarship Opportunities 

Exploring scholarships to continue your PhD education in Australia is an important part of preparing for the same. In this section of the block, we will explore the different scholarship options that you have for PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships:

1. Types of Scholarships Available 

There are three major types of scholarship options that you can look at to fund your PhD in Australia for Indian students:

  • Government scholarships: these include awards and financial bursaries given by the government, both Indian and Australian. These are financial awards that you do not have to repay. You just have to meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria can be based on merit as well as financial needs.

  • University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for specific courses. These scholarships, offered by different universities, are of three types. They are either based on the countries. Their applicants come from the merit they hold or the financial needs they possess. 

  • External funding: external funding explores financial support through loans and other bursaries. Many NGOs and foundations fund higher education for deserving students around the world. You can also consider taking up an education loan to complete your education and repay later.

2. How to Apply for Scholarships?

Through these five easy steps, you can easily pursue the path of PhD in Australia for Indian students with scholarships and apply for your dream scholarship right away.

Step 1: Do your research. Make a list of all the scholarships you are eligible for. Also, make note of the dates and timelines for these scholarships. 

Step 2: Determine the amount you need through a scholarship to cover your tuition fees.

Step 3: Gather all the necessary financial documents and other documents that you need for your scholarship application. 

Step 4: Apply for the scholarships when they start accepting applications. 

 

Step 5: Submit any additional documents they ask for and attend the scholarship interview. 

Cost of Pursuing a PhD in Australia 

A large determinant of how much money you need in scholarships is the cost of pursuing a PhD in Australia for Indian students. In this section, we will understand the total amount you will have to bear to pursue a PhD in Australia for Indian students:

1. Tuition Fees

The average tuition fee for a PhD in Australia for Indian students can be anywhere between 18,000 AUD to 42,000 AUD per year. Depending on the university itself and the intricacies of your course, the fees change. The fees also depend on how long your PhD course is. Traditionally, most PhD courses are 3 years long. Some might be longer, as well. 

2. Living Expenses

The table below demonstrates the living expenses that must be considered during a PhD in Australia for Indian students:

Expense

Expense Range

Accommodation

1000 AUD to 1700 AUDA

Groceries

250 AUD to 400 AUD

Utilities 

100 AUD to 350 AUD

Public Transport

50 AUD to 100 AUD

Phone

30 AUD to 50 AUD

Entertainment

100 AUD to 300 AUD

 

Visa Process for Indian PhD Students in Australia

The visa is an important part of the process of PhD in Australia for Indian students:

1. Student Visa (Subclass 500) 

A student visa is a mandatory requirement for studying in Australia. 

The visa approval requirements for a student visa are:

  • An unconditional offer of enrollment 

  • A PhD course between 12 to 52 weeks at least

  • At least funds of 21,041 AUD

  • Overseas Student Health Cover

  • At least 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent 

  • Genuine Temporary Entrant proof 

2. Work Rights During PhD 

PhD students have very amicable work rights while they pursue their research work. 

  • PhD students have no cap on their workouts. They can work for unlimited workers during semesters and in term breaks.

  • There is no restriction on the type of work that PST students can undertake. You can take up on casual work, part-time work or full-time work.

  • However, you must always check with the specific conditions listed on your student visa. For some students, while highly unlikely, there might be any work restrictions placed on the Visa itself.

  • PhD students are still liable to pay taxes and may also be entitled to superannuation, depending on your employer and employment situation.

Also Read: Latest Guide to Affordable Universities in Australia 2024

Career Prospects After PhD in Australia for Indian Students 

As mentioned earlier, there are various career pathways you can take after completing your PhD in Australia:

1. Academic Prospects

Once you are done with your PhD, the most common route is to continue your career path in the field of academia itself as a professor, lecturer or researcher. Australia has plenty of opportunities for that. 

2. Industrial Opportunities 

After a PhD, you can also take up different positions in corporate settings and businesses. Your expertise in the field sets you apart, so you are bound to get good opportunities with high salaries after your PhD in Australia. 

Tips for Success in Your Australian PhD Journey

Here are some tips that will help you excel as you pursue the path of PhD in Australia for Indian Students with Scholarships as well:

  • Be thorough and clear with your research proposals. 

  • Be sure of all the research resources and material you need, and the course you want to chart on for your research. 

  • Make connections with experts in the field and other faculty. 

  • Build a professional network. 

  • Always be up-to-date with research findings and developments in your field as well. 

 

Conclusion 

PhD in Australia for Indian students is a viable option for all those wishing to pursue higher education in research. Australia is great for educational and academic pursuits and organizational job prospects. So, if you’re looking to immigrate to Australia for research and post-work options, this is the right path. For any immigration-related services, TerraTern is right here to help. Specialize in immigration-related services and assist with post-immigration services in your country of choice.

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete a PhD in Australia?

The average PhD in Australia for Indian students takes three years to complete. However, it may go on for longer, depending on the specifics of your course and research.

Can I work part-time while pursuing a PhD in Australia?

Yes, you can do part-time work while pursuing a PhD in Australia. You can engage in any form of work as there is no limit on the type of work or the hours of work for PhD students. However, you cannot pursue a part-time PhD as an international student in Australia.

Are there any age restrictions for Indian students applying for PhD programs in Australia?

No, there are no age restrictions for Indian students who wish to pursue a PhD in Australia.

How does the PhD application process differ for international students compared to domestic students?

International students need to submit their research details and a supervisor, in order to secure a PhD seat. This is quite similar to domestic students as well. However, international students also need to submit other documentation like proof of being a genuine temporary entrant and their English language testing, scores, and so on.

What are the prospects of permanent residency in Australia after completing a PhD?

You do have to submit proof of a Genuine Temporary Entrant. However, you can find job opportunities in Australia, which allow you to stay back in the country and eventually apply for a permanent resident card. To work in Australia, after you complete your PhD, you will need to issue a work, the process of which will be quite different.