Key information Duration Full-time 36 months Three years full-time, with the possibility of a six to 12 month extension Part-time
72 months Six years part-time, with the possibility of a 12 to 24 month extension. Start dates & application deadlines Starting March 2027 Apply before Feb 2027, International This is an estimated deadline. The deadline is applicable to students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study within the EEA, or to students who want to study outside the EEA but are not nationals of that country. Starting August 2027 Apply before Jul 2027, International This is an estimated deadline. The deadline is applicable to students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study within the EEA, or to students who want to study outside the EEA but are not nationals of that country. Domestic school leavers: application varies based on the campus the programme is offered. Domestic non-school leavers: same deadline as international students Language English TOEFL iBT: 79 PTE Academic: 58 IELTS: 6.5 Credits 240 alternative credits Delivered On Campus Campus Location Melbourne, Australia Ballarat, Australia Brisbane, Australia Canberra, Australia Sydney, Australia Offered at multiple locations, but you can enroll in only one. Apply to your chosen location. Disciplines Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, Creative Writing Overview The degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means: Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis. PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles. PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software programme or other creative works. Programme Structure Courses include Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis. PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles. PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software programme or other creative works. Admission requirements Academic requirements We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme. English requirements TOEFL iBT: 79 PTE Academic: 58 IELTS: 6.5 Other requirements General requirements CRICOS: 097176G If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we'll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average. If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe. Fees and funding Tuition Fees Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality. International (students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country): 34,728 AUD / year Living costs Melbourne, Australia: 1,501-2,659 AUD / month The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries. Funding Scholarships Information Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy. Available Scholarships You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider. Blacktown Campus Merit Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 4000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Merit-based Autism Inclusion Equity Scholarship Blacktown Campus - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 4000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Need-based Anne Lyons Memorial Travel Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 6000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Merit-based John F Slowey Memorial Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 4000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Need-based Community Engagement Equity Scholarship Blacktown Campus - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 4000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Need-based Andrew's Corporate Clothing Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 1000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Need-based DOOLEYS Community Engagement Internship Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 10000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Merit-based Francis Carroll Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 2500 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Merit-based Archdiocese of Brisbane Theology Scholarship - Australian Catholic University (ACU) - Grant 4000 AUD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 - Merit-based Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships - Australian Government - Various benefits - Deadline Not specified - Merit-based Fulbright U.S. Student Program - U.S. government - Various benefits - Deadline 07 Oct 2026 Veterans' Fund Indigenous Scholarships - American Australian Association (AAA) - Grant 40000 AUD - Deadline 30 Sep 2026 - Merit-based Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program - Australian Government Department of Education - Various benefits - Deadline 21 Nov 2026 ServiceScape Scholarship - ServiceScape - Grant 1000 USD - Deadline 30 Nov 2026 VisaEnvoy Scholarships - VisaEnvoy - Grant 4000 AUD - Deadline 20 Jan 2027 - Merit-based ACES Scholarships - ACES Education Fund - Grant 3500 USD - Deadline 15 Nov 2026 Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility - OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation - Various benefits - Deadline Not specified - Merit-based Destination Australia - Province of Lower Austria - Grant 15000 AUD - Deadline Not specified - Merit-based Voice Talent Online Scholarship - Voice Talent Online - Grant 1000 USD - Deadline 01 Mar 2027 $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship - IvyPanda - Grant 1000 USD - Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - Merit-based Dream Chaser Scholarship - Salvado Law - Grant 1000 USD - Deadline 13 Jan 2027 - Merit-based MVC Vocational Education Scholarships - Meridian Vocational College - Grant 2000 AUD - Deadline Not specified - Merit-based MVC Young Chef's Club Award - Meridian Vocational College - Grant 2000 AUD - Deadline Not specified - Merit-based Scholarship for students with disabilities - Anonymous Hope Fund - Grant 3000 USD - Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - Need-based Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria - Leopold Figl Foundation - Various benefits - Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - Need-based The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship - IELTS from 6 to 9 - Grant 1500 USD - Deadline Not specified Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - Grant 12000 USD - Deadline 11 Jan 2027
