Costs

Doing a PhD or MPhil is a big commitment of your time, energy and resources. The costs involved will differ according to your personal circumstances. The information on this page provides you with an overview of what you can expect to pay.

Check what financial support may be available to you before you apply.

Domestic Students

Fees: As a domestic student you are awarded a tuition fee scholarship for your higher degree by research (HDR) program under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP).

RTP funding is limited to:

  • four years full-time (or part-time equivalent) for a PhD candidate
  • two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) for a Research Masters candidate

You will be required to complete your degree within the RTP entitlement period. The university awards a minimum $32,192 stipend – it is recommended that you should budget on this as a minimum amount for living expenses.

International Students

Fees: The annual cost of a higher degree by research (HDR) program with the University of Newcastle varies depending on your chosen degree. See Costs for International Students for details on what the cost will be to you.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be arranged for the full duration of your student visa. If your scholarship includes OSHC, it will be provided to you for the full duration of your student visa. The University's preferred OSHC provider is Medibank. The University-arranged coverage is for the candidate only and does not cover dependants.

There are associated costs relating to living and studying in Newcastle. The indicative costs of living expenses, travel and materials are listed in the Before you commence section. Information on accommodation options is available on the International Students' Accommodation page.

Please be aware that the University cannot provide any additional subsistence to research students who choose to come to Newcastle with insufficient funding.

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

A Student Services and Amenities fee is paid by all students for each semester of enrolment. This money is used to improve student services offered by the University.

Please note that this fee is not covered by any higher degree by research scholarship. Off-campus, online and distance students are also required to pay a service and amenities fee.

Summary of HDR Costs

Cost TypeDomestic StudentsInternational Students
Tuition Fees

No cost.

All domestic candidates receive a RTP Tuition Fee Offset for their program – 2 years full-time equivalent for MPhil, 4 years full-time equivalent for PhD.

Fees depend on the program that you are undertaking but vary between $34,650 and $46,560 per annum – check here for your program.

Tuition fees may be covered by scholarships.

Living Expenses

Varies according to individual circumstances.

The university awards a minimum $32,192 scholarship stipend. Your budget should included this as the minimum amount for living expenses as an individual.
As per domestic students.

A further list of indicative expenses for international students is provided on the Before you commence page.

Health Cover

Coverage provide by Medicare.

International Candidates are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in place in order to obtain a student visa.

OSHC may be covered by University Scholarships.

Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF)

Must be paid by all HDR candidates each year, and can cost up to $351.

Scholarships do not cover the SSAF fee.

As per domestic students.