PhD of Public Policy
The Australian National University
- Canberra, Australia
- 4 years
- English
- On campus
- PhD
About the program
An interdisciplinary doctorate combining social science and legal perspectives with research methods.
Program highlights
- Internship available: no
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (3 years): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Develop advanced knowledge of Public Policy and apply discipline-appropriate methods
- Assess relevant evidence
- And communicate informed conclusions.
Career outcomes
- Public Policy Research Assistant
- Program Coordinator
- Project Assistant
- Research and Policy Associate
Curriculum
- Students complete 55 semester hours with a B+ or higher in each course
- Including a seminar on policy theory
- Then pass an annual review and a comprehensive examination
- Form a dissertation committee
- Present a dissertation proposal and defend the dissertation.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Hold an Australian bachelor degree with at least second-class honours or international equivalent
- or another qualification with a significant research component; Secure appropriate supervisory support and satisfy English language requirements.
Accepted academic background
Language tests
- IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skill
- TOEFL iBT 81 overall with Reading 16 Writing 19 Listening 16 Speaking 19
- PTE Academic 64 overall with 60 in each skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced 169 overall subject to program-specific higher requirements
Documents you’ll need
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificates
- Research proposal or expression of interest where required
- Referee reports
- Supervisor/college endorsement where required
- English-language evidence
- Passport/identity documentation
How to apply
- Check the exact ANU program requirements
- prepare academic and English-language documents
- submit the international application through the ANU/UAC route shown on the official program page. HDR applicants should first identify a supervisor and follow college-specific pre-application requirements.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $37,121 AUD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $150 AUD |
| Deposit | $20,000 AUD |
Program details
| Campus | Acton Campus |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy |
| Department | School of Regulation and Global Governance |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 192 |
| Study pace | Standard |
| Post-study stay | 3 years |
| Scholarship note | ANU scholarships are available subject to eligibility; HDR applicants are automatically considered for relevant research scholarships when applying within scholarship deadlines. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
February 2026
Apply by
15 Dec 2026
31 days leftProgram starts
July 2026
Apply by
15 May 2027
182 days left
Scholarships
ANU scholarships are available subject to eligibility; HDR applicants are automatically considered for relevant research scholarships when applying within scholarship deadlines.
Browse scholarships →Frequently asked questions
The program takes 4 years.
The next deadline is 15 Dec 2026. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $37,121 AUD per year. The application fee is $150 AUD. The deposit is $20,000 AUD. The estimated living cost is $36,000 AUD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skill, TOEFL iBT 81 overall with Reading 16 Writing 19 Listening 16 Speaking 19, PTE Academic 64 overall with 60 in each skill, Cambridge C1 Advanced 169 overall subject to program-specific higher requirements.
ANU scholarships are available subject to eligibility; HDR applicants are automatically considered for relevant research scholarships when applying within scholarship deadlines.