anu phd strategy

ANU College of Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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.

• 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.

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.

World class facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support, including labs, computational services and recreation and relaxation rooms.

Industry engagement

Industry engagement is one of the best ways for a PhD student to test their capabilities as a researcher, and to obtain transferable and professional skills.

Sample research projects

We have a wide range of potential science and mathematical research projects, ranging from short-term projects to three-year PhD projects. 

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.

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.

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.

Fees & 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
• International

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Finding 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.

Finding 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.

Visit the international postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours

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Doctor of Philosophy, International, Political and Strategic Studies

Acton campus, canberra, australia, 48 months program duration, 50,760 aud tuition fee/year, 15 may, 2023 application deadline, yes scholarships, program overview, main subject.

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Study Level

Admission requirements, exam scores, important dates, application.

• Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition fee, scholarships, domestic students, international students.

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

More programs from the university

Bachelor ug.

Undergraduate degrees at the Australian National University are informed by cutting-edge research and taught in small classes by leading academics. 

MEET YOUR FUTURE

Our programs offer you hands-on learning, international exchange and career development opportunities, as well as industry and government internships, and produce Australia's most employable graduates (Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24) . 

ANU offers you undergraduate single and flexible double degree programs in

•           Arts, society and culture
•           Asia-Pacific studies, international relations and security studies
•           Business and commerce
•           Engineering, cybernetics and computing
•           Health, medicine and psychology
•           Law and legal studies
•           Natural, physical and environmental sciences

Find your program

Single and double degrees

You can choose from 50 single degrees or design your own flexible double degree from 599 possible combinations. Double degrees are an opportunity for you to tailor your studies to fit your strengths, passions and goals and take less time to complete than two single bachelor’s degrees. 

Students’ association As a student, you will automatically become a member of the ANU Students’ Association (ANUSA) that supports the university’s clubs and societies and delivers a range of events.

ANUSA can also provide you with legal advice, advocacy services and supportive welfare programs. You can also choose to represent other students by running for office in the ANUSA elections. 

Arts and Humanities (6)

Bachelor of archaeological practice (honours), bachelor of art history and curatorship, bachelor of art history and curatorship (honours), bachelor of arts, bachelor of arts (honours), bachelor of arts (with year in asia), bachelor of classical studies (honours), bachelor of design, bachelor of design (honours), bachelor of languages, bachelor of languages (honours), bachelor of languages (with year in asia), bachelor of music, bachelor of music (honours), bachelor of visual arts, bachelor of visual arts (honours), business and management (6), bachelor of accounting, bachelor of accounting (honours), bachelor of applied data analytics, bachelor of applied data analytics (honours), bachelor of business administration, bachelor of business administration (honours), bachelor of commerce, bachelor of commerce (honours), bachelor of finance, bachelor of finance (honours), bachelor of finance, economics and statistics (honours), bachelor of international business, bachelor of international business (honours), engineering and technology (6), bachelor of advanced computing (honours), bachelor of advanced computing (research and development) (honours), bachelor of engineering (honours), bachelor of engineering (research and development) (honours), bachelor of information technology (honours), life sciences and medicine (6), bachelor of biotechnology, bachelor of biotechnology (honours), bachelor of genetics, bachelor of genetics (honours), bachelor of health science, bachelor of health science (honours), bachelor of medical science, bachelor of medical science (honours), bachelor of psychology (honours), bachelor of science (psychology), natural sciences (6), bachelor of actuarial studies, bachelor of actuarial studies (honours), bachelor of environment and sustainability, bachelor of environment and sustainability (honours), bachelor of environment and sustainability advanced (honours), bachelor of environmental studies (honours), bachelor of mathematical sciences, bachelor of mathematical sciences (honours), bachelor of philosophy (honours) - science, bachelor of philosophy (honours) / bachelor of science (honours) - anu as home institution, bachelor of philosophy (honours) / bachelor of science (honours) - nus as home institution, bachelor of science, bachelor of science (advanced) (honours), bachelor of science (honours), bachelor of science (with year in asia), bachelor of social sciences (honours in actuarial studies & economics), social sciences and management (6), bachelor of asia-pacific affairs, bachelor of asia-pacific affairs (ritsumeikan), bachelor of asian studies, bachelor of asian studies (honours), bachelor of asian studies (with year in asia), bachelor of criminology, bachelor of criminology (honours), bachelor of development studies (honours), bachelor of development studies (with year in asia), bachelor of economics, bachelor of economics (honours), bachelor of european studies (honours), bachelor of international relations, bachelor of international relations (honours), bachelor of international relations (with year in asia), bachelor of laws (honours), bachelor of middle eastern and central asian studies (honours), bachelor of pacific studies, bachelor of pacific studies (honours), bachelor of philosophy (honours)—humanities and social sciences, bachelor of political science, bachelor of political science (honours), bachelor of politics, philosophy and economics, bachelor of politics, philosophy and economics (honours), bachelor of public policy, bachelor of public policy (honours), bachelor of statistics, bachelor of statistics (honours).

Postgraduate degrees   at the Australian National University give you a competitive edge in the global job market. They will equip you with the skills and knowledge to specialise in your field, upskill or even change your career. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You have the choice to study full-time or part-time, with a mix of face-to-face, online and intensive learning delivery options.

You’ll work in small classes alongside academics who are specialists in their fields and – once you graduate – your postgraduate qualification will increase your earning potential.

ANU offers you the following postgraduate-level programs:

•           Arts, society and culture
•           Asia-Pacific studies, international relations and security studies
•           Business and commerce
•           Engineering, cybernetics and computing
•           Health, medicine and psychology
•           Law and legal studies
•           Natural, physical and environmental sciences

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Taught in the evening in small classes led by industry leaders from a range of fields, the flexibly delivered ANU Master of Business Administration (MBA) provides the skills to identify, evaluate and apply evidence to inform effective decision making.

The program builds upon your management experience and prior learning to help you move from middle to senior management roles.

With so many experienced students in the MBA, a strong component of your learning will come from the sharing of knowledge and insights and from academics who have experience in international business, operational management, strategy, information systems, change management, marketing and entrepreneurship. 

Explore Master of Business Administration

Exceptional PhD research degrees

The Australian National University provides research students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. These degrees take between three and four years to complete full-time (or the equivalent part-time).

As a research student you will work independently under the direction of an academic supervisor or a supervisory panel of academic staff.   Your  discipline may also offer you an alternative to a written thesis.      

Explore postgraduate research degrees

Joint or dual/Cotutelle PhD Joint or dual PhD programs between ANU and partner institutions collaboratively deliver outstanding research training experiences and could see you living and working at each university for a period of time. These programs allow research students opportunities to:

• participate in collaborative projects between supervisors at home and at a host institution
• experience multiple research environments
• live and work in different locations.

Explore joint or dual PhD programs

Short courses

Start your postgraduate studies with an ANU short course (graduate certificate).  You can complete one in six months. After finishing it, you’ll be able to progress to a graduate diploma and then a master’s degree.

Students’ association Postgraduate students automatically become a member of the Postgraduate Students’ Association (PARSA). It will offer you a range of community events and services that will connect you with other postgraduate students as well as with legal advice and advocacy and supportive welfare programs. 

Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science

Master of archaeological and evolutionary science (advanced), master of art history and curatorial studies (1-year), master of arts - arts administration / master of museum and heritage studies, master of classical studies (advanced), master of contemporary art practices, master of contemporary art practices (advanced), master of general and applied linguistics (advanced), master of history, master of history (advanced) (1.5-year), master of museum and heritage studies, master of museum and heritage studies (advanced), master of philosophy, culture, history and languages, master of philosophy, research school of humanities and the arts, master of translation (advanced), master of accounting, master of applied accounting, master of applied data analytics, master of applied finance, master of business information systems, master of commerce (advanced), master of entrepreneurship and innovation, master of finance, master of financial management, master of financial management and law, master of international management, master of management, master of management (advanced), master of marketing management, master of philosophy, anu college of business and economics, master of professional accounting, master of project management, master of applied cybernetics, master of applied cybernetics (advanced), master of computing, master of computing (advanced), master of engineering in electrical engineering, master of engineering in mechatronics, master of engineering in renewable energy, master of machine learning and computer vision, master of philosophy, anu college of engineering and computer science, master of anthropology (1-year), master of anthropology (advanced) (1.5-year), master of applied anthropology and development, master of applied anthropology and development (advanced), master of biotechnology, master of biotechnology (advanced), master of clinical psychology, master of culture health and medicine, master of culture health and medicine (advanced), master of neuroscience, master of neuroscience (advanced), master of philosophy in applied epidemiology, master of philosophy, anu medical school, master of philosophy, john curtin school of medical research, master of philosophy, psychology, master of philosophy, research school of biology, master of philosophy, research school of population health, master of preclinical science, master of professional psychology, master of science (advanced) in agricultural innovation, master of science (advanced) in biological sciences, master of science (advanced) in quantitative biology and bioinformatics, master of science in agricultural innovation, master of science in biological sciences, master of science in quantitative biology and bioinformatics, master of actuarial practice, master of actuarial studies, master of climate change, master of earth sciences (advanced), master of energy change, master of energy change (advanced), master of environment, master of environment (advanced), master of environmental management and development, master of environmental management and development - online, master of environmental and resource economics, master of mathematical sciences (advanced), master of philosophy, anu colleges of science, master of philosophy, australian national centre for the public awareness of science, master of philosophy, fenner school of environment and society, master of philosophy, mathematical sciences institute, master of philosophy, research school of astronomy and astrophysics, master of philosophy, research school of chemistry, master of philosophy, research school of earth sciences, master of philosophy, research school of physics, master of science (advanced) in astronomy and astrophysics, master of science (advanced) in materials science, master of science (advanced) in nuclear science, master of science (advanced) in precision instrumentation and measurement, master of science (advanced) in quantum technology, master of science (advanced) in theoretical physics, master of science in astronomy and astrophysics, master of science in earth sciences, master of science in materials science, master of science in mathematical sciences, master of science in nuclear science, master of science in precision instrumentation and measurement, master of science in quantum technology, master of science in theoretical physics, executive master of public administration, executive master of public policy, juris doctor, master of applied economics, master of asian and pacific studies, master of digital humanities and public culture, master of digital humanities and public culture (advanced), master of economic policy, master of economics, master of engaging asia, master of financial economics, master of globalisation (advanced), master of international law and diplomacy, master of international relations, master of international and development economics, master of laws, master of middle eastern and central asian studies, master of middle eastern and central asian studies (advanced), master of national security policy, master of pacific development, master of philosophy (mphil), anu college of law, master of philosophy, crawford school of public policy, master of philosophy, international, political and strategic studies, master of philosophy, national security college, master of philosophy, regulation and governance, master of philosophy, research school of social sciences, master of political science, master of political science (advanced), master of public administration, master of public health, master of public health (advanced), master of public policy, master of public policy/master of public policy anu - u tokyo, master of regulation and governance, master of science communication, master of social research methods, master of social research methods (advanced), master of statistics, master of strategic studies, master of strategic studies (advanced), master of studies (1.5-year), full-time mba (1), master of business administration, doctor of philosophy, culture history and languages, doctor of philosophy, research school of humanities and the arts, doctor of philosophy, anu college of business and economics, doctor of philosophy, anu college of engineering and computer science, doctor of medicine, doctor of medicine and surgery, doctor of philosophy (clinical psychology), doctor of philosophy, john curtin school of medical research, doctor of philosophy, medical school, doctor of philosophy, psychology, doctor of philosophy, research school of biology, doctor of philosophy, research school of population health, doctor of philosophy, australian national centre for the public awareness of science, doctor of philosophy, fenner school of environment and society, doctor of philosophy, mathematical sciences institute, doctor of philosophy, research school of astronomy and astrophysics, doctor of philosophy, research school of chemistry, doctor of philosophy, research school of earth sciences, doctor of philosophy, research school of physics, doctor of philosophy, science, doctor of laws, doctor of philosophy, anu college of law, doctor of philosophy, crawford school of public policy, doctor of philosophy, national security college, doctor of philosophy, regulation and governance, doctor of philosophy, research school of social sciences.

PhD Programs

The Research School of Management (RSM) has a PhD program across several management and business disciplines to qualify research candidates keen on investigating and developing new knowledge through substantial specialised research as a contribution to scholarship and business and management practice. RSM has internationally recognised researchers who can supervise doctoral candidates on a diverse range of topics across various disciplines. To complete the PhD program, candidates are required to take four compulsory and two elective courses, be successful in the thesis proposal review process, and write a substantial and high quality thesis is passed by external examiners. 

The Program Learning Outcomes for RSM’s PhD pertinent across its various disciplines are:

Explain their philosophical approach and its incorporation into a significant research journey and the building of their doctoral identity.

Problematise a complex social phenomenon within or across the domains of business and management studies that merits targeted study and research skills to advance scholarship and professional practice.

Identify relevant databases to systematically retrieve applicable and appropriate literature to address research problems and ensuing questions.

Critically and systematically review and discuss the extant body of complex knowledge within a domain to demonstrate the expertise and skills required for scholarly inquiry.

Devise an effective research design, including a justification of the methodology(ies)  developed, adapted and implemented for the scholarly study of the topic of interest.

Actively prioritise the conduct of responsible and ethical research within an environment that promotes scholarship and collegiality

Develop insights into the discipline through expert and specialised analytical, research and technical skills as applied to the research data collected.

Determine the contributions and implications of the research for the advancement of theoretical knowledge and practice.

Propose future directions of research in the discipline based on original insights and  knowledge gained through a critical discussion of the findings of the research.

Produce a manuscript in the form of a monograph or collection of scholarly articles to effectively communicate, disseminate and promote new insights within the academic community and society at large. 

RSM staff have diverse research interests and can provide supervision across a range of topics in disciplines such as:

• Business Information Systems
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Organisational Behaviour
• Project Management
• Strategic Management
• Indigenous studies

Our school’s research capabilities have been rated as “well above world standard” by Excellence in Research Australia (ERA). Our academic staff and former students have published their papers in such top journals as:  Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Human Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Research, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management, Journal of Management Information Systems, Journal of Management Studies, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Operations Management, Marketing Science, MIS Quarterly, Organization Science, Organization Studies, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and Production and Operations Management .  

Many of our research students have received recognition for outstanding PhD research (e.g., 3MT People’s Choice Award, Best PhD Proposal Award on Corporate Social Responsibility, ISBM Doctoral Support Award Competition Winner), best paper awards (e.g., Academy of Management, Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management, Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy, and Australian Industrial/Organizational Psychology Conferences etc.), and published their papers in top journal publications.

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Political Science & International Relations

If you are considering furthering your research in political science you will want to learn from the best in Australia and immerse yourself in the field

Graduate research enquiry

Degrees offered

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Graduate research in political science and international relations at ANU covers a wide range of contemporary domestic and international political issues.

Political science

Political science research at ANU offers you the opportunity to explore political parties and institutions, interest groups and electoral systems, public policy, health and welfare policy, political theory, comparative politics and political economy.

International relations

Research in international relations includes the international political economy, globalisation, international relations theory, European politics, political literature and international relations, gendered international politics, diplomacy, strategy and foreign policy, international terrorism, security studies and development studies.

Social and political theory

Social and political theory is a growing area of interest in Australia and internationally. It involves a number of disciplines including philosophy, political science, sociology, economics and law.

Health & Medicine

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Read about the ANU College of Health & Medicine.

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We need to talk about death: planning for end of life »

Study health & medicine at ANU, one of the world's most prestigious universities.

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Discover our health and medical research capabilities.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Research health and medicine at anu.

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.

What you will learn

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.

Research topics

We have a wide range of potential research topics. They range from short-term PhB projects to year-long honours and graduate projects to three-year PhD projects.

What it's like to be a research student

Forensic scientist making a positive difference

"I didn't even know what a PhD was, let alone had the confidence to think that this was something I could undertake."

Read how Jodie became a Superstar of STEM

From the village to the lab

PhD student Thilaga Velusamy takes us on her journey from a small village in India, to research laboratories at the John Curtin School of Medical Research.

Take a journey with Thilaga

The MD with a PhD

Danielle Butler, MD, is now graduating as a different kind of doctor—“As my colleagues at the Research School of Population Health would say, now I’m actually a  real  doctor!” she laughs—with her roles as clinician and researcher proving mutually beneficial.

Read about Danielle's healthcare research

Honorable applicants

Doctor of Philosophy program you will be required to have completed at least a four-year Australian degree with first class honours or equivalent.

English language requirements

All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.

World class facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support, including labs, computational services and recreation and relaxation rooms.

Researcher careers

The Doctor of Philosophy is your gateway to an academic or research career in health and medicine. In addition to academia, PhD graduates work in diverse fields within government, education, industry and media.

One grad's bumpy ride to a PhD

Fees & scholarships

Tuition fees: tuition fees, scholarships: scholarships.

ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.

Browse all scholarships

• International

Understand the entry requirements

To be eligible to be considered for admission to a postgraduate research degree at ANU, you must hold:

• An Australian Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Honours - Upper (First Class Honours is often required) or its international equivalent, or
• Another degree with a significant research/thesis component that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1), or
• A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to the field of study that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1).

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for students.  

Find 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.

Check available scholarships

ANU Colleges and individual research schools, offer a number of  scholarships  which 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.

Please note, international research scholarships are only awarded to outstanding students and are extremely competitive. Domestic students should be aware that if you are applying for mid-year entry your chances of obtaining scholarship funding may be greatly diminished.

Scholarship applications are included in the program application process, step four.

Submit your application

Applicants should  apply online . Application for admission to a higher degree by research and scholarship is combined in the single application. A one page research proposal and three academic referee reports also need to be included. Ask your referees to complete the  referee report form  and submit directly to ANU.

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Support the cost of your postgraduate study.

Find the right supervisor and project for you.

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours

Updated:   7 March 2023 / Responsible Officer:   Science Web / Page Contact:   Science Web

PhD in Finance

The PhD program in Finance at the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Statistics (RSFAS) equips graduates with the necessary skills to conduct research in the field of finance. The program will challenge PhD candidates to identify and solve important questions in the finance world, and will help them to develop a keen analytical mind essential for navigating the fast-changing financial marketplace and corporate sector.

While the program is focused on developing candidates for an academic career, many of the skills it provides are readily transferable to various positions in government and industry. Some examples are researchers or associates within the banking and financial sector, including investment banking, in roles such as investment or quantitative analysis, mergers and acquisitions analysis and business analysis; and researchers and policy advisers at institutions including central banks, bank regulators, international organisations such as the World Bank, IMF, OECD and ADB, and government departments such as Treasury and Finance.

CRICOS #: 048345A

Duration: 2 to 4 years full time (4 to 8 years part time)

Before you submit an application for entry to the program, you should:

• ensure you meet the admission requirements outlined below
• identify potential supervisors – that is, one or two finance academics at ANU who conduct research in your area of interest.

You can find information on researchers and their research areas in the  ANU researchers database  and on the  RSFAS Finance faculty  page.

While other ANU schools may recommend contacting potential supervisors before submitting an application,  this is not required  for entry into RSFAS’s PhD programs. Instead, you only need to list the name(s) of potential supervisors in your online application form.

Potential supervisors cannot guarantee entry into the PhD program. Admission will depend on the strength of your application relative to others in the pool.

After you’ve completed the steps above, you can proceed with an  online application .

Application deadlines

The first semester of the ANU academic year starts in February, and the second semester starts in July. While all applications for first semester entry must be submitted  before 31 October,  international applicants wishing to be considered for an  ANU scholarship  should submit their applications  before   31 August .

To be considered for a scholarship, your application must be accompanied by all the supporting documents listed below, including the referee reports. Request for referee reports are triggered and sent to your nominated referees at the time of submission of program application. It is thus important that you submit your application in advance (2-3 weeks) to allow time for your referees to provide their reports prior to the scholarship deadline.

If you’re currently completing an academic degree and haven’t yet received your final results and transcript, you should still submit all available documents before the deadline, and forward remaining results once you receive them. We won’t make a final decision on your application until we’ve received all the required documents.

The admission requirements for the PhD program in Finance reflect the advanced knowledge that candidates will need to undertake the coursework component of the degree, and the research experience and skills needed to successfully undertake and complete the research thesis.

The minimum qualification requirement for admission to the PhD program in Finance is:

• an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours Division A in finance, actuarial studies, economics, business, commerce, or a subject area with a substantial quantitative content, or
• another qualification (e.g. a Master degree) with a substantial research thesis component that the RSFAS HDR (higher degree by research) committee is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in (a), or
• a combination of qualifications and professional experience that the RSFAS HDR committee is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in (a).

Admission to the PhD program in Finance is competitive and we can only admit a limited number of applicants each year. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee you a place in the program.

If you don’t have sufficient research experience for entry into the PhD program, you might consider applying to the MPhil program . If you’d like to consider this pathway, contact the RSFAS HDR convenor for more information.

English language requirements

All applicants must satisfy the University’s  English language admission requirements . An international applicant who is not a native English speaker may satisfy these requirements by submitting evidence of an  IELTS  overall score of at least 6.5, and with no component less than 6.0, or a paper-based  TOEFL  score of at least 570, with at least 4.5 in the essay component.

Application and supporting documentation

You must submit your application online via the  ANU Application Manager .

In addition to the standard information required in the online application, you must submit the following supporting documents as part of your application:

• a one-page statement of purpose outlining your motivation to undertake a PhD in Finance at ANU
• a research proposal – see details below, as well as these guidelines on how to  prepare a persuasive research proposal
• copies of written research work, e.g. honours or Master thesis, research project, or published works
• either  GRE General Test  or  GMAT  results completed within the last five years – some applicants are exempted from this requirement (see below for further information)
• official  TOEFL  or  IELTS  results (where applicable) to demonstrate that you satisfy the University’s  English language requirements .

Research proposal

The online application requires you to submit a research proposal. The proposal should set out an original research idea, provide an introduction or background to your research idea, clearly set out the research objectives, and explain why the research is important and the contribution it will make to the finance discipline. Among other things, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the key literature in your chosen topic area. As a guide, you should aim for between 1,500 and 2,000 words, including a list of key references.

If you don’t have a prior degree in finance, your research proposal should present a puzzling and interesting real-world phenomenon in finance that could lead to an important research topic. You should aim to convince the RSFAS HDR committee that your proposal is relevant and interesting.

The RSFAS HDR committee uses the research proposal as an indicator to assess the quality and originality of your ideas and your skills in critical thinking. Note that the research proposal does not restrict you to this field of study should you be admitted to the PhD program.

GRE or GMAT requirement

You must submit either your  GRE General Test  or  GMAT  results as part of your application. You’re exempt from this requirement if you’ve already completed an ANU Master of Finance or ANU degree with honours in Finance. You’re also exempt if you’ve completed a Finance degree with honours from another Australian university, but we encourage you to provide GRE or GMAT results to improve your chances of admission and scholarship support.

Offers of admission

The RSFAS HDR committee will review all complete applications submitted by the relevant deadline.

If your application is short-listed, you may be required to attend an interview (face to face or online).

We may send you an offer of admission if you satisfy the eligibility criteria and your area of interest matches those of RSFAS academics with supervisory capacity. However, since admission is competitive and supervisory capacity is limited, we won’t send any offers of admission until  after the relevant application deadline , irrespective of the date when you submit your application.

The PhD in program in Finance consists of two components –  coursework  and  research .

Candidates undertake the research component after successfully completing the required coursework.

Assumed knowledge and pre-PhD preparation

While not a formal requirement for entry, you should be aware that the PhD coursework requirements outlined below assume knowledge equivalent to later-year undergraduate and graduate diploma–level studies in economics, finance and quantitative methods. The following is an indicative list of ANU subjects that make up the basic assumed knowledge:

• ECON8025  Advanced Microeconomic Analysis
• ECON8026  Advanced Macroeconomic Analysis
• EMET8005  Economic Models and Introductory Econometrics
• FINM8006  Advanced Investments
• FINM8004  Advanced Corporate Finance

PhD coursework component

In the coursework component, PhD candidates undertake a comprehensive set of courses designed to provide training in the theory and methods necessary to conduct high-quality finance research. These courses are academically rigorous and will be examined. Candidates take up to 18 months to complete the coursework (10 subjects plus a pre-PhD mathematics refresher course, if required). Upon successful completion of the coursework, PhD candidates will progress to the research component. The standard coursework structure for the PhD is as follows:

Pre-PhD summer course (if required):

• ECON8007 Mathematical Techniques for Advanced Economic Analysis

Year 1, Semester 1:

• ECON8011  Microeconomic Theory
• ECON8022  Macroeconomic Theory
• EMET8014  Advanced Econometrics I

Year 1, Semester 2:

• FINM8018  Doctoral Studies in Asset Pricing
• FINM8019  Doctoral Studies in Corporate Finance – Theory

Year 2, Semester 1:

• FINM8020  Doctoral Studies in Asset Pricing 2
• FINM8021  Doctoral Studies in Corporate Finance – Empirical

Three electives taken in the first year, consisting of:

• EMET8008  Advanced Econometrics II
• EMET8001  Applied Micro-Econometrics
• STAT8002  Applied Time Series Analysis or  EMET8010  Applied Macro and Financial Econometrics
• ECON8021  Topics in Microeconomic Theory
• ECON8001  Topics in Macroeconomics
• FINM7003  Continuous Time Finance
• ECON8013  Optimisation for Economics and Financial Economics
• ECON8014  Computational Methods in Economics
• ECON8038  Industrial Organisation
• ECON8053  Game Theory
• ECON8076  Topics in Game Theory
• ECON8080  Advanced Behavioral Economics

Other electives may be possible beyond those listed above. Note that not all courses are offered in all years.

In Semester 1 of the second year, PhD candidates are also required to attend Special Topics in Finance seminars. This is an advanced reading seminar series led by faculty and senior PhD candidates aimed at providing candidates with exposure to up-to-date research. This seminar series culminates in a draft proposal that will form the basis of the candidate’s thesis proposal review (see below).

PhD research component

Following the successful completion of coursework, PhD candidates undertake specialised research training and independent research. Research training begins in the second year with advanced-level seminars, where participants delve deeply into key current research papers. At the same time, PhD candidates will commence research in their chosen topic. The year culminates with the defence of the first research proposal or paper, known as the thesis proposal review (see below).

Research supervisory panel

When a PhD candidate is admitted to the program, a provisional supervisor is appointed. The provisional supervisor has the responsibility of overseeing the candidate’s progress until a supervisory panel is chosen.

The Special Topics in Finance seminar series held during Semester 1 of the second year of candidature will help facilitate the finalisation of PhD supervisory panels. The role of the supervisory panel is to assist, advise, and provide support and encouragement to the candidate for a timely and successful completion of the research thesis.

RSFAS finance seminar program

The RSFAS finance seminar program consists of regular seminars presented by national and international researchers. PhD candidates are expected to attend and actively participate in the seminars throughout their candidature.

Research integrity training

Within three to six months of enrolment, all PhD candidates must complete the  Research Integrity Training  and pass the exam. Completion of this course and exam is a compulsory milestone for all PhD candidates.

Thesis proposal review

The thesis proposal review is a major milestone towards the end of the second year. The purpose of the review is to assess the originality, significance, adequacy and achievability of the candidate’s thesis plan.

PhD candidates are required to submit a draft thesis proposal following completion of the Special Topics in Finance seminar series towards the end of Semester 1 in the second year of their candidature. The proposal includes a description of the research to be undertaken in the thesis, and a summary of the thesis structure and time plan. Candidates are required to give a presentation to the RSFAS faculty and submit a paper to their supervisory panel.

Successful completion of the thesis proposal review (as determined by the Delegated Authority following consultation with the HDR convenor and supervisory panel) is required to continue in the PhD program.

Annual progress reviews

It is University policy that each candidate’s progress be reviewed periodically. In each year of their program, PhD candidates are required to submit an  annual plan and report  as a basis for periodic progress review. This document provides details on work completed by the candidate since the previous review, current progress, and any problems that may impact their research. It also outlines the coursework and research the candidate intends to undertake in the following 12 months.

Oral presentation

In their final year, candidates are required to give a final  oral presentation  on their research, usually three months before submitting their thesis.

Read more about  research candidate milestones .

Thesis submission and examination

The culmination of the PhD in Finance is a written thesis which, upon completion, is submitted for examination. The thesis is assessed by examiners who are experts in the relevant field.

For more information on the process, visit our page on  submitting a thesis .

For information about scholarships available to HDR candidates, visit our page on  scholarships and fees .

Read details of some of our alumni’s recent  job placements .

See our list of current  Finance PhD students .

• Directories

Vice-Chancellor launches the ANU 2025 Strategic Plan

Good morning everyone and welcome to the launch of our ANU 2025 Strategic Plan.

Before we begin, I would like to invite Aunty Matilda and Paul House to welcome us to Country.

[Aunty Matilda and Paul House deliver Welcome to Country] 

Thank you to Paul and Matilda for that warm welcome to country.

I would also like to celebrate and pay my respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

How marvellous to hear our motto 'first, to know the nature of things' rendered into the Walgalu Wiradjuri language.

The original motto is written in Latin, which is regarded as an 'ancient language', but wasn't even created until 18 or 19 millennia after Indigenous peoples first walked this land we now call Canberra.

Our respect for that traditional knowledge is boundless - because of what it tells us about the human condition, spirituality and the land we live on. And there is so much more to learn - now that we have truly started to listen .

We're proud that ANU has among its alumni eminent national leaders like professors Marcia Langton and Megan Davis who have done so much for the first nations cause. And we're proud that our students were there lending support to landmark actions in the history of our country like the establishment of the first Tent Embassy in Canberra.

I also want to acknowledge today may be a hard day for some of us. It is the anniversary of the Human Rights report and you may have seen the signage on University Avenue demanding ANU does better. Today, I want to say - I, and the University continues to listen, continues to learn and will continue to act. I acknowledge the pain and distress this must cause for many of you.

Paul's address shows us that the traditional cultures and modern university cultures are united by the same thing, a very human thing: the unquenchable desire to understand.

The First Australian's have been seeking to understand the world for tens of thousands of years. ANU has been at it for just 75.

But they are 75 years we can be proud of.

You can only achieve as much as we have in so short a time through intellectual excellence.

Australia is blessed with many fine universities. All serve our country brilliantly.  But the ANU has a special role as Australia's national university.

Our history reflects the story of post-war Australia.

We were founded on 1 August 1946 with the participation of four Australian intellectual titans: Howard Florey, Marcus Oliphant, Ross Hancock and Raymond Firth.

Our first degree, awarded in 1951, was to Sir Robert Garran, one of the founding fathers of Federation.

Our first undergraduates arrived in 1960.

And our first woman Professor - of mathematics - Hanna Neuman, was appointed in 1964.

The first ANU student to become Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, studied here in the 1950s.

And the second, Kevin Rudd, in the 1970s and 80s.

Our chancellors have included some of the most eminent statesmen our country has produced - including now the 38 th Foreign Minister of Australia, Julie Bishop.

Our work has raised up our democracy, government, public policy, economy, culture and the welfare of our people.

It gives Australia a global voice. And empowers Australia to be part of the leading edge of the creation of scientific knowledge. That is why we have been so successful as a place where Nobel Prize winners actually did their work -  Eccles,  Harsanyi, Doherty, and Zinkernagel.

Our globally-renowned scientists sit alongside some of the finest economists, philosophers, engineers, anthropologists, historians and others on a campus the size of a village.

Their work has shaped modern Australia in significant ways.

The great opening up of Australia to the world that began in the 1980s, culminating in the founding of APEC, was a co-creation between ANU policy experts and the Australian Public Service. A pioneering group of economists from ANU played a crucial role.

Critics and historians like A.D. Hope and Manning Clark helped create our nation's modern culture and narrative. Wang Gungwu connected Australia to the re-emergence of Asia to our north.

Thinkers and strategists in international relations such as Coral Bell and Des Ball whose ideas and research didn't just change perspectives, but gave ANU a seat at the decision-making tables on the great issues of our time, including nuclear warfare.

These are a few examples of the thousands of ANU people who have changed our world. Many people sitting with us today have, or will.

On that note, I would like to share a snapshot of some of the incredible work our academics are undertaking.

[ video plays ]

So inspiring! The University we create over the coming years will shape the contribution they - and you - can make.

That's why I'm proud today to launch our new Strategic Plan, ANU by 2025 , which you have all helped develop over the last six months. A simple one-page guide to the Plan is available here today.

It summarises where we will focus our efforts over the next five years: renewing our national mission to keep education and research at the service of the nation, to transform our society and deliver greater national capability. 

And our Plan sets the twin goals of delivering a student experience equal to the world's best, and making ANU an equitable and inclusive university of choice for teaching, research and professional staff. 

We simply have to succeed. 

In a world of pandemic... climate change... profound economic, social and gender inequalities... the spread of populism... the weakening of global institutions... and rising global tensions... ANU's work is needed more than ever before. 

Without it, democracy is imperilled, peace is uncertain, and millions of lives are placed at risk.  

Where would our world be right now without the research work of its universities? 

How dire would our circumstances be if university laboratories hadn't so rapidly understood the nature of Covid-19, developed vaccines against it and trained health professionals to lead the fight against it?  

This is one of the great human triumphs of our time. And it happened because since the Second World War - since the founding of ANU - nations have had the foresight to invest heavily in universities, the knowledge they produce and the human capital they train.  

The world has been given a wake-up call.  

And that wake-up call is this:  first know the nature of things. Only by first knowing the nature of things can we can be fully armed against anything nature throws at us.   

So on this 75th anniversary of the ANU, I want to reach out to the Australian people to say this: ANU is here to serve.  

Believe in us, support us, give us your trust, so we can first know the nature of things as the initial step to creating a better nation and a better world. 

Help us create the knowledge that will allow us to generate the new ideas needed to create:  

New partnerships with industry to increase innovation, prosperity and jobs. 

New understandings to keep the Asia-Pacific peaceful and democratic. 

New and better practices in health and social policy. 

New technologies to decarbonise the global economy.  

New and better engagement with First Nations peoples. 

And new ways to make artificial intelligence work ethically and in the interests of humanity.  

There's so much practical good we can contribute to increase the prosperity and wellbeing of Australians and the people of the world. That's why our Strategic Plan sets a goal for the university of creating at least one major transformational societal outcome that has its origins in our academic work. This may be a major scientific discovery, a public policy innovation, or a new piece of research that is translated and commercialised. I am still determined we create our first 'unicorn' (!) - and if we do, it will repay the nation's investment in us many times over.   

Freedom of speech and respectful debate  

One of my personal goals as Vice-Chancellor is to give everyone who comes here a great academic experience. 

I want to offer stimulating teaching, do truly ground-breaking research, engage in fearless intellectual discussion, make lifelong friendships, and  enjoy the sheer fun that comes from being in a great campus university in the heart of a sophisticated capital city.  

To do this, we need to maintain our great liberal academic culture, which rests on the crucial principle of academic freedom. 

As we confront the next five years of ANU's history, we must therefore be clear about just what academic freedom means and how it has been practised successfully here for 75 years. 

Academic freedom starts with university autonomy. As a university we must be free to control our internal affairs, regulate our own debates and set our agenda free of outside interference.  

Academic freedom also means the freedom to investigate and publish, free of censorship or threat. 

And it means having a right to respectfully disagree with others including other members of our own university.  

Note that term: 'respectfully disagree'.  

Disagreement does not stop intellectual progress. Neither does competition. Expressed through civilised debate, both are essential parts of an intellectual eco-system conducive to discovery.   

What stops intellectual progress dead in its tracks is unreasonable, incessant and often cynically contrived conflict. 

The current pandemic is instructive on the value of these great academic traditions we have inherited. 

Following the emergence of Covid-19 there was a race among global laboratories to understand the virus and develop an effective vaccine against it. The stakes were high, but the level of respect, cooperation and sharing of scientific information between the competing medical research teams was strong and genuine. The results are there for everyone to see. 

That's how knowledge advances. Through competition, not conflict. Cooperation, not division. Respect, not abuse.  

Some people regard conflict as an end in itself. They believe that unless freedom of speech on campus is constantly pushed to its very limits, regardless of the consequences, it's not real.  

I disagree. Conflict is not what universities are about. 

You don't have the right to abuse and attack others on a university campus. You have a responsibility to debate them peacefully, respectfully and fully.  

To continue their great work for humanity, universities need to create an academic culture that allows freedom of expression without abuse and aggression.  

Unbounded inquiry. Freedom of expression. Strong debate. A sometimes competitive environment. And a respectful culture that protects everyone's freedom to pursue ideas.  

These are our standards. And we will have zero tolerance for behaviour that falls below them. 

Entry based on potential 

Another crucial principle for universities is having a just admissions system. In my view, the most just admissions system is one based on an individual student's potential.  

In our unequal world, in which those with great natural abilities are often unfairly held back by personal circumstance, achieving equity is seldom straightforward. 

But it must be our goal. 

ANU is the only research university in the country whose intended student catchment zone is the entire nation.  

Every year, young people join us from right across Australia.  

North, south, east, west, every state and territory - they come to Canberra. 

This is what makes us Australia's national university. And people right around the world recognise this.  

Yet, I often find myself questioning whether this goal of representing the entirety of Australia is ever entirely fulfilled.   

The reason is simple and obvious: moving interstate to study is expensive. Living at home costs far less. It's far easier to stay in your home town and go to the local university.  And why not? We have many good universities here in Australia. 

I suspect that many young Australians capable of getting in to ANU fail even to consider applying because calculations like these are so daunting. 

They can still dream of a good education and get it - but maybe by dreaming a little cheaper - rather than coming and studying here at ANU where they can sit alongside a cross-section of some of the nation's brightest scholars.  

I think it's time we addressed this. 

In recent years the ANU has made great strides forward in attracting the best young minds based on potential. 

A great example has been our Kambri scholarships for indigenous students. 

Another has been our innovative new admissions policy that offers places based on year-11 results. 

We must do more. 

That's why between now and 2025 we will be putting in place policies to ensure no student who has what it takes to get into ANU will need to dream cheaper and choose somewhere else. 

A new scholarship program will offer successful applicants a place to live on campus in their first year and provide crucial financial and pastoral support for the rest of their degree. 

Money worries should no longer be a reason a talented Australian cannot study at their university of choice - and especially their national university. This is a simple and bold idea.   

We will be the first to fully realise it. 

We also need to ensure that our teaching staff are selected on potential. That means having active recruitment policies and plans that aim for gender equality.  

The gulf in opportunity between the genders in Australia remains wide, despite all the gains made in recent times. And this includes in university careers. 

In many disciplines women's participation at the highest levels is shockingly low and in some of those disciplines they depart at two to three times the rate of men. 

I can recall when my own discipline of astronomy had no continuing female staff members. There's still a long way to go in so many disciplines including astronomy, but progress has been made.  

With real effort, employment equality is possible and within our reach. Decisive action is needed to hasten the rate of change.  

That's why, from today, the university will be asking each academic school to develop a plan that leads to gender equality within an agreed time frame using the novel workforce modelling Professor Lisa Kewley has developed and featured in Nature earlier this year. Each school will have a different time horizon and path depending on their circumstances. Equality can be obtained sooner than you might think - it certainly will not be achieved unless we take long-term action.  

And of course, our charted course for the next five years includes our commitment to addressing climate change.  

I don't have to spell out to you the urgency of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I'm sure you've all been watching the extreme global weather events of recent months.    

The new ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions has been established to bring knowledge to bear on the global crisis. The inclusion of 'Disaster' in that title tells you all you need to know: the Anthropocene is already here. We have to stop its disastrous consequences from worsening. 

As a public institution, ANU has to find solutions and set an example. As a self-governing community, we can show the world what's possible.  

For that reason, one of the most important goals of our Strategic Plan will be to advance our Below Zero Initiative.  

Our goal is to be carbon neutral by 2025 and carbon negative by 2030 - by cutting our own fossil fuel use and boosting carbon sequestration to off-set the emissions we can't avoid. 

We will also of course aim to make a difference on a global scale through the quality of our climate change research. 

This will be a whole-of-ANU strategy.  

Already, we have replaced gas boilers with renewably-powered electric heat pumps.  

We have our first free electric charging station on campus - part of understanding energy use dynamics. 

And we are working closely with ACT Government on a partnership to cover climate change and energy issues.  

Indeed, one of the best examples of our important work here is the newly-launched Distributed Energy Resources Lab.  

This new lab will help build a greener and climate change resilient electricity grid for Australia.  

This lab is a genuine testing bed to test the new technologies that will underpin our energy grids of tomorrow, today.  

It will see business, government and researchers make sure renewable - cleaner and greener - technologies work and deliver on their incredible potential.  

It is just another example of how ANU 'spark' drives change in our world for the better.  

Conclusion  

As the Chancellor and I state in the foreword to the new ANU Strategic Plan, creating ANU was a courageous and visionary response to a time of crisis - one that also focused on the future.  

That crisis was the Second World War. 

We now live in a new era of crisis.  

Just a few years ago, 2021 with its pandemic, extreme weather and other troubles would have seemed almost dystopian.  

The answer today is the same one our founders recognised 75 years ago: First, to know the nature of things. 

In other words, to advance human knowledge. Solve problems. And build understandings between people. 

All achieved through the maintenance of the great liberal tradition of academic freedom and through intellectual cooperation, knowledge sharing and mutual respect. 

These sorts of things are easy to say, but here at the ANU we've been doing them every day for the last 27,000 days. 

And in doing so, we are demonstrating our continuing relevance and creating an exciting place in which to teach, research and learn. 

Now - I would like to welcome Rosemary Clifford to speak.   

Rose completed a double degree in Arts and Psychology (Honours) in 2018, and is now completing her PhD in Psychology here at ANU.  

Rose is a very passionate advocate for mental health - drawing on her own personal experiences with mental health struggles to help inform research proposal and grant applications, as well as assisting in the education and professional development of Occupational Therapists and Psychologists in the ACT.  

Rose co-designed a number of mental health education programs which have been rolled out across Canberra to help our youth. She volunteers with Mental Illness Education ACT, and assists Lifeline Australia by answering the crisis hotline.  

She was also the 2020 recipient of the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year. 

You have done some incredible work in this space Rose - you are helping to change the lives of many young Australians in the ACT.  

Related links

• ANU Strategic Plan 2021-2025
• Watch a recording of the launch

Other stories you might like to read

• Programs and Courses

Master of Strategic Studies

A single 1.5 year graduate award offered by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

• Length 1.5 year full-time
• Minimum 72 Units
• Academic plan MSTRAT
• Post Nominal Master of Strategic
• CRICOS code 102924G
• 830934 (M Strategic Studies)
• Political Science
• Dr Jean Bou
• Admission & Fees
• Introduction

Career Options

Learning outcomes, admission requirements, cognate disciplines, scholarships.

• Indicative Fees

Program Requirements

Hurdle requirements.

The Masters of Strategic Studies requires completion of 72 units which must consist of:

18 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

STST8001 Strategic Studies 

STST8010 Strategic Concepts and Asia Pacific Conflict

STST8052 The Resort to Force: Understanding Military Power

A minimum of 18 units from the following strategic studies courses:

STST8002 The New Power Politics of Asia

STST8004 Australian Strategic and Defence Policy

STST8026 Nuclear Strategy in the Asian Century 

STST8054 Building a defence force: Defence force structure planning and acquisition

STST8066 Strategic Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Rethinking Strategy and Statecraft

STST8068  Asian Strategy and Security: History, Theory and Practice

A maximum of 36 units from the following strategy and security thematic course lists:

Strategy, and Security in Asia

INTR8040 Ethnicity and Conflict in the Asia-Pacific

INTR8067 U.S. Security Policy in the Asia-Pacific

NSPO8032 Geoeconomics and National Security

STST8013 China’s Defence and Strategic Challenges

STST8021 Intelligence and Security

STST8053 Alliances in Asia: Theory, History and Practice

STST8055 Making Grand Strategy

STST8056 Strategy and Southeast Asia: Defence and Security Dynamics

War Studies, Conflict and Global Security

INTR8053 Ethics of Peace and War

MEAS8111 Islam, The West and International Terrorism

MEAS8112 Dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

MEAS8113 The Gulf Strategic Environment

NSPO8028 History for Policymakers

STST8027 Insurgency and counterinsurgency

WARS6001 Walking the Ground: War Studies in the Field

National Security and Policymaking

DIPL8044 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

NSPO8009 Cyber and Emerging Technologies in National Security

NSPO8012 Leadership, Risk and National Security Crisis Management 

NSPO8028 History for Security Policymakers 

NSPO8033 Climate, the Environment and National Security

NSPO8036 Australian National Security Law: Introduction for Policymakers

Special topics

STST8017 Special Topics in Strategic Studies 

STST8057 Defence Leadership in ASEAN A

STST8058 Defence Leadership in ASEAN B

A maximum of 6 units from the following experiential courses:

ANIP6503 Australian National Internships Program Internship A (Graduate)

STST8059 Strategic Studies Internship

STST8064 Strategic Studies Experience (0 units)

VCPG6001 Unravelling Complexity

VCPG6003 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World

VCPG6004 Creating Impact

VCPG8001 Dealing with Wicked Problems

VCPG8002 Ignorance!

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

• Bachelor or international equivalent with GPA 5/7; or
• Bachelor or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• Bachelor or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a GC or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7; or
• Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• 48 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7; or
• Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• GRE General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• A minimum of 10 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. 

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0. 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or

• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English Language Requirements for Admission 

Diversity factors

As Australia’s national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe.

Assessment of qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met.

 Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au

ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher. 

International relations and diplomacy; public policy and administration; strategic and security studies; political science; history; sociology; economics and development; social science; law; and regional studies

Indicative fees

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the  Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

ANU offers a wide range of  scholarships  to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the  Scholarships  website.

The Strategic and Defence Studies Centre combines the theoretical and practical expertise of leading academics and policy-makers to deliver Australia’s foremost strategic studies program. Develop the analytical frameworks you need to tackle the regional and global strategic and security challenges of your career, and graduate a leader in your field.

Study with the best. 

Study Strategic Studies at ANU with internationally recognised experts in Australian strategic policy, Asia-Pacific security and global strategic issues.

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

This program is available for applications to commence from First Semester, 2021

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and cognitive skills in strategic and defence studies.

Possess an integrated understanding of the conduct of strategy, military operations, and its relationship to policy

Undertake strategic and policy analysis and be able to critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information relating to the conduct of strategy and military operations

Possess the technical skills needed to access the academic literature in the fields of study associated with strategic and defence studies

Research and apply established theories and concepts and exercise expert judgement in military, defence or policy contexts as they apply to Australian, Asian and Global settings.

Apply strategic concepts and knowledge to practical, contemporary problems using case studies from Australia, Asia and global environments

Conduct scholarly research, express ideas and construct evidence-based arguments in both written and oral form.

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions

Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship

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About this scholarship

Each year the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training provides funding to Universities to award scholarships to domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree Research programs. 

ANU currently conducts two annual central scholarship rounds which includes the AGRTP, the University Research Scholarship and a few other centrally managed scholarships.  

Round 1 is split into two parts, one for international candidates and one for domestic candidates with separate deadlines (31 August for international candidates and 31 October for domestic candidates each year). Round 1 is for commencements from the following year (January through to the end of March), however current candidates who recently commenced (enrolled typically for less than a year full-time equivalent) can also be considered by completing the ' Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR Scholarship form '.     

Round 2 has a deadline of 15 April and is typically a smaller round with commencement or take up of the scholarship up to the end of August of the same year.   

When you complete your admission application for a HDR program you can select which scholarship you are interested to be considered for including the AGRTP. There is no separate application form except for current candidates, through the above link. 

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

Payments made fortnightly

Payments made for 3.5 years

Student types

Student levels

Selection bases

Ongoing eligibility

Extension duration

Eligibility

The Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017 set the basis for the conditions of award and outline the basic eligibility requirements for this scholarship. 

The ANU has established an RTP Policy & Procedure which outlines the standards, processes and conditions for this scholarship.  These documents are available from the reference document section of this page.

Selection Basis

Candidates are ranked and scholarships are awarded based on a competitive ranking process, to the top ranked candidates, subject to evidence they meet merit-based selection criteria, and subject to confirmation of a qualified supervisor, space and resources being available, in an area of research that is aligned with ANU research strategy.

Additional information

Selection process, how to apply, reference documents, further information.

• All internships that are longer than 60 days Full-time equivalent (FTE) and that are not with a Higher Education Provider (HEP) or international equivalent are eligible for up to 6 months of scholarship extension up to the maximum duration of support.
• All other internship types are eligible for 3 months extension up to the maximum duration of support on the grounds of academic delay. Research visits and internships with an HEP (or international equivalent) are excluded.
• Thesis allowance
• Dependant child allowance (International students only).
• Paid medical, maternity and parental leave (See sections 51-68 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure ).
• Suspension of Scholarship (See sections 43-48 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure ).

Commencing students:  No application is required specifically for this scholarship as all eligible candidates will be considered. Note to ensure you are considered please ensure you select the appropriate boxes in the admissions application form to note that you are interested in being considered for any available scholarships. 

Continuing students:  Please complete and return the " Request for a Current ANU Student to be Considered for a HDR Scholarship " form to your Academic College.

Working outside the eligible HDR program

Students notify their Delegated Authority and Chair of Panel in writing of the extent of working arrangements they are undertaking alongside their eligible HDR program, upon commencement at ANU or within 20 working days of commencing working arrangements. See section 72 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure .

• Australian Government Research Training Program Policy (PDF, 86.68 KB)
• RTP Scholarship Ranking Principles (PDF, 131.29 KB)

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

In order to be considered for this scholarship in Round 1,  International students are required to apply for admission by  31 August.  Domestic students are required to apply for admission by 31 October.  Applications must be complete by the Scholarship deadline, including all supporting documentation and referee reports, in order to be considered in the scholarship ranking process.

Referee Reports & Submitting your application at least 2 weeks prior to the Scholarship Deadline 

Request for referee reports are triggered and sent to your nominated referees at the time of submission of program application. Your referees must submit their reports prior to the scholarship deadline for your application to be considered complete. It is therefore strongly recommended that you submit your application in advance (2-3 weeks) prior to the below deadlines to allow time for your referees to provide their report prior to the scholarship deadline.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to make contact with the a prospective supervisor prior to lodging an application for admission to discuss the proposed research topic and related matters.

A range of Frequently Asked Questions are available here

Contact us:

• Open Research Repository

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