PhD in Australia Online — Low Cost & Fully Funded Doctorate Options
Explore and Compare the Top PhD in Australia Online Programs - Fastest, No Dissertation, Cheapest, Scholarship and Fully Funded Online Doctorate Programs offered by best Australian Universities.
PhD in Australia Online
Best Online Doctorate & PhD Programs in Australia (2025-2026)
Australia is also known as a hub of world’s top research institutions and most of these institutions are now offering PhD in Australia Online programs that are affordable, cheap, flexible, fast, easily accessible and globally accredited and recognized.
If you are in search of fully funded PhD programs in Australia, or a distance learning doctorate, or looking for fastest and most affordable option, we cover it all for you, and offers you the best options in term of Online PhD programs in Australia in term of affordability, flexibility, accessibility and accreditation as well provide you the comparison so you can choose the best program according to your requirements, budget and career goals.
Most universities in Australia offers the following facilities:
- Remote supervision
- Online research training
- Digital thesis submission
- Full-time and part-time formats
- Optional campus visits (when required)
Here at Top PhD Online we offer you the opportunity to explore complete overview of PhD in Australia Online options, including Top PhD Programs, Scholarships, distance learning options and comparison across universities and other countries including USA, UK, Canada, Germany etc.
Explore PhD Online Australia
Here at Top PhD Online we offer you the opportunity to explore complete overview of PhD in Australia Online options, including Top PhD Programs, Scholarships, distance learning options and comparison across universities and other countries including USA, UK, Canada, Germany etc.
Why Choose an Online PhD in Australia?
Without any doubts Online Doctoral Programs in Australia offer most flexible, affordable and easily accessible options. Australian Universities offers especially tailored online doctoral programs featuring global supervision, accreditation, and generous scholarship and funding options.
Globally Accredited Online Doctorate Degrees
All the Australian doctoral qualifications – including Online PhD and Doctorate Programs – are regulated by TEQSA and follow AQF Level 10. Ensuring worldwide recognition across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Part-Time and Fully Online PhD in Australia Options
Most of the universities in Australia offers full Distance Learning PhD Programs, offering individuals the opportunity to conduct research, meet supervisions, and work submission from any part of the world. An ideal choice for working professionals, parents, and international applicants.
Funding & Scholarships PhD Online in Australia
Most of the universities in Australia offers full Distance Learning PhD Programs, offering individuals the opportunity to conduct research, meet supervisions, and work submission from any part of the world. An ideal choice for working professionals, parents, and international applicants.
No GRE & GMAT - Online Doctoral Programs Australia
Mostly in Australia doctoral admissions are based on academic background, research proposal quality and supervisor availability – Not Standard Tests. This makes Online PhD Degree Programs in Australia more easily accessible to wide range of international applicants.
No Dissertation Online Doctorate programs in Australia
Most of the online doctorate programs in Australia such as EdD, DBA, and DNP often offers with no dissertation facility requiring applied research or practical capstone projects instead of traditional thesis. Providing a more career-oriented practical approach.
Fastest and Shortest Online PhD in Australia
If you want to complete your doctoral degree fast and quickly, many universities offer Fast Track or Accelerated Online PhD Programs that can be completed in the shortest period. These options mostly offer to students who have prior MPhil, Publications or strong research experience depending on supervision and university rules. Such Fast and short online PhD in Australia options support structured early submissions.
Top Universities Offering Online PhD Programs in Australia
As discussed earlier Australian universities are offering wide range of distance-based and online doctoral programs across the fields like education, health, humanities, business, data science, applied research etc. Most of these doctoral programs are fully online or sometimes offered via external/distance modes with virtual supervision.
For your review, we present some of the leading and accredited universities in Australia offering distance research, external candidature, or fully online doctorate programs.
University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
Program: EdD (Doctor of Education) — external / online mode
Delivery: Fully online coursework + remote research supervision
Length: 3–6 years
Thesis Type: Project-Based (ideal for educators)
Scholarships: International scholarships available
Website: University of Souther Queensland Doctorate Programs
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
USQ has one of the most established online PhD infrastructures in Australia, particularly strong in Education, Business, and Applied Research.
University of New England (UNE)
Program: Distance PhD in Multiple Disciplines
Fields: Arts, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Business
Delivery: Fully online - No Campus requirements for many candidates.
Scholarships: RTP + UNE International Awards
Funding: Partially and Fully Funded PhD Online Programs
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
University of New England (UNE) Australia is the most well-known university in Australia for long-standing external PhD programs.
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Program: PhD (Research) + Professional Doctorates
Delivery: Online with optional short campus viesits depending on field
Strengths: Indigenous studies, environmental science, health, education
Website: Charles Darwin Official Website
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
Charles Darwin University (CDU) Australia is flexible with supervision arrangements and supports remote research for international candidates.
Torrens University Australia
Program: DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)
Delivery: Fully online
Length: 3 years (accelerated options available)
Website: Torrens University Australia
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
Torrens University Australia is a top choice for a practical, industry-focused approach.
CQUniversity (CQU)
Program: Doctor of Education, Doctor of Professional Studies, Doctor of Philosophy
Delivery: External mode available for multiple pathways
Strengths: Education, business, engineering, nursing research
Website: CQUniversity
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
CQUniversity is known for supporting distance candidature across many campuses and offering accessible supervision.
University of Canberra (UC)
Program: Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Health (Professional)
Delivery: Online coursework + remote project/thesis supervision
Website: University of Canberra
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
A strong choice for applied doctorates in education and health with flexible online structures.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Education
Delivery: Online coursework and research components
Website: Southern Cross University
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
SCU provides professional doctorates fully available to online learners, especially in business and education.
James Cook University (JCU)
Program: PhD in various fields (external mode possible)
Delivery: Distance research options for experienced candidates
Website: James Cook University
Why it’s one of the strongest options:
A strong choice for applied doctorates in education and health with flexible online structures.
Compare Online Doctoral Programs Australia
For online doctoral programs delivery mode, thesis requirements, completion time and scholarships and funding options varies a lot in Australia. For your review we present highlighted comparison of some of the major universities offering online doctorate programs in Australia, so you choose the best online PhD degree program in Australia meeting your academic and career goals.
Online PhD Comparison Table Australia
| University | Program | Mode | Thesis Type | Scholarships | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USQ | EdD | Fully Online | Project-Based | Yes | $30,000 (est) |
| UNE | PhD by Distance | Online / External | Thesis | Yes (RTP/UNE) | $28,000 (est) |
| CDU | PhD / Prof Doctorate | Hybrid / Online | Thesis / Project | Yes | $25,000+ |
| Torrens | DBA | Fully Online | Applied Project | Limited | $35,000 |
| CQU | EdD / PhD | External | Thesis / Applied | Yes | Varies |
Types of Online Doctorate Degrees in Australia
Australia offers wide range of doctoral programs offering the opportunity to enroll in the best online doctorate program meeting your requirements like field of your preference, career goals, research background, budget limitations etc. For your convenience we present the overview so you can choose the right doctoral degree program online as per your requirements.
Research Doctorate (PhD)
- Traditional thesis-based pathway
- Suitable for academic and research careers
- Available in distance mode at UNE, USQ, CDU, JCU
Professional Doctorates (EdD, DBA, DNP, DIT, PsyD)
- Doctorate without Dissertation
- Project or capstone-based
- Ideal for working professionals
- Often available fully online
Online PhD by Distance ( International Students)
- Students complete research remotely
- Supervisor meetings via Zoom
- Thesis support via online portals
Online Doctoral Programs in Australia Options
Fastest, Cheapest, Fully Funded, Scholarships, No Dissertation, One-Year & By-Subject Online PhD Programs in Australia
Australian Universities are offering various online doctoral options including fastest and shortest online PhD Programs, affordable and cheap online doctoral programs, fully funded research online doctorate degrees, scholarship supported program and No Dissertation online doctorate programs. For your review, we present a concise overview to help you choose the best option that aligns with academic and career goals.
Fastest Online PhD Programs
Fastest Online PhD Programs in Australia
Fastest and Shortest Online PhD programs are designed for professionals who want to earn their doctoral degree in the shortest span of time. These accelerated PhD Online Programs mostly suit the professionals having prior research experience, an MPhil Degree or have a strong academic background. As many traditional PhD and Doctorate Degree Programs take 5-6 years to complete on the other hand, accelerated Online PhD degrees can be completed in only 24 to 30 months depending on the supervision and research readiness.
Fastest Online PhD Options in Australia
- USQ EdD — 3 years (with structured research plan)
- Torrens DBA — 2.5–3 years with accelerated mode
- UNE PhD (External) — early submission possible for experienced researchers
- CQU EdD / Professional Doctorate — flexible timelines
Cheapest Online PhD and Distance Doctorates
Fully Funded & Scholarship-Supported Online PhD Programs Australia
We cannot say that Online Doctoral Degree Programs in the Australia are the cheapest but still several universities offer lower tuition rates for international candidates and part time students with funding opportunities also.
Most Affordable Options (Estimates)
University | Delivery | Approx. Cost |
Charles Darwin University | Online/Hybrid | $25,000+ |
University of New England | External Mode | $28,000+ |
USQ | Online EdD / Research PhD | $30,000+ |
CQUniversity | External Doctorates | Varies ($25k–$35k) |
Fully Funded & Scholarship-Supported Online PhD Programs
Cheapest Online PhD and Distance Doctorates in Australia
Australian Universities offers funded doctoral programs. Many of the scholarships also offered to international and distance researcher candidates, especially at research-intensive institutions.
Major Funding Options (Verified)
- RTP (Research Training Program): Full tuition + stipend (AUD $32k–$45k/year)
- University Scholarships: USQ, UNE, CDU, CQU
- Commonwealth Scholarships: For candidates from eligible nations
- International HDR Scholarships: Tuition waivers + research allowances
Scholarships for PhD Distance Learning
Scholarships for PhD Distance Learning in Australia
Australian Government RTP Scholarships – Full tuition + stipend
University-specific funding – Offered at USQ, UNE, UQ, and others
International Development Awards – For students from Commonwealth countries
Employer Sponsorships – Available for DProf, DBA, or EdD programs
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
- Faculty-specific PhD scholarships
- Industry-funded research centers
- Joint supervision grants
- Remote candidature support allowances
No Dissertation Online Doctorate Degrees
No Dissertation Online Doctorate Degrees in Australia
Most of the online Doctorate Programs in Australia follows no-dissertation model offering project-based, capstone or portfolio-based assessment replacing traditional thesis.
Popular No-Dissertation Online Doctorate Options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) — applied project
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) — professional portfolio
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP equivalent) — clinical project
- Doctor of Information Technology — workplace-based research
One-Year Online PhD Programs
One-Year & Accelerated Online PhD Programs Australia
Accredited One Year PhD programs do not exist in Australia, mainly cause of AQF regulations. Though there are other accelerated online PhD and Doctorate Options available, with the shortest completion time of One and Half Year or 18 months.
✔ One Year Online PhD Programs in Australia - What is realistically possible?
- No One Year PhD Online Programs in Australia Available
- Fast-track professional doctorates (1 ½ Year- 3 Years)
- Early submission for exceptional candidates
- Direct PhD entry (skipping MPhil stage)
- Credit for prior research
✔ Who qualifies?
- Students with publications
- MPhil degree holders
- Candidates with extensive professional portfolios
By-Subject — Online PhD Degrees in Australia
Australian Universities offers Online PhD and Distance Doctorate Programs almost in all major fields including Education, Business, IT, Nursing, Psychology, Criminal Justice and More. For your review, we present a quick and concise overview of some of the most popular and flexible subject-wise options.
Education (PhD / EdD)
Universities: USQ, UNE, CQU, Canberra
Delivery: Online coursework + remote research
Ideal for: Teachers, administrators, policymakers
Learn More →Business (DBA / PhD)
Universities: Torrens, SCU, USQ
Delivery: 100% online
Ideal for: Executives, entrepreneurs, managers
Learn More →Information Technology (PhD / DIT)
Universities: CQU, UNE, CDU
Delivery: Distance research
Ideal for: Data scientists, IT specialists
Learn More →Nursing & Health (PhD / Prof Doctorates)
Universities: USQ, JCU, CQU
Delivery: Distance supervision
Ideal for: Clinical practitioners, educators
Learn More →Psychology (PhD / DPsych)
Universities: UNE (selected fields)
Delivery: Distance coursework + research
Note: Some clinical components require onsite presence
Learn More →Criminal Justice (PhD)
Universities: UNE, USQ
Delivery: Distance research
Ideal for: Law enforcement, analysts, researchers
Learn More →Admission Requirements for Online PhD Programs in Australia
Though the admission requirements may vary slightly across universities in Australia, but the core admission requirement for doctoral programs remains the same. And before applying for any distant or online doctoral program in Australia, candidates must meet some specific academic and research standards set under the AQF level 10. For your convenience we summarize the core requirements below:
General Eligibility Requirements
- Master’s degree (preferably with research component)
- OR Bachelor’s Honours (1st Class or 2A)
- Strong academic history in a relevant field
- Prior research experience or publications (recommended)
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL 90+ / PTE 58+)
- Ability to work independently in a remote research environment
Required Documents
- Detailed research proposal aligned with faculty interests
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining academic goals
- Certified academic transcripts (Bachelor + Master/Honors)
- Updated CV / Resume showing relevant experience
- Two academic references (professors or supervisors)
- Valid passport copy for international applicants
Additional University-Specific Requirements
- Availability of a suitable supervisor
- Interview or research capability assessment (in some universities)
- Portfolio of professional work for DBA / EdD / DNP / DIT applicants
- Access to digital libraries, datasets, and research tools
- Confirmation of remote research feasibility (for distance candidature)
Yes. As long as the university is CRICOS-registered or accredited by TEQSA, your doctorate is globally accepted.
Definitely. Many programs are designed for global access, with dedicated scholarships.
Yes — most online PhD Australia programs do not require the GRE.
Yes — especially through professional doctorates like the DBA or EdD.