- PhD programs in Australia can cost anywhere from $18,000 to $42,000.
- A fully funded program is one in which the university provides financial support for the duration of your studies.
- Through a fully funded PhD program, students are able to focus solely on their studies and research.
Although there are plenty of benefits to getting a PhD in any subject, one key drawback is the cost. In fact, Study Australia reports that a PhD program can cost anywhere between $18,000 and $42,000.1 Fortunately, there is a way to cover those costs without needing to work a part-time job or taking on more debt.
Through a fully funded PhD program, students are able to focus solely on their studies and research. These programs are offered for a wide range of fields, including psychology. In order to learn more and find which schools are accepting students, it is best to search online.
Leremy / ShutterstockTo help in your search, here is everything you need to know fully funded psychology PhD programs.
What Is a Fully Funded Program?
A fully funded program is one in which the university provides financial support for the duration of your studies. This usually includes a stipend to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.
The benefit of pursuing a fully funded degree is obvious. Now that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for your education and other living expenses, you can fully focus on your studies.
Since the university is essentially sponsoring your postgraduate education, they expect something in return. This usually takes the form of an assistantship, where students either teach for the school or help with research projects in their field of study.2
Fully Funded PhD Psychology Programs
Fully funded PhD programs are available at several schools across the country. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology should take advantage of these opportunities to gain the skills and training they need to be successful.
Australia National University
If you wish to improve your qualifications, Australia National University (ANU) offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This four-year full-time program is split into three components of coursework, supervised clinical practice, and clinical research. Coursework takes up the first two years of study and the clinical practice begins in the January/February of the second year.3
If you are thinking about applying for a PhD in psychology at ANU, you should definitely consider the ANU PhD Scholarships to help fund your studies. These are fully funded scholarships for domestic and international students who have applied to a PhD or Professional Doctorate by Research program at the university. Valued at $28,854 per year, these scholarships provide a stipend that students can use to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and relocation to Canberra. Moreover, international students receive an allowance if they have a dependent child, and all students receive paid medical, maternity, and paternity leave.
To qualify for the ANU PhD Scholarships, students must either have a Bachelor degree with first-class honours or a Master degree with a research or similar component from a recognised university.4
University of New England
Available online or in-person, PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of New England (UNE) ranks among the best programs in the country for teaching and research. Through the four-year full-time or eight-year part-time program, students will learn everything they need to pursue a career as a registered psychologist or continue their research as a part of academia.5
For Australian and New Zealand students, this PhD program is funded by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP). RTP will cover tuition fees, general living expenses, and some of the cost of a student’s research for up to four years of study.6
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne offers a unique joint Master’s/PhD program for students wishing to pursue a career in psychology. After completing their first year in the Master of Clinical Psychology program, students can apply to transfer to the joint program for the remaining three years of study. As one of the premier clinical psychology programs in Australia, the program aims to properly prepare graduates to treat whatever psychological condition they may be presented.7
To help students fund their education, the University of Melbourne offers multiple Graduate Research Scholarships that can be applied for. Every year, the university awards around 600 of these scholarships to domestic and international students who are applying for or currently enrolled in a PhD or Masters by Research degree. These scholarships cover 100 percent of a student’s tuition, along with providing up to $110,000 for living expenses, relocation costs, and limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave for up to four years of study. Furthermore, international students receive a membership for Overseas Student Health Cover.8
Flinders University
Are you interested in a career in psychology? If so, Flinders University has the PhD program for you. Their PhD in Clinical Psychology provides students with a strong knowledge base through course work and practical experience through supervised field placements. This combination of in-class learning and hands-on experience will prepare students to be a psychologist in any mental health setting or for careers in research, academia, and policy setting.9
Depending on the research project a student chooses to work on, they may be eligible for the Flinders Foundation Nick Antic Sleep Health PhD Scholarship. This scholarship is available to those who are enrolled in a full-time PhD program at Flinders University and researching sleep health. For clinical psychology students, they must be working with Jessica Patterson, Associate Professor in Pyschology, on one of the three research projects focusing on sleep health.10 The scholarship provides $30,000 per year for up to three years of study. Better yet, these funds are tax free.11
Learn More About Fully Funded Programs Online
There are many fully funded programs available for psychology students in Australia. If you are thinking about pursuing a PhD in psychology, it is important to research all the available options. The best way to learn more about fully funded programs is to search online. There are many websites that offer information on fully funded programs, and they can be a great resource.
Once you have found a few programs that you are interested in, you should contact the admissions office at each school to learn more about the program and the requirements for admission.