The Fenner School accepts PhD and MPhil students in subject areas relevant to School research activities. Research in the School applies disciplinary, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental and societal issues at local, national and global scales. Our academic staff are drawn from a wide range of academic backgrounds and professional experience, and often collaborate with academics from other areas at ANU and researchers in organisations such as CSIRO in supervising postgraduate students.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree offered for study. It is based on a program of original, high quality research developed by the student in consultation with supervisors. Admission to the PhD normally requires an appropriate Master degree or Bachelor degree with Honours. A PhD is expected to require a minimum of 3 years full-time work; it is normally funded for 3 years.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The Master of Philosophy is also based entirely on a program of original research, and submission of a thesis. Admission requirements are similar to a PhD, but the program requires only 2 years of full-time study. MPhil research can address topics which may not be suitable or feasible for PhD research.

Program Admission & Progression

Admission to a Master's degree normally requires an undergraduate Honours degree or equivalent; admission to a Graduate Diploma normally requires an undergraduate degree; admission to a Graduate Certificate normally requires the equivalent of an undergraduate degree. In all cases, relevant professional experience can assist with meeting admission requirements.

It is possible to progress from a Graduate Certificate to a Graduate Diploma, and from a Graduate Diploma to a Master's degree. In certain circumstances, and with good academic performance, this progression can be accelerated. For further information and details of admission and progression requirements, see the Fenner School Graduate Handbook, the ANU Graduate Research website (for research students) and the ANU Science Graduate Coursework pages (for coursework students).

Fees & Scholarships

General information on university fees, entry requirements and application deadlines is available on The ANU fees pages. Indicative program fees are listed in the Fenner School Graduate Program Handbook. International students pay international student fees for both research and coursework-based degrees. Australian students accepted for PhD and MPhil degrees are currently awarded fee scholarships. Fees for coursework-based students vary; fees for some Fenner graduate courses are HECS-based for Australian students. Contact us for up-to-date information.

For scholarship information:

• Scholarships, Vacationships and Projects currently available

• ANU Graduate Scholarships; international students should also see the IDP Education Australia