What is a Global PhD?
A Global PhD is designed for researchers who want to address complex global challenges through international collaboration. You'll work with leading academics and researchers across the world, building international networks and research experience from the start.
Choose the study option that best suits your goals
| Collaborative Doctoral Research Degree Program | PhD by distance |
|---|---|
| Study at UTS and a global partner university | Study with UTS from your home country |
| Joint supervision from academics at both institutions | Expert UTS supervision in a global research environment |
| Access international research facilities and networks | Complete your PhD without relocating to Australia |
| Ideal for researchers seeking an immersive international experience | Ideal for researchers who want flexibility while remaining overseas |
Explore
Is a PhD by distance right for you?
This pathway could suit you if you:
- live outside Australia
- can't relocate to Sydney
- want to continue working while studying
- have access to your research environment locally
- want to earn a UTS PhD.
Why choose a Global PhD?
Become world-ready, from wherever you are. A PhD by distance allows you to complete your research degree remotely while remaining fully enrolled as a UTS PhD candidate. You'll work with expert supervisors online, complete the same milestones as on-campus students and graduate with the same internationally recognised qualification.
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language Gain international research experience
Expand your networks to create real-world research impact, whether that’s tackling a uniquely global issue or one you’re facing in your community.
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explore Be guided by experts
Receive expert supervision and mentorship as well as administrative support and guidance from your faculty.
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location_on Location matters
Be supported to carry out your research no matter where you’re located geographically, so you can stay connected to the people, places and problems that matter to you.
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book_ribbon Personalised research program
Get access to the skills, networks and experts you need from the start by designing your program with your supervisors, research partners and faculty.
Is a PhD by distance the same as an on-campus PhD?
As a PhD by distance student, you'll complete the same research degree and meet the same academic standards as students studying on campus. This means you'll have the same:
| Academic requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Admissions requirements | Including English-language proficiency. |
| Supervision | Support from a panel of supervisors. |
| Coursework | Complete any mandatory coursework. |
| Assessments | Undertake the same candidature stage assessments. |
| Student rules | Follow the same rules governing PhD study at UTS. |
| Timelines | Meet the same expected study milestones. |
| Fees | Pay the same course fees as other international students unless awarded a tuition fee scholarship. |
You'll graduate with the same UTS PhD qualification as students who study on campus.
How it works
Step 1: Find a research topic
Submit an expression of interest to your faculty or reach out to a supervisor who may have similar research interests to you. Ask them about available industry partnerships.
Step 2: Plan your degree
Choose between a PhD or Master’s by Research and check the eligibility criteria.
Step 3: Prepare your application
If you're applying for a scholarship, start preparing your application at least four weeks before the closing dates. Gain pre-approval from your potential faculty and prepare your documents.
Step 4: Submit your application
Follow the step-by-step guide to apply for a research degree.
Step 5: Design your program
You'll design a research program with your faculty and supervisors that may include discipline-specific training, research skill uplift or industry placements.
Step 6: Conduct your research
During your degree, you’ll conduct research that is structured by key milestones. Your final project will be presented for examination by industry and academic experts.
“I didn’t even realise I could do a PhD long distance and the more I read about the centre and university, the more I had my heart set on it!”
Jessica Bayes
PhD candidate - Medicine
How UTS supports your distance PhD
As a fully enrolled UTS student, you'll have access to a variety of support for your research, your professional development as a researcher, and your own health and wellbeing, including:
- UTS Library’s extensive digital catalogue and one-on-one researcher support
- online skills development workshops and training modules, such as research writing, software training and project management
- personalised advice from UTS Careers and access to online resources
- inclusion in the online research student Teams channel.
Distance mode support
Find more information about the support available to you as a distance mode PhD student (PDF, 0.8MB).
Please note that not all benefits available to on-campus students exist in digital form or translate to distance study.
Looking for a different research experience?
Deepen your expertise
Strengthen your speciality and contribute original knowledge to your chosen field.
Make the world better
Accelerate changes alongside a not-for-profit, government or community organisation.
Create a new venture
Build commercialisation into your high-impact research idea from the very start.
Innovate for industry
Build competitive advantage over real time.
Ready to start your global research journey?
Whether you're looking to collaborate internationally, solve global challenges or advance your research career, we're here to help you take the next step.
Want more information?
Get in touch with the Graduate Research School.