The Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and Related Technologies) is Australia's highest academic qualification in the engineering discipline, sitting at Level 10 of the Australian Qualifications Framework. This research-intensive degree requires candidates to produce a substantial, original thesis that makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in their chosen engineering field. Research areas typically span civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical, environmental, aerospace, mining, materials, mechatronics, software, and systems engineering, among others. The program is predominantly supervised rather than coursework-based, with candidates working closely with an experienced principal supervisor and advisory committee to design, execute, and report on an original research project over a period of three to four years full-time (or equivalent part-time). Candidates are expected to demonstrate academic leadership, independence, creativity, and innovation throughout their candidature, and produce a thesis that may shape the future of the discipline. The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering is designed for ambitious individuals who wish to push the boundaries of knowledge in their specialist area. It suits graduates who have excelled in honours or master's degrees and who are driven by intellectual curiosity, problem-solving, and the desire to address complex real-world engineering challenges. The degree prepares students for high-level careers in both academia and industry, and is underpinned by access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, industry and government partnerships, and an active research community. Australian universities offering this degree typically house researchers working on nationally significant issues such as clean energy transition, infrastructure resilience, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, and digital engineering. Employers of PhD Engineering graduates in Australia include federal and state government agencies (including Defence, CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, and transport authorities), major engineering consultancies, mining and resources companies, energy and utilities providers, construction and infrastructure firms, defence contractors, medical device companies, technology startups, and universities. The degree is recognised globally, opening doors to international research collaborations, joint PhD programs, and globally competitive career pathways.

To be admitted to a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Related Technologies at an Australian university, applicants are typically required to hold an Australian bachelor's degree with First Class Honours (or Upper Second Class Honours at minimum) in a relevant engineering field, or an equivalent qualification that includes a substantial research component. Some institutions also accept a completed master's degree by research or coursework, provided it includes an independent research component such as a thesis or dissertation, with a minimum overall distinction average. Alternatively, a combination of qualifications, research publications, and professional experience in a related field may be assessed as equivalent, particularly for candidates with significant industry or research backgrounds. All applicants must identify and contact a potential supervisor prior to applying, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor in the proposed research area is a key prerequisite for admission. A research proposal outlining the intended project, methodology, and significance is also typically required as part of the application. English language proficiency requirements apply to all applicants who have not completed a degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. Standard requirements include an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with no individual band score below 6.0), or equivalent scores in other recognised English proficiency tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or C1 Advanced. Domestic Australian citizens and permanent residents who have completed their previous qualification in Australia are generally exempt from English language testing. Additional requirements may include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, letters of support or recommendation from academic referees, and evidence of any relevant research experience, publications, or professional engineering work.