The Doctor of Philosophy (Urban and Regional Planning) is Australia's highest academic qualification in the planning discipline, sitting at AQF Level 10. It is a research-intensive degree in which candidates conduct sustained, independent, and original research into complex issues shaping cities, towns, and regions. Rather than following a taught coursework curriculum, doctoral candidates work closely with expert academic supervisors to design and execute a research program that makes a distinct and significant contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of specialisation — such as housing policy, sustainable urban development, transport planning, climate adaptation, land use governance, or regional economic development. The degree typically takes three to four years full-time (or up to eight years part-time) and culminates in the submission and examination of a substantial thesis or, in some programs, a practice-led research portfolio. Australian programs are situated within built environment, design, architecture, or social science faculties, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of planning as a profession.

This qualification is designed for motivated researchers, senior planning practitioners, and academics who wish to push the boundaries of existing knowledge. Candidates may come from backgrounds in urban planning, geography, architecture, environmental science, social policy, economics, or engineering. Employers of PhD graduates in this field include all tiers of Australian government (local, state, and federal), statutory planning authorities, infrastructure agencies, private planning and property consultancies, research institutes, think tanks, international development organisations, and universities. The research skills, analytical depth, and leadership capacity developed through a PhD make graduates highly valuable in any organisation that relies on evidence-based decision-making to address Australia's most pressing urban and regional challenges.

Admission to a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning in Australia is highly competitive and primarily based on academic achievement and research potential. Most Australian universities require applicants to hold an Australian Bachelor degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or a Master's degree that includes a substantial research component — typically at least 25% of the program — achieved with a Distinction average or above. In exceptional cases, significant professional experience combined with a strong academic record may be considered. A critical requirement is the submission of a detailed research proposal (typically 1,000–3,000 words) that outlines the proposed research question, its significance, theoretical framing, and methodology. Applicants must also identify a suitable academic supervisor at the host institution whose expertise aligns with their proposed topic, as the Faculty's capacity to provide appropriate supervision is a key selection criterion alongside research potential and the quality of the research proposal.

English language proficiency is required for all applicants who did not complete their prior degree in English. Typical minimum standards include an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 (with a writing band of at least 6.0), a TOEFL iBT overall score of 79 (with a writing score of at least 21), or equivalent results from PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Some institutions set higher thresholds for research degrees. While a portfolio is not universally required for this research-focused degree, applicants with a practice background in urban planning, architecture, or design may be asked to submit evidence of professional work. Domestic Australian and New Zealand citizens who are accepted into a doctoral program may be eligible for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship, which covers tuition fees for up to four years of full-time candidature — making the financial barrier to entry significantly lower for eligible domestic students.