The chart compares the number of students who applied for PhD programmes at four Australian universities in 2009 and 2019, together with the figures for 2029.
Overall, Queensland has the highest number of PhD applicants, despite a temporary decline in 2019. By contrast, Adelaide and Newcastle had a substantial growth, while Canberra fall in applications.
Queensland recorded approximately 2,800 applicants in 2009, before this figure fell to around 2,400 in 2019. However, the number reach 2,900 by 2029.
Adelaide is rising from about 950 in 2009 to 1,450 in 2019 and approximately 2,150 in 2029.
Newcastle had considerably fewer applicants, at around 700 in 2009, and this figure increased only slightly to 800 in 2019. After all, increased to almost double, reaching about 1,500 by 2029. Canberra is the only university shown an overall deline. It is number of applicants fell from 550 in 2009 to 400 in 2019 and is projected to drop dramatically to only around 50 by 2029.
