university of melbourne phd application

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Graduate researchers (international)

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Follow these steps to accept your offer, apply for your visa and confirm your place at the University of Melbourne.

• 1. Accept your offer Choose your OSHC and complete the Student Acceptance and Payment Agreement.
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• 9. Consider completing an English assessment Find out which communication skills you may need to develop.
• 10. Attend Orientation Explore the University and meet other graduate researchers.

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Check out these websites for the most important stuff you need to know as a new graduate researcher.

• Graduate Research Hub Guides for graduate researchers, with information to get you from orientation to graduation.
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• Graduate research

Graduate research at the School of Chemistry

Learn under the guidance of world-leading staff to pursue a career in research or academia in your area of interest.

Why research with us?

The School of Chemistry has 27 continuing teaching and research staff and over 50 research-only staff, supported by technical and administrative personnel. The School hosts in excess of 150 higher degree research students, an excellent international reputation in research and an outstanding record of achievement in attracting external research funding.

Our Graduate Research degrees

Doctor of philosophy (science).

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in chemistry. Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and careers in research and teaching in academia, or move into industry where their technical and professional skills are highly valued.

Master of Philosophy (Science)

Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

Master of Industrial Research (Chemistry)

If you’re keen to work in industry-based chemistry research, perhaps designing new-generation materials or bringing new pharmaceuticals to market, then start with a graduate course where you spend most of your time working in industry – and getting paid to do it.

Getting started in graduate research

Once you know the Graduate Research degree you want to pursue, you need to find a researcher, group or project to work with while pursuing your degree. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:

Option 1: Explore our research groups

There is a wide range of research being performed across our School – explore the Our research page to learn more about the projects and supervisors you could join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore our research

Option 2: Find a graduate research project

The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore research opportunities

What do I say to a prospective supervisor?

You need the written support of a supervisor before submitting an application to the University. Once you've found a prospective supervisor, contact them with the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research.

They will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an available project that fits with your  background and area of interest.

Scholarships and fees

Most domestic and international students who are offered a PhD place with us will also be offered a Graduate Research Scholarship . Receiving this scholarship means you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll also receive a living allowance and relocation grant (if relocating to Melbourne). When you apply for a PhD with us, you’ll be automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

A huge variety of other scholarships are also available. Search our scholarships to find the ones you’re eligible for.

Need advice or help getting started?

We welcome general inquiries from graduates interested in undertaking postgraduate study – either call us on +61 3 9035 6459 or  email the Graduate Research support team .

Astrophysics

The phd program (phd in physics), the doctorate program (phd physics):.

The approximately 3 and a half year PhD in Physics program is based purely on research. There are no required subjects. Key milestones in the program are: (1) Candidacy: There is a progress review at the end of your first year. This consists of a presentation, short report, and a Q&A session with the candidacy committee (composed of three to four faculty members). If you are on-track, you become a PhD candidate. (2) Annual reviews: There continue to be annual reviews of your progress and any issues that have arisen with your candidacy committee each year, (3) Thesis: At the end of your PhD program, you submit a thesis documenting your PhD research that is reviewed by an international panel of experts in your field.

Choosing a research project and supervisor:  Before submitting a PhD application, you must liaise with your planned supervisor about your planned PhD project. In most cases, this is your MSc supervisor, but there are exceptions if you are coming from a different institution or decide to change your research focus.  We have listed (very!) brief project ideas for each research area under the Research link. If you are interested in an area and would like to know more, please contact the faculty member directly.

If you are applying internationally, the first step in applying for the PhD program is to send your CV, transcripts, evidence of English proficiency (if required), and an indication of your research interests to potential supervisors. No one is admitted to the PhD program without a supervisor.

Note: There is an annual astrophysics PhD expression of interest that typically runs around July advertised on the AAS job register. If you are responding to this EoI, you do not need to contact potential supervisors in advance of submitting your materials to the google form.

Funding: All of our PhD students receive a stipend sufficient to support them over the course of their PhD. This also comes with a tuition fee waiver. There can be supplementary scholarships and awards on top of this, and (with permission of their PhD supervisor), PhD students often supplement their income while developing their teaching abilities by acting as tutors in undergraduate or graduate subjects.

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• Orbital structures of SAMI passive galaxies from orbit-superposition Schwarzschild models. Wednesday 31 Aug 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Laby Theatre(+Zoom)[...]
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• Hydroxyl as a Probe of the Interstellar Medium Wednesday 10 Aug 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Zoom Dr Anita Petzl[...]
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School of Mathematics and Statistics

• PhD degrees
• PhD scholarship opportunities

All PhD applicants with a research supervisor are automatically considered for a Melbourne Research Scholarship and a Research Training Program Scholarship .

Additional opportunities can be found at the University Scholarships page and below. Please contact the supervisor listed on the project to register your interest.

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Research Training Program Scholarship

Scholarship

No application required. Check eligibility

Key scholarship details

Application status

Open for automatic consideration

Benefit amount

100% fee remission and up to $135,000

Eligible study level

Graduate research

Eligible student type

Domestic and international students

Eligible study stage

Future study, Current study

Benefit duration

One or more years

This scholarship is provided by the Australian Commonwealth Government and the University of Melbourne, and offered to high-achieving domestic and international research students.

Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset)

• Full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree.

Research Training Program Scholarship (Stipend and Fee Offset)

• Living allowance of $37,000 per year pro rata (2024 full-time study rate) for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to 3.5 years for students undertaking a doctoral degree. The living allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
• Relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from States or Territories other than Victoria or $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who require a student visa to study in Australia

For further information, see Manage my scholarship .

Eligibility and selection criteria

Eligibility.

To be considered for this scholarship, you must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne

Selection criteria

All domestic students who are offered admission to a Masters by Research or doctoral degree (PhD) at the University of Melbourne will receive a Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset).

Research Training Program Scholarship provide a stipend as well as fee offset are awarded to domestic and international students based on academic merit. Eligible applicants are scored and ranked according to their academic achievement of their last completed degree and their research potential in their field of study. Factors such as completion of a degree at the same level of the research course for which the scholarship is sought, relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications or composition of original music may be taken into consideration.

These scholarships are subject to the Graduate Research Scholarships Terms & Conditions (as amended).

Study level:

Student type:

Study stage type:

Need help understanding the process?

Application, how to apply.

If you have applied for admission to a graduate research course by the application closing date for that course, you do not need to apply for this scholarship. Within seven days of having submitted your course application, you will receive confirmation that you will be automatically considered for a range of graduate research scholarship.

If you already have received an offer for a graduate research course and deferred commencement of your course to the following year, or you are currently enrolled in a graduate research course for which you seek a scholarship, you will need to submit an online application form .

When will I know the outcome?

Domestic students will receive an offer for a Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset) as part of their course offer.

Offers for Graduate Research Scholarships that provide a stipend and fee offset are made separately but around the same time course offers are made.

See: Graduate Research Scholarships

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Where we have listed information about jointly run scholarships programs, please also see our partners' websites. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.

Looking for more study options?

Courses and career pathways.

Browse all undergraduate and graduate courses, study areas and career pathways on the Study website. Explore courses

Whatever your passion, you'll discover stimulating research opportunities at Australia's #1 ranked university. Research at Melbourne

International students

Find support, advice and what to expect living and studying as an international student at the University of Melbourne. Learn more

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PhD Program

MIT Biological Engineering’s mission is to generate and communicate new knowledge in the application of engineering principles in biological systems and to educate leaders in our discipline. We focus at the interface of engineering and biology on combining quantitative, physical, and integrative engineering principles with modern life sciences research. MIT BE offers a graduate PhD degree, and only accepts PhD applications through the annual Departmental process for admission fall term of the following year.

PhD-level training in BE prepares students to conduct research that will:

• Explain how biological systems function in terms of biological/chemical/physical mechanisms, and how they respond when perturbed by endogenous, environmental, and therapeutic factors
• Engineer innovative technologies based on this understanding and apply technologies to address societal needs across all sectors including, but not limited to, biomedicine
• Establish new biology-based paradigms for solving problems in areas of science and engineering that have not historically been impacted by biological approaches

In addition, PhD-level training in BE prepares students to translate this research for positive impact in the world by developing skills to:

• Explain technical subject matter clearly, accurately, and in a compelling and contextual manner for a range of audiences
• Engage collaboratively in diverse teams to contribute biological engineering expertise needed for multidisciplinary projects
• Exercise intellectual and operational leadership to advance on goals in technically and organizationally complex scenarios
• Exhibit integrity and ethical judgment in the design of research and the application of research results

Degree Requirements

BE PhD students complete two core courses in the first year, supplemented with four additional electives ( Course Requirements ). Individual students pace their own progress through elective coursework in consultation with their academic advisor.

In addition to the course requirements, students present an oral thesis qualifying exam to be completed by the end of the fall term in their third year.

BE PhD students complete research rotations in the fall and winter of their first year and select a BE Faculty member as a research and thesis advisor. Students carry out thesis research with the guidance and support of their advisor and a thesis committee formed by the student. Technical communication is an important part of the BE PhD curriculum. Students gain and practice scientific communication skills through one or more terms of teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level and research-focused activities including poster and oral presentations at Departmental events including our retreat, the Bioengineering and Toxicology Seminar (BATS) seminar series, and culminating in delivery of a written PhD thesis and oral defense of their thesis work.

For More Information

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Please contact the BE Graduate Academic Office for additional information regarding BE educational programs.

Graduate study

Application information for international students

Future proof your career and study with us

At Melbourne, you’ll benefit from a vibrant community of peers, alumni and leading academics whose research informs our curriculum. You'll have access to industry-integrated learning and networking opportunities to set you up for a successful career.

Wherever you are in the world, regardless of location or time zone, you can enrol in online and dual-delivery subjects. Once international travel restrictions ease, we look forward to welcoming you on campus. To help get you started, we’ve put together the tips below to help you with your application.

Why choose Melbourne?

Our degrees are future-focused, which makes our graduates some of the world's most employable. You'll be challenged, supported and inspired to solve the problems of tomorrow.

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QS World University Rankings 2025/QS Graduate Employability 2022

Resources to start your application

Studying a graduate degree can set you up to become a leader in your field and open you up to a wider range of career opportunities and earning potential.

Choose your degree

We offer more than 340 award programs ranging from graduate certificates to masters and PhD study in a wide range of study areas and disciplines. Find your dream course to learn more about entry requirements and how to apply.

English language requirements

When you apply, you'll need to meet the University's English language requirement to be eligible for an offer to study with us.

Appoint an overseas representative

Our education agents can help you find a course that’s right for you, lodge an application, accept your offer, and provide you with information relating to living in Australia and visa requirements.

Need assistance?

We're always here to help. If you need assistance applying for our courses or have questions about our degrees, life at Melbourne or anything else, contact our future student support team.

International student scholarships

The Melbourne Scholarships Program is one of the most comprehensive and generous in Australia, for you to turn your ambition into achievement. Some are awarded on merit, others to help with your expenses. Search our scholarships site to see the full variety and eligibility criteria.

Watch course videos

Discover graduate course options with these pre-recorded videos available on-demand, designed to help you choose the course that’s right for you. You'll hear from academics and current students, as well as learn about the student experience and student support services available to you.

PhD scholarship recipient to research strategies to help improve staff wellbeing

Not only does she have two bachelor degrees and an MBA, she’s now the inaugural recipient of a co-funded Victoria University (VU) and Western Health Nursing and Midwifery Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholarship.

Starting at VU this year, Valentina’s PhD topic will focus on how coaching with integrative medicine principles can improve the wellbeing and performance of graduate clinicians, helping them achieve lasting and fulfilling careers.

Valentina says that healthcare workers are at higher risk of burnout – a type of stress linked to work that can lead to workers feeling exhausted and unmotivated, with some leaving the profession as a result.

"Many clinicians share similar concerns such as burnout, heavy workloads, rapidly changing environments, workforce and resource shortages, and their ability to deliver appropriate patient care.

“My research will focus on how a broad range of health concepts – some from conventional medicine and others complementary therapies – might be helpful in managing stress and preventing burnout,” Valentina says. 

Valentina believes that most people know what’s good for them – physical activity, healthy eating, being social, setting boundaries – but it can be hard to put into practice. 

As a qualified life coach, she’s interested in how one-on-one or group coaching – complete with action plans and regular check ins – might be effective in making lasting changes.

“With wellbeing, information is one thing but application is another. Through coaching, you can personalise approaches, provide support and be an external motivation that can help people reach and maintain their goals,” Valentina says.

Currently working as Manager, Procurement, Clinical and Business Support at Western Health, Valentina loves continual learning, whether it’s further study or pursuing different career pathways.

Continual learning pushes me forward and helps me focus. It feeds my curiosity and I love being able to share new knowledge to improve individuals, health practices or the systems we work in.

“Through my PhD research, I hope to be able to contribute to improved conditions for those entering into clinical professions, ensuring they have every opportunity to have successful and impactful careers,” Valentina says.

She is looking forward to working with Dr Gina Kruger and Dr Susan Irvine from VU Nursing and Midwifery and representing Western Health Nursing and Midwifery, led by Executive Director Adjunct Professor Shane Crowe.

This inaugural   PhD scholarship   demonstrates the strong collaboration between Victoria University and Western Health, celebrating a shared commitment to excellence in education, research and patient care. The scholarship will financially support a Western Health nurse or midwife to undertake their PhD and will be offered every two years. 

This article is republished from Western Health

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