PhD Application
This page explains how to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne. To apply for any other research degree, please visit the relevant faculty page.
Step 1: Consider the following questions:
- Have you considered the different degree options, such as research Masters or PhD?
- Do you meet the requirements for the degree you're interested in? View the minimum standards for entry to the PhD.
- Have you investigated scholarships and fees?
- Have you considered the transition issues surrounding your return to student life? What is transition?
Step 2: Find a Supervisor
Before submitting a formal application, it is essential that you identify and speak with a potential supervisor or postgraduate coordinator. You can type your area of interest into our Find An Expert database to identify academics at Melbourne and their contact details. The Research Report lists published work of supervisors, research in progress and of previous students. Also investigate faculty websites for information on current research and contact details
Some important questions to consider when contacting a potential supervisor:
- Have you thoroughly discussed the research project?
- Are you aware of any other academic activities in which you will be involved?
- Have you discussed with your supervisor, your respective roles in the work?
- Are you satisfied that your supervisor will devote adequate time to you?
- Have you looked sufficiently deeply into the research background and active research interests of the proposed supervisor?
- Do you know enough about the research environment of the department in which you wish to work?
- Do you know what departmental facilities will be available to you throughout your candidature?
Step 3: Download the application form:
| Local Applicants | International Applicants |
|---|---|
| Useful information for International Applicants |
Transferring from other Universities
The French-Australian PhD in Cotutelle program (under which approved PhD students are supervised jointly by academics from the University of Melbourne and a nominated French University.)
Step 4: Gather the required admission information
You will need:
- Original or certified copies (see below) of official transcripts, including full details of all courses undertaken, completed and grades obtained. If your undergraduate course is from this University, an official transcript is not required. Please note that all documentation forwarded to the University becomes the property of the University.
A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document which has the signature and official stamp of one of the following people: Barrister or Solicitor, Police in Charge of Station, Pharmacist, Doctor, Dentist, Principal of School, Justice of the Peace, Clerk of Court, indicating that they have sighted the original document. The signature and stamp must appear on every page of the document. A photocopy of a certified copy is not acceptable.
- Details of published papers, if any.
- Details of any experience since graduation which is relevant to the proposed field of research.
- Names and addresses of two academic referees.
- A statement of research interests and experience. Applicants should provide as much detail as they can (at least 100 words are required, NB 600-word summary for Faculty of Arts applications.) This will help academic staff determine whether they have the expertise and resources to facilitate study in your proposed field of research.
- Evidence of any government financial support or other scholarship offered.
- For Australian Citizens and permanent residents a certified copy of either an original birth certificate, citizenship certificate or evidence of permanent resident status.
- Original or certified certificate of IELTS or TOEFL tests of English as a foreign language (except those from countries where English is the official language or those who have undertaken studies in a country where English is the official language). (Refer to English Requirements)