Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)

    Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 38,247 / Year
    Next IntakeAugust 4, 2026

    Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)

    About

    The Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney leads world-class research tackling global healthcare challenges. Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) will allow you to pursue innovative research across a number of areas in which the faculty has expertise.

    This course is for students with a strong academic background and research experience who are passionate about advancing medical and health research. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s with honours, a master’s degree, or equivalent qualifications and aim to make a global impact in healthcare.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, you will have either:

    • a bachelor's degree with first or upper second class honours or
    • a master's degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes a substantial component of research
    • an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

    These are the minimum requirements for eligibility but they do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Research Education) for the faculty.

    Please refer to the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011  for full policy details.

    Transfer from University of Sydney Master of Philosophy

    Outstanding candidates who successfully complete one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the University of Sydney Master of Philosophy degree may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy and be granted credit for work already completed pending:

    • approval from the supervisor and school 
    • meeting all higher degree by research progression requirements
    • providing evidence that their research is of a sufficient scope and depth to sustain a doctoral thesis.

    Credit for previous study

    For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 68
    • IELTSMin 7
    • TOEFLMin 96

    English Program Requirements

    IBT-INDICATOR
    TOEFL - IBT score
    A minimum result of 96 overall including a minimum result of 23 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 25 in Writing
    IELTS-INDICATOR
    IELTS score
    A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 7.0 in each band
    PTE-INDICATOR
    Pearsons Test of English
    A minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 68 in each band

    Career

    Through the completion of a PhD, students gain deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. PhD graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    38,247 / year
    Application Fee 150

    How to Apply

    1. Choose a course

    Use our course search to browse our wide range of courses. Use the filters to search by degree level and area of interest, then click on a course to find out more about: 

    • what you'll study
    • admissions criteria
    • application deadlines
    • potential career paths. 

    You might want to bookmark the course page, as you'll be referring back to it as you prepare your application.

    Inherent requirements

    When choosing a course, you should see if it has any inherent requirements (this will be noted on the course page). These usually apply for courses that are preparing you for a career where you will be working closely with people or animals.

    They aren't assessable admissions criteria, but are required for you to successfully complete the course. Researching the inherent requirements will allow you to make an informed decision about the course/career.

    2. Check your eligibility

    For all courses, you will need to demonstrate that you: 

    • meet our English language requirements. If you have completed a recognised English language test, the required score can be found on the right hand side of the course page (found in step 1).

    For all undergraduate courses, you will need to demonstrate that you:

    For all postgraduate courses, you will need to demonstrate that you: 

    • have completed a recognised tertiary qualification. Details can be found on the specific course page and could include previous study in the same field, or an advertised minimum GPA.

    You should also check the course page for any additional admissions criteria. This may include: 

    • a prerequisite, such as previous studies in mathematics
    • an interview
    • a portfolio
    • assumed knowledge
    • relevant professional experience.

    3. Gather your documents

    We require official documents to support your application, including a scanned copy of your passport identification page.

    Other documents you may need include:

    • English language results
    • academic transcripts
    • degree certificates (testamurs)
    • scholarship documentation
    • marriage/change of name certificate.

    If your course requires a supplementary application form, this will be listed on the course page. 

    Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator with a government body or the Registrar of the issuing institution.

    Applicants from the People's Republic of China may be required to provide a China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC) verification of their academic documents.

    If you are applying for a student visa, the University reserves the right to request additional information regarding the government's genuine temporary entrant requirement. This may be requested after your application is submitted, and could include an additional application form seeking clarification about your personal circumstances and/or an interview.

    4. Check your finances

    Before applying, you should understand the fees you will need to pay. These include:

    You should also research financial support options that may be available to you. We have a wide range of scholarships available for international students, and some countries also provide education loans to their citizens.

    5. Submit your application

    Apply directly

    Most international students can apply directly to the University. To do so, select the 'Apply now' button on your course page to commence your application, and follow the prompts. 

    This short video provides an overview of the application form. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our regional experts, who can provide personalised advice. 

    To submit your application, you will need to pay an application processing fee.

    If you are applying with the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA Level 3), you may apply direct to the University or via UAC.

    Apply through an authorised agent

    Some students choose to apply through an authorised University of Sydney agent, for assistance with the university application and visa arrangements. Please note that only agents listed on our website are authorised to represent us.

    Apply through UAC

    You will need to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), if you are an undergraduate student studying:

    • a current Australian Year 12 qualification (eg NSW Higher School Certificate) in or outside Australia, or
    • a current International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in Australia.

    If you are applying with the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA Level 3), you may apply via UAC or direct to the University.

    Apply for Sciences Po Dual Degree

    If you are applying for a Sciences Po Dual Degree, you need to apply directly to the University of Sydney (even if you are applying through UAC for your other preferences).

    Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)

    University of Sydney

    University of Sydney

    Australia

    Australia, Sydney