Doctor of Philosophy - Science
    Go to University of Melbourne

    Doctor of Philosophy - Science

    University of Melbourne
    University of Melbourne
    Australia
    Australia, Melbourne
    University Rank:#13
    Go to Official Website
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 37,136 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

    Doctor of Philosophy - Science

    About

    Overview

    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.

    With many research disciplines to choose from (Ecosystem Sciences, BioSciences, Chemistry, Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics), and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and a PhD project that will suit you.

    Global opportunities

    In addition to our own leading PhD program, we also offer several joint PhD opportunities, where you can conduct your research at both the University of Melbourne and a top research institution overseas.

    Industry connections

    To prepare you for your post-PhD career, you can take advantage of the time between submitting your thesis and it being conferred by completing a 3–6 month industry placement through our Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists.

    Not just a researcher

    The Melbourne experience enables our graduates to become specialists within their field, leaders in communities, attuned to cultural diversity, and active global citizens.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Minimum eligibility

    You’re considered an international student based on your citizenship – even if you're studying in Australia.

    To be eligible to apply for graduate research courses, you're normally required to have completed at least a four year Australian Bachelor course or overseas equivalent and achieved an overall average of greater than 75% in the final year of the course.

    You're also normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of your year's work at 4th year undergraduate or masters level.

    Some courses may have higher or additional entry requirements and a pre-application process. Check the course you're interested in to learn what these are.

    Course-specific requirements

    Requirements vary by course. Usually, to apply for a graduate research course, you first need to determine your research topic and find a supervisor. Some graduate schools advertise available projects. Visit Find a Course for the requirements of the course that interests you. You will need to be able to commit to the workload required by the course.

    Finding a supervisor

    Check with the course you're applying for to see if you need to find a supervisor for your course before applying.

    If so, you want to make sure the supervisors you choose are right for your needs and can support you in your research. Support from supervisors does not guarantee admission, nor does it guarantee a scholarship or financial assistance.

    For help finding a supervisor, visit Find an expert

    Writing a research proposal

    Some graduate schools also require a research proposal as part of your application.

    To develop a successful proposal, you need to be familiar with current research in the area. Your proposal also needs to state your research question, your area of interest, and how you'll undertake your research.

    Many graduate schools offering research courses will have their own pre-application process, entry requirements and application due dates. Check the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.

    English Program Requirements

    Career

    Career outcomes

    A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in many areas of science. A PhD is also a ticket to international research opportunities.

    Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and then to careers in research and teaching in academia. Alternatively, they move into industry, where the technical and professional skills that come with completing a PhD are highly valued.

    Employers of PhD graduates include:

    • Universities
    • International research institutions such as CSIRO, the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Max Planck Institutes, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and NASA
    • Government departments like the Bureau of Meteorology, the Bureau of Statistics and Melbourne Water
    • Consulting firms such as Deloitte and KPMG
    • Software and computing companies such as IBM, IRESS and Quantium
    • Large financial services companies including ANZ and NAB.

    Technical and professional skills

    On completion of your PhD, you’ll have high-level knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of science.

    Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

    • Critical thinking and problem-solving
    • Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research
    • Scientific communication, both written and oral
    • Project management.

    Intended learning outcomes

    Upon completion of the PhD, the graduate researcher will be able to:

    • demonstrate command of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the forefront of a discipline
    • independently and systematically engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation
    • independently and systematically develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge
    • independently and systematically generate original knowledge and understanding such that they can make a substantial contribution to a discipline
    • disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context
    • demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement and responsibility as an expert and scholar
    • demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity.

    Graduate attributes

    For graduate attributes, refer to the Graduate Research Hub.

    Software Developer

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    37,136 / year
    Application Fee 154

    Doctor of Philosophy - Science

    University of Melbourne

    University of Melbourne

    Australia

    Australia, Melbourne

    Go to Official Website