Doctoral Program in Accounting

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Professional Doctorate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

056955G | 092763F

Campuses

Parkville

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMarch-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 5 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 56,992 / year

Next Intake March-2026

Doctoral Program in Accounting

About

Overview

What is it about?

The Doctoral Program in Accounting at the University of Melbourne uses the talents of the Asia-Pacific's leading accounting researchers in the Department of Accounting. Our renowned academics publish regularly in the world's premier accounting and business information systems journals and have built a teaching and research profile of international significance.

The program is made up of a 2-year Master of Commerce coursework program followed by a 3-year PhD.

Generous scholarships are available for high achieving applicants, including full fee waivers and a stipend of AUD$38,500 per year (2025 RTP rate).

Research conference travel funding of AUD$15,000 is available to all confirmed PhD candidates.

Our PhD graduates have accepted positions at leading institutions both within Australia and internationally including the University of Chicago, the Australian National University, Monash University, Columbia University, Minnesota State University, Fordham and Singapore Management University, Tilburg University, the University of Hong Kong and the University of Auckland.

Many of our academic staff have experience in industry and the profession, and provide advice as consultants and expert witnesses. They have the experience to blend theoretical and practical knowledge in their teaching.

-Register to attend an information session

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum eligibility

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

Masters

You must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution. Most Masters degrees also require a minimum WAM (Weighted Average Mark)based on your previous studies for entry. You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you’re eligible for a specific Masters degree.

Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your studies at the University.

Find Masters by coursework degrees

Doctorates

If you go on to a doctorate, you need to have completed an Honours and Masters degree in the relevant discipline. Additional qualifications and work experience is also taken into consideration.

Go to Graduate research study for more information

To find out about assessment and our admissions criteria, see How you're selected.

Course-specific requirements

Graduate coursework degrees may have specific interviews, portfolios and supplementary tests you need to do before you can be accepted into a degree.

To find out about specific requirements, review the entry and application information for the course you're interested in to find out what these are.

English Program Requirements

English Language Criteria

Applicants are required to satisfy the University's English language requirements for graduate courses.

Applicants from countries where English is not the official language or the language of institutional instruction and assessment must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Minimum scores and tests accepted

IELTS (academic English only): Overall 7.0 with 7.0 in writing (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL (internet-based): 94, with writing 27, speaking 18, reading 13, listening 13
Pearson Test of English (Academic): 72+ with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 60
Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 185+ with no less than 185 in Writing and 169 in each other skill

Applicants may be provisionally offered a place in the program on the condition they attain the required minimum English proficiency level before commencing the program.

Career

The Melbourne Business School Doctoral program prepares graduates for research and teaching careers at top-ranked educational institutions and for careers where world-class research and advanced analytical skills are necessary.

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.

Success stories

Dr Anson Jiang

Assistant Professor of Accounting
The University of Hong Kong

"Prior to entering the doctoral program, I worked as an auditor at a Big Four accounting firm. The five-year doctoral program at the Faculty of Business and Economics helped me transition smoothly from industry to academia. The two-year coursework provided rigorous research training and extensive exposure to cutting-edge topics in accounting research. I also had the opportunity to attend seminars taught by prestigious scholars from outside the University of Melbourne.

This solid preparation enabled me to produce a high-quality job market paper, which helped me land a position at a top research university. Throughout my doctoral journey, my supervisors were very encouraging and supportive, and the department provided generous research support for PhD students."

Completed - 2024

Dr Ajanee Ranasinghe

Assistant Professor
Department of Accountancy
Tilburg University

"The cutting edge feature in the Accounting doctoral program is the opportunity to meet, learn from, and work closely with world-leaders in accounting research. The renowned faculty academics are complemented by a number of researchers, with impressive research history, visiting from top business schools in the USA. The visiting academics either teach into the program or meet with the students, providing them with rare, and valuable exposure to world-class researchers.

A PhD journey is one where we not only complete a thesis, but also develop a research skills-set that will be the foundation for our entire research career. This sound foundation, coupled with strong research supervision and teaching experience made me confident in pursuing an academic career."

Completed - 2020