Doctoral Program in Economics

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 | 096133D

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 Economics

About

Overview

What is it about?

The Doctoral Program in Economics at the University of Melbourne is the leading PhD program in the region and sits among the world’s top graduate research programs. This program is jointly offered by the Department of Economics and Australia’s pre-eminent economic and social policy research institution, the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research. The diversity and depth of available research advisors and research topics in theoretical and applied economics in Australia is unparalleled in the region.

The Doctoral Program in Economics 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 students have access to state-of-the-art experimental labs, funding support for national and international conference travel and access to all major research databases. Each year’s intake consists of up to 15 domestic and international students, providing a solid cohort learning experience.

In the Doctoral Program in Economics, we provide a collegiate environment in which all aspects of being an economist, from technical skills, the ability to formulate and undertake independent research, and to clearly communicate your findings, are developed to the highest level.

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Who is it for?

This program is designed for students with prior training in economics or a related discipline with a strong analytical/mathematical component, who wish to gain advanced skills necessary to practice as a professional economist in the public or private sectors.

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 and 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

Andrea La Nauze

Assistant Professor in Economics
University of Pittsburgh

"The combination of rigorous core training, practical field courses, stellar supervision and an active research culture at Melbourne not only helped me become a well-rounded researcher and get a job in academia, it has also helped me in my new role as a graduate instructor and adviser to new researchers."

Completed - 2016

Colette Marais

Data Scientist, Big Data
Telstra

"I am currently a Data Scientist in the Big Data team at Telstra. I am part of a team that uses advanced statistical and machine learning techniques applied to big data problems. My primary role is the analysis to drive business value, and to reveal actionable insights. It involves championing the use of advanced statistical and machine-learning techniques, and using the resulting information across Telstra to inform decision-making and strategic actions."

Completed - 2014

Shawn Tan

Economist
The World Bank

"After completing my PhD at Melbourne Uni in July 2013, I joined the World Bank Young Professionals Program as an Economist and have worked on various projects on the topics of international trade and firm capabilities. The PhD gave me a strong foundation of economic theory and empirical techniques to tackle the development questions in these countries."

Completed - 2013