Doctoral Program in Finance

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

University RankQS Ranking

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/Australia/Melbourne /University of Melbourne/Doctoral Program in Finance

University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Professional Doctorate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

056955G | 092762G

Campuses

Parkville

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJuly-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 July-2026

Doctoral Program in Finance

About

Overview

What is it about?

The Melbourne Business School Doctoral Program in Finance has the largest and most well-developed set of doctoral subjects on offer in Australia. Taught by the Department of Finance, which is internationally recognised for its world-class research and research training and augmented by visitors from the world's top finance programs.

The Doctoral Program in Finance 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.

Graduate Research candidates are provided with funding and encouraged to submit papers to prominent local and international finance journals and conferences. Students are also encouraged to apply for tutoring positions within the Department throughout their candidature.

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

Emma Li

Lecturer in Finance
Deakin University

"My degree has opened the door to the academic world, which is both fascinating and challenging for me. I had the opportunity to take on individual research projects during my PhD with tremendous guidance and support from the department, allowing me to grow into an independent researcher. In addition, the networking opportunities presented in the PhD program are shaping my research interest and future research agenda."

Completed - 2016

Michelle Zhou

Analyst, Debt and Alternatives
Future Fund

"My degree has equipped me with first-class, advanced quantitative skills - a prerequisite for my role, where I provide high-level quantitative analysis in order to support investments decisions. I have built a solid background in economics and finance, allowing me to develop systematic approaches to analysing complex economic themes."

Completed - 2016

Bill Zhu

Economics and Portfolio Strategy, Global Investment Research
Goldman Sachs

"I work at Goldman Sachs, Global Investment Research, as a macroeconomist and portfolio strategist. The role is closely related to my PhD research area, in macro-finance. I was fortunate that the role is very suited to my research areas and the firm was very keen to hire a PhD graduate with academic exposure as well as an interest in the practicalities of financial markets."

Completed - 2016