PhD - How to Apply

Candidates interested in undertaking Doctor of Philosophy studies with the Melbourne Institute should follow the following steps:

Do you meet the requirements for admission?

• Academic requirements
• English language requirements

Does the current research of the Department match your research interests?

• Investigate the research currently being undertaken by staff in the department. Information on staff members research interests can be obtained by going to our research programs page.

Write your research proposal

• Isolate a research topic or area within the general scope of the department's current research and write a proposal (approx 750 – 1000 words) which is clear and specific about your proposed area of investigation.
• If there is a particular staff member you would like to work with, this should also be specified. You should feel free to make contact with the relevant staff member prior to submitting your proposal to ascertain their availability.
• Your proposed research topic is not fixed, you will be able to change it if desired as you progress through the first year.
• On the application form you will be asked for a thesis topic and to name a prospective supervisor, stating the main research questions and indicating the methods to be used, showing an awareness of relevant literature in the area. However, the coursework in your first two semesters at Melbourne will probably cause you to modify or change any topic you may have in mind at present. So, unless you have made personal contact with a member of the Department about supervision, please leave this question on the application form unanswered. We will allocate you a preliminary supervisor, should we offer you a place in the program.

Submit your application

Download an application form, complete it and send with your proposal, covering letter and any other required documentation to:

Local Applicants

Download application form from: Melbourne School of Graduate Research

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research
Graduate Centre (1888 Building)
Grattan Street
The University of Melbourne 3010
Australia

Telephone + 61 3 834 48599

Fax number +61 3 9349 2103

The School of Graduate Research (Research Higher Degrees Office) reception opening hours are:
8.45am - 5pm, Monday - Tuesday
8.45am - 3pm, Wednesday
8.45am - 5pm, Thursday - Friday.

International Applicants

Download an application form from: the International Centre or you can lodge your application through one of the University's overseas representatives.

International Admissions
International Centre
John Smyth Building
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010
Australia

Ph: +61 3 8344 4505
Fax: +61 3 9347 9062

Acceptance

Aside from meeting the requirements, acceptance into the PhD program will be largely dependent on:

• department supervisors having availability and the expertise to cover the proposed area of research
• the appropriateness of the applicant's academic background and standard of results