Overview

A world-class research experience

Receive outstanding research training as a doctoral candidate in Australia’s leading faculty of education. Join the best and brightest candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and benefit from comprehensive training from internationally recognised academic experts. You’ll produce a substantial piece of original research (around 80,000 words), with the potential to shape education practice in your field of interest and make a real-world impact.

Key features

1. Join a high-impact community. Join our faculty, recognised as a leader in Australian and international education research and home to some of the world’s leading education experts.
2. Receive financial support. Access fee-exempt places for your first four years of studies, with scholarships also available for full-time doctoral candidates.
3. Grow your profile. Explore regular opportunities to present your work within the Faculty as well as the University more broadly, and receive feedback from leading academics in your field.

University rankings

#1 in Australia | #13 globally | #8 in graduate employability worldwide

^{QS World University Rankings 2025 / QS Graduate Employability 2022}

Subject rankings

Education and Training

#1 in Australia | #16 globally

^{QS World Subject Rankings 2025}

Why complete a PhD in Education at Melbourne?

Join a small cohort of doctoral candidates to undertake a substantial piece of independent and original research under academic supervision.

• A global experience. Present your work internationally with active support to make connections within our extensive network of prestigious institutions.
• Develop advanced research skills. Build the high-level skills needed to complete an outstanding thesis with support from the University’s Graduate Research Hub.
• Dedicated space. Base yourself in our modern building on campus, with a dedicated space and computing facilities for full-time doctoral candidates.

The Melbourne PhD experience

Completing a PhD at Melbourne leads to becoming a specialist in your field, prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and the community. You’ll be supported throughout by your supervisor and research group. And you’ll also have access to dedicated University research services, for support on everything from ethics and integrity, to reporting and data management.

1. 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.
2. See the world. Present your work and meet other researchers at overseas conferences, events, and symposiums; conduct fieldwork overseas or interstate; or visit collaborating labs and partners in Australia and overseas.
3. Build your network. Access networking events with industry experts or take part in a multidisciplinary program with other graduate researchers to gain a richer understanding of your field.
4. Boost your skills. Hone your skills through dedicated research workshops on topics like managing data and presenting results. Develop writing and communication skills through programs like Thesis Boot Camp and Three Minute Thesis.
5. Stay ahead of the curve. Immerse yourself in the latest research with specialised seminars from visiting academics from around the world, and build your professional networks while you’re there.
6. Access student support services. In addition to dedicated research support, you’ll also have access to Stop 1, which offers the full range of student services including visa advice, wellbeing and accommodation information, and administration support.

Student profile

"I first chose to study at the Faculty of Education because of their commitment to evidence-based teaching. This has influenced both my teaching practice and now my approach to research. In terms of my return to the Faculty to complete my doctoral research, this decision was definitely influenced by the opportunity to work with internationally recognised academics."

— Cristina Guarrella