Doctor of Philosophy - Law
Course code: DR-PHILLAW
4 years full time / 8 years part time
Expected candidature is 3 years full time (or part time equivalent)
Flexible
See How to apply
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places available
Flexible
See How to apply
AUD $50,976 (2026 indicative first year fee)
Fees & scholarships
Fees
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places available
If eligible, you are exempt from paying tuition fees for your course. This exemption is valid for up to four years if you're enrolled in a doctoral program and up to two years if you're enrolled in a masters degree. Fees information
International full fee (IFP) places are available for this course
2026 fees
- Indicative first year fee AUD$50,976
- Indicative total course fee AUD$236,580
2027 fees
- Indicative first year fee AUD$56,064
- Indicative total course fee AUD$260,194
The indicative total course fee is based on the maximum candidature period of 4 years. Expected duration is 3 years, with extensions beyond this requiring approval. If you complete within the standard period, your total course fee would be proportionally lower.
Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
If you have relevant prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit), which could allow you to complete your course faster and subsequently reduce your fees. Learn more about advanced standing.
The indicative total course fee shown above includes an estimate of annual fee increases over the duration of the course based on the maximum annual course tuition increase specified in the Student Loans, Fees and Charges Policy (MPF 1325).
Your fees explained
Want more information about fees and payments?
Domestic and Indigenous Students
The PhD and MPhil in Law are offered on a Research Training Program (RTP) basis only for local students.
The RTP provides Commonwealth-funded Graduate Research students with an 'entitlement' to a fee exemption for the duration of their course.
Further information on the RTP can be obtained from the Department of Education website.
International Students
International applicants should familiarise themselves with the University's Graduate Research Study section for international applications. This site provides useful information on such things as housing, fees, English language requirements and the various support services available at the University of Melbourne.
View information on the annual tuition fees for the Law PhD and MPhil programs.
(Melbourne Law School's aim is for all international Graduate Research Degree candidates to have either a University of Melbourne fee remission plus stipend as outlined in the scholarships section or financial support from an external scholarship or other funding scheme.)
Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship
The University of Melbourne offers a range of scholarship for students undertaking graduate research training. These scholarships are funded by the University, philanthropic gifts or Government grants.
All domestic students who are admitted to a Master by research or Doctoral degree at the University of Melbourne will receive a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to acknowledge the contribution from the Australian Government towards the cost of their tuition.
Other scholarships may provide a stipend towards the cost of living and a relocation allowance. International students may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover and a tuition fee offset.
Learn more about the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship and Graduate Research Scholarships
Want more information about fees and payments?
Domestic and Indigenous Students
The PhD and MPhil in Law are offered on a Research Training Program (RTP) basis only for local students.
The RTP provides Commonwealth-funded Graduate Research students with an 'entitlement' to a fee exemption for the duration of their course.
Further information on the RTP can be obtained from the Department of Education website.
International Students
International applicants should familiarise themselves with the University's Graduate Research Study section for international applications. This site provides useful information on such things as housing, fees, English language requirements and the various support services available at the University of Melbourne.
View information on the annual tuition fees for the Law PhD and MPhil programs.
(Melbourne Law School's aim is for all international Graduate Research Degree candidates to have either a University of Melbourne fee remission plus stipend as outlined in the scholarships section or financial support from an external scholarship or other funding scheme.)
International student fees
Tuition fees are charged for each year you are enrolled. You will pay tuition fees according to your specific enrolment in any given semester.
Your tuition fees are subject-based. The amount charged is determined by a subject's discipline fee band and its study load (credit points). Fee bands are determined by the content of the subject, not the course. Fees will be calculated after you have enrolled and selected your subjects and may differ from the fee estimate provided above.
Fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted each year.
Visa requirements
With an Australian student visa, you can only take full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. You also need to have met character and any additional health tests, as well as have acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
See Visa information (external link)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students on a student visa must arrange visa-length Overseas Student Health Cover while studying in Australia.
OSHC covers the cost of out-of-hospital medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, and emergency ambulance services while you are in Australia.
You are usually required to arrange and purchase this at the same time as accepting your course offer. For further information on choosing and arranging your OSHC visit our student services webpage.
Other financial assistance
The University's Student Financial Aid Service can provide you with advice and information on student loans and bursaries/grants, and can connect you to other student support services.
Scholarships
Find a scholarship that's right for you
Graduate researchers at Melbourne Law School have generous funding opportunities through the Law School and the University of Melbourne, as well as access to information and support in connection with a wide range of external Australian and international funding schemes.
MLS Graduate Research Scholarship Allocation Process
MLS has responsibility for allocating Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS) and Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS). These scholarships are allocated by the Graduate Research Degree Selection Committee (comprising the three Graduate Research Coordinators and the Associate Dean (Research)) and are awarded in the form of a competitive allocation process. In order to achieve this principle for allocating scholarships, MLS adheres to the basic eligibility requirements set by the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research).