Doctor of Philosophy - Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Course code: DR-PHILMDH
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 $60,992 (2026 indicative first year fee)
How to apply
Ready to apply?
Overview
Key application dates
This course allows applications to be lodged at any time throughout the year. However, you are strongly encouraged to submit within one of the three scholarship application rounds each year.
Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees and scholarships tab for details.
Upcoming intakes and key dates
Important notes on applications
- If you submit an application outside the published deadlines, we may hold it for the next selection round.
- The University assesses applications only after receiving all required documents and referee reports.
Scholarship application deadlines
You'll automatically be considered for most graduate research scholarships when you apply for your course. No separate application is needed. Some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, separate application methods or earlier internal deadlines. Explore additional available scholarships and check the relevant application timelines.
- Only applications for admission that are complete and received by the closing dates will be considered for Graduate Research Scholarships and faculty-based scholarships in that round.
- Your application can only be considered for scholarships once your previous degree is complete and final results are available. If your final results are not provided at least two weeks before the listed outcome date, your application will be considered in a subsequent round.
- Most scholarships are awarded in Round 1 for commencement the following year. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application before 31 October.
- If you have confirmed external or non-UoM funding (such as a scholarship from another body or external sponsor), see the Fees and scholarships tab for relevant guidance and opportunities.
- If you are interested in applying for NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships, note the NHMRC eligibility criteria that states you cannot be in receipt of a government scholarship at the time of application and consider these timelines in relation to your application for a graduate research scholarship (which are RTP government scholarships for domestic students). You should indicate your intention to apply for an NHMRC Postgraduate scholarship in your course application.
How to apply
Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility
- Review the Entry requirements tab for the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.
- Indigenous applicants are encouraged to seek support from the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and review the information available on the Support for Indigenous graduate researchers page
Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor
Before applying, you must have written support from an academic supervisor.
To find a supervisor and a research project, you can:
- Find a research supervisor on Find an Expert – filter to researchers available for supervision.
- Explore research project opportunities on Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available.
- Search for your research topics of interest to find and contact prospective supervisors directly.
You can also explore research areas and themes through your faculty’s schools and research institutes.
When contacting a supervisor, include the following documents:
- Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale.
- A current CV or resume outlining relevant research experience, publications, academic projects and contributions to scholarly works.
- A summary of your intended research area or a research proposal.
Step 3 – Gather your supporting documentation
As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:
- Transcripts: Scanned colour copies of all your higher education transcripts, completion statements, and grading schemes.
- CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience and any prior research output.
- English language evidence: Exemptions may apply. Check the English language requirements page to confirm whether you need a test, then see the Entry requirements tab for accepted tests and scores for this course.
- Referees: Contact details for academic or employer referees who can speak to your recent study or work. Notify your referees that they may be contacted by the University before you submit.
- Research proposal: You must submit a research proposal of up to 500 words that summarises your research topic and objectives, and includes your proposed thesis title.
- Evidence of supervisor endorsement: An email or letter of confirmation from your intended supervisor, or by using this form. See Step 2 above.
You will also be required to attend an interview, either after contacting a potential supervisor or after submitting your application. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.
Step 4 – Submit your application
- Submit your application online using the course code DR-PHILMDH.
- For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
After you apply
- For details on what happens after you apply – including confirmation, assessment, outcomes, and accepting an offer – see the Offers and Enrolments page.
- Once you’ve accepted your offer, explore the Getting started guides on the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead
Ready to apply?
Ready to apply?
Overview
Key application dates
This course allows applications to be lodged at any time throughout the year. However, you are strongly encouraged to submit within one of the three scholarship application rounds each year.
Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees and scholarships tab for details.
Upcoming intakes and key dates
Important notes on applications
- If you submit an application outside the published deadlines, we may hold it for the next selection round.
- The University assesses applications only after receiving all required documents and referee reports.
Scholarship application deadlines
You'll automatically be considered for most graduate research scholarships when you apply for your course. No separate application is needed. Some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, separate application methods or earlier internal deadlines. Explore additional available scholarships and check the relevant application timelines.
- Only applications for admission that are complete and received by the closing dates will be considered for Graduate Research Scholarships and faculty-based scholarships in that round.
- Your application can only be considered for scholarships once your previous degree is complete and final results are available. If your final results are not provided at least two weeks before the listed outcome date, your application will be considered in a subsequent round.
- Most scholarships are awarded in Round 1 for commencement the following year. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application before 31 October.
- If you have confirmed external or non-UoM funding (such as a scholarship from another body or external sponsor), see the Fees and scholarships tab for relevant guidance and opportunities.
How to apply
Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility
- Review the Entry requirements tab for the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.
Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor
Before applying, you must have written support from an academic supervisor.
To find a supervisor and a research project, you can:
- Find a research supervisor on Find an Expert – filter to researchers available for supervision.
- Explore research project opportunitieson Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available.
- Search for your research topics of interest to find and contact prospective supervisors directly.
You can also explore research areas and themes through your faculty’s schools and research institutes.
When contacting a supervisor, include the following documents:
- Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale.
- A current CV or resume outlining relevant research experience, publications, academic projects and contributions to scholarly works.
- A summary of your intended research area or a research proposal.
Step 3 – Gather your supporting documentation
As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:
- Transcripts: Scanned colour copies of all your higher education transcripts, completion statements, and grading schemes.
- CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience and any prior research output.
- English language evidence: Exemptions may apply. Check the English language requirements page to confirm whether you need a test, then see the Entry requirements tab for accepted tests and scores for this course.
- Referees: Contact details for academic or employer referees who can speak to your recent study or work. Notify your referees that they may be contacted by the University before you submit.
- Research proposal: You must submit a research proposal of up to 500 words that summarises your research topic and objectives, and includes your proposed thesis title.
- Evidence of supervisor endorsement: An email or letter of confirmation from your intended supervisor, or by using this form. See Step 2 above.
You will also be required to attend an interview, either after contacting a potential supervisor or after submitting your application. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.
Step 4 – Submit your application
- Submit your application onlineusing the course code DR-PHILMDH.
- For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
After you apply
- For details on what happens after you apply – including confirmation, assessment, outcomes, and accepting an offer – see the Offers and Enrolments page.
- Once you’ve accepted your offer, explore the Getting started guideson the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead
Ready to apply?