Overview

• Key application dates
• How to apply
• After you apply
• Additional information

Applications for 2026 have closed. Applications are currently being considered for commencement in 2027.

Key application dates

This course has three entry rounds per year.

Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees & 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. Completed applications contain all relevant information, including grades from recent studies and the outcomes of any submissions of publications or proposals to journals or publishers.
• Submit your application at least 2 weeks prior to an admission round deadline to ensure that you can provide any additional documentation requested by the University, and to permit your referees to submit their reports as soon as possible prior to the closing date

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.

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.
• You are not required to find a supervisor prior to submitting an application for the Doctor of Philosophy – Law. As part of the application process, Melbourne Law School assesses the application, research proposal, project feasibility, and availability of supervisors. However, you may wish to discuss your research interests with a potential supervisor prior to submitting an application. The MLS Staff Research Expertise web page may assist in this.

Step 2 – 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. If you have completed, or are completing, a master’s thesis, which will not receive a numeric mark on your transcript or your thesis component will not appear on your transcript, you must include this detail in your online application or attach a separate statement to your application which explains this. You must attach a copy of your thesis and examiners’ reports (if relevant). We recommend that you nominate an academic referee who can comment directly on your thesis.
• 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. The referees you nominate in your application will be contacted directly by the University of Melbourne only upon submission of your application. Please submit your application at least 2 weeks prior to an admission round deadline to ensure that you can provide any additional documentation requested by the University and to permit your referees to submit their reports as soon as possible prior to the closing date. Any delay in your referees' submission of the referee report will delay the application assessment process.
• Research proposal: See detailed guidance below.

You will also be required to attend an interview after submitting your application. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.

Preparing your research proposal:

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of up to 2500 words. The selection committee recognises that it is common for research proposals to go through different stages of development, and your proposal is considered indicative, rather than binding, in all details. As a general framework, your proposal should address:

• Research topic: What are you planning to research, and why does it matter?
• Aims and focus: What will your research achieve, and what are your research questions?
• Key concepts and theories: What are the academic concepts and theories informing your study?
• Approach and methodology: Outline your methodology and how you'll pursue your research questions.
• Rationale: Why is this faculty or school the right environment for your research? Consider its strengths and your supervisor's expertise.
• Goals: How does the research support your overall career goals or aspirations?
• Bibliography: Include a list of relevant references.

Complete the Research Proposal form as part of your application.

Step 3 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code MR-PHILLAW.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• The University assesses complete applications received by the deadline for that selection round.

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.

Orientation and commencement

• Melbourne Law School encourages all graduate research candidates to commence in Semester 1, between Monday 1 March 2027 and Friday 5 March 2027.
• All commencing students will be invited to Melbourne Law School’s Orientation week activities between Monday 22 February 2027 and Friday 26 February 2027. At these sessions you will meet coordinators and peers from your program and learn about our facilities and services.

Additional information

Contact and enquiries

For questions about the course or your application, contact:

Office for Research
Melbourne Law School
The University of Melbourne

Email: law-graduateresearch@unimelb.edu.au

Overview

• Key application dates
• How to apply
• After you apply
• Additional information

Applications for 2026 have closed. Applications are currently being considered for commencement in 2027.

Key application dates

This course has three entry rounds per year.

Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees & scholarships tabfor 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. Completed applications contain all relevant information, including grades from recent studies and the outcomes of any submissions of publications or proposals to journals or publishers.
• Submit your application at least 2 weeks prior to an admission round deadline to ensure that you can provide any additional documentation requested by the University, and to permit your referees to submit their reports as soon as possible prior to the closing date

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.

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.
• You are not required to find a supervisor prior to submitting an application for the Doctor of Philosophy – Law. As part of the application process, Melbourne Law School assesses the application, research proposal, project feasibility, and availability of supervisors. However, you may wish to discuss your research interests with a potential supervisor prior to submitting an application. The MLS Staff Research Expertise web page may assist in this.

Step 2 – 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. If you have completed, or are completing, a master’s thesis, which will not receive a numeric mark on your transcript or your thesis component will not appear on your transcript, you must include this detail in your online application or attach a separate statement to your application which explains this. You must attach a copy of your thesis and examiners’ reports (if relevant). We recommend that you nominate an academic referee who can comment directly on your thesis.
• 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. The referees you nominate in your application will be contacted directly by the University of Melbourne only upon submission of your application. Please submit your application at least 2 weeks prior to an admission round deadline to ensure that you can provide any additional documentation requested by the University and to permit your referees to submit their reports as soon as possible prior to the closing date. Any delay in your referees' submission of the referee report will delay the application assessment process.
• Research proposal: See detailed guidance below.

You will also be required to attend an interview after submitting your application. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.

Preparing your research proposal:

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of up to 2500 words. The selection committee recognises that it is common for research proposals to go through different stages of development, and your proposal is considered indicative, rather than binding, in all details. As a general framework, your proposal should address:

• Research topic: What are you planning to research, and why does it matter?
• Aims and focus: What will your research achieve, and what are your research questions?
• Key concepts and theories: What are the academic concepts and theories informing your study?
• Approach and methodology: Outline your methodology and how you'll pursue your research questions.
• Rationale: Why is this faculty or school the right environment for your research? Consider its strengths and your supervisor's expertise.
• Goals: How does the research support your overall career goals or aspirations?
• Bibliography: Include a list of relevant references.

Complete the Research Proposal form as part of your application.

Step 3 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code MR-PHILLAW.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• The University assesses complete applications received by the deadline for that selection round.

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.

Orientation and commencement

• Melbourne Law School encourages all graduate research candidates to commence in Semester 1, between Monday 1 March 2027 and Friday 5 March 2027.
• All commencing students will be invited to Melbourne Law School’s Orientation week activities between Monday 22 February 2027 and Friday 26 February 2027. At these sessions you will meet coordinators and peers from your program and learn about our facilities and services.

Additional information

Contact and enquiries

For questions about the course or your application, contact:

Office for Research
Melbourne Law School
The University of Melbourne

Email: law-graduateresearch@unimelb.edu.au