Master of Philosophy - Science
Course code: MR-PHILSCI
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Expected candidature is 1.5 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 $54,976 (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$54,976
- Indicative total course fee AUD$115,450
2027 fees
- Indicative first year fee AUD$58,272
- Indicative total course fee AUD$122,372
The indicative total course fee is based on the maximum candidature period of 2 years. Expected candidature is 1.5 years, with extensions beyond this requiring approval. If you complete within the expected 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).
Further Information
- Fees for recipients of a Graduate Research Scholarship $0 Cost for the maximum course duration. For more information on Graduate Research Scholarships, see below.
Your fees explained
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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?
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 Research Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship and the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) are the principal graduate research scholarships offered by the Faculty of Science. Both scholarships provide a stipend and a full fee offset. You will be automatically considered for these scholarships when you apply for the course. More about Graduate Research Scholarships
Other scholarships
You will be automatically considered for these prestigious scholarships:
- Elizabeth and Vernon Puzey Scholarships: available to Australian citizens only, this scholarship provides an additional $10,000 per year pro-rata offered concurrently with an MRS or RTP scholarship
- Rowden White Scholarships: available to both domestic and international students, this scholarship provides a one-off payment of $6,500 and can be held concurrently with an MRS or RTP scholarship.
The following scholarships are only available to domestic students. You must check the eligibility requirements and submit separate applications for each scholarship (in addition to your course application).
- The Fay Marles Scholarship is for applicants of Australian Indigenous descent or those experiencing compassionate or compelling circumstances.
- Sir John and Lady Higgins Research Scholarship is for applicants undertaking research in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry relating to the pastoral and agricultural industries.
- Ernst and Grace Matthaei Scholarship for applicants undertaking research in the field of optics.