Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

With seven schools to choose from (BioSciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Geography, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics) and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and a PhD project that will suit you.

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.

Industry connections

To prepare you for your post-PhD career, you can take advantage of the time between submitting your thesis and it being conferred by completing a 3–6 month industry placement through our Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists.

Not just a researcher

The Melbourne experience enables our graduates to become specialists within their field, leaders in communities, attuned to cultural diversity, and active global citizens.

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in many areas of science. A PhD is also a ticket to international research opportunities.

Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and then to careers in research and teaching in academia. Alternatively, they move into industry, where the technical and professional skills that come with completing a PhD are highly valued.

Employers of PhD graduates include:

• Universities
• International research institutions such as CSIRO, the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Max Planck Institutes, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and NASA
• Government departments like the Bureau of Meteorology, the Bureau of Statistics and Melbourne Water
• Consulting firms such as Deloitte and KPMG
• Software and computing companies such as IBM, IRESS and Quantium
• Large financial services companies including ANZ and NAB.