Postgraduate research studies

Finding a supervisor and postgraduate research project 

You must have a supervisor lined up before you apply for your postgraduate degree. 

1. Download the 2024 Student Project Book

2. Contact the relevant project supervisor directly by phone or email to discuss your interest in their research

3. Send them a copy of your CV and your academic transcripts to help them understand your background, interests and academic strengths

4. Be available to meet with potential supervisors at Peter Mac to discuss your interest in their project and to discuss your academic record

5. If possible, visit the laboratory and meet the research group

Supervisors need to interview potential students (face to face or remotely) before committing to supervising a student. Once a supervisor has confirmed they support your application to the university, they must provide a letter of support to accompany your application and provide you with the title and a brief 100-word description of your project. 

Postgraduate research application process 

You can begin your degree at any time during the year, but you must meet deadlines for the scholarship/candidature application process. Note: These details are relevant to applications to study at the University of Melbourne. We also accept students who enrol through other universities. 

For help with the application process with The University of Melbourne or with other universities, please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. team. 

• The University of Melbourne application 

You will need to apply to the University of Melbourne for candidature and a scholarship – all done in the one online application process. 

Visit the University of Melbourne's Future Students webpage for information on the application process and to access an application form. 

Our University of Melbourne students apply to enrol in: 

• Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 

• School/department: The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology

• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy- Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences OR Master of Philosophy- Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 

Although you only submit one application to the university, there are two parallel processes that result in two separate offers: candidature and scholarship. 

You can submit the application at any time to commence during the year. 

Round 1 applications close 31 October for a postgraduate degree to commence the next year.  

Upcoming rounds - 

1. Closing date - 31 October 2022 

2. Closing date - 29 January 2023 

3. Closing date - 14 May 2023 

Please note: While there are multiple application rounds for each, most scholarships are awarded in the first two rounds. 

Candidature and visa 

If you are eligible for candidature (meeting H1 equivalence) you will receive either: 

• A conditional offer (waiting for specified information to be provided) such as evidence of English language ability or final transcripts 

• An unconditional offer of candidature 

Once you accept an unconditional offer, the university then sends you a confirmation of enrolment letter. 

International postgraduate research students use the confirmation of enrolment letter to fast-track your student visa application. You need this letter before you can apply for the visa. 

Scholarships and fees 

Scholarship applications are processed in a parallel process. If successful they are awarded in a separate offer process. The University of Melbourne faculty scholarships provide full details on available graduate research scholarships and the timing of applications for scholarship applications. Local students do not need to pay fees for graduate research degrees. International students who succeed in getting a Melbourne Research Training Scheme International Scholarship (RTP-Int) are also eligible to be awarded a matching fee-waiver scholarship to cover the annual fees.