The Melbourne School Of Graduate Research

ADMISSION

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ENTRY TO THE PhD

PhD applicants will be assessed using the criteria described below. The measures include an assessment of an applicant's knowledge of the discipline and evidence of their ability to complete a rigorous research project. Applicants are required to meet the minimum standards described for each of the six measures.

In exceptional circumstances, the Research Higher Degrees (RHD) Committee may consider for admission a person who does not have qualifications equivalent to a four-year honours degree, if it is satisfied that the person's experience in research and the results of that experience are so outstanding that the person is likely to have the ability to pursue the course successfully. In such cases, or where the other minimum standards as specified below are not all met, the department (with faculty endorsement) may present a case for admittance, including relevant evidence, to the Chair, RHD Committee.

Normally, the evidence of such equivalence would take the form of a research publication record and/or additional significant research experience that would be equivalent to a fourth year. In the case of a three-year honours degree from the United Kingdom the sponsoring department may also provide evidence about the quality of the institution and the quality of the degree, compared with a four-year honours degree.

Criteria for assessing applicants' eligibility for PhD candidature (approved by Academic Board 2/04)

Criteria	Description
Minimum qualifications	Applicants are normally required to have completed at least a four-year honours degree at H2A (75–79%) grade from an Australian university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered by the RHD Committee to be equivalent. For particular disciplines applicants are also required to complete, at an appropriate level, a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or a Graduate Record Entry (GRE) test.
Minimum level of academic achievement	Applicants should have achieved an overall H1 (80–100%) or H2A (75–79%) grade in the relevant honours or masters degree. Applicants who have completed certain professional degrees such as MBBS, BVSc, LLB and BPhysio, BDentSc will be assessed individually.
Relevance of the degree	The completed degree must be in an area that is relevant to the intended PhD, including sufficient specialisation such that the applicant will have already developed an understanding and appreciation of a body of knowledge relevant to the intended PhD.
Evidence of research ability	Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of their year's work at fourth-year or at masters level. Graduates of certain professional degrees at the University of Melbourne, including MBBS, BVSc, LLB, BPhysio and BEng, BDentSc are deemed to have met this requirement. In the absence of the final-year research component, other evidence may be provided as to an applicant's ability to undertake research.
Currency of applicant's knowledge of the discipline	The applicant's degree(s) and/or professional experience must demonstrate that the applicant's knowledge of the discipline in which they plan to undertake their PhD is current. It is therefore expected that an applicant will have completed their tertiary studies and/or any relevant professional experience in the ten years immediately prior to their intended entry to the PhD.
Assessment of suitability	Based on interview or other verbal communication, an assessment should be made of the level of understanding, motivation and time commitment of the applicant for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time candidate would be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week and a part-time candidate about half of this.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. Applicants should view the Future Students English Language requirements for the full and current version.

One of the ways applicants may satisfy the English language requirements for admission is to meet the University's TOEFL, academic IELTS, or Pearson Test of English requirements in a test taken no more than 24 months prior to application. The minimum scores required by the faculties for TOEFL (including Test of Written English (TWE), IELTS, and Pearson Test of English are as follows:

Facilities & Graduate Schools	IELTS (Academic English Only)	TOEFL (paper-based)	TOEFL (computer-based)	TOEFL (internet-based)	Pearson Test of English (Academic)
Melbourne School of Design	7.0 (written 7.0 with no band less than 6.0)	600 + TWE 5.0	250 + 5.0 essay rating	94 + Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	65 & written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Arts	7.0 (written 7.0 with no band less than 6.0)	600 + TWE 5.0	250 + 5.0 essay rating	94 + Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	65 & written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Business & Economics	7.0 ( written 7.0 with no band less than 6.0)	600 + TWE 5.0	250 + 5.0 essay rating	94 + Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	65 & written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Education	7.0 (written 7.0 with no band less than 6.0)	600 + TWE 5.0	250 + 5.0 essay rating	94 + Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	65 & written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Engineering	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50
Information	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50
Land & Environment	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50
Law	7.0 (written 7.0 with no band less than 6.0)	600 + TWE 5.0	250 + 5.0 essay rating	94 + Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	65 & written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Melbourne Medical School	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50
Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Population Health, and Social Work	7.0 (written 7.0 with no band less than 6.0)	600 + TWE 5.0	250 + 5.0 essay rating	94 + Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	65 & written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Science	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50
Veterinary Science	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50
VCA and Music	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)	577 + TWE 4.5	233 + 4.5 essay rating	79 + Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13	58-64 inclusive & no communicative skill below 50

GRADUATE COURSE FEES

International

The course fees for international students can be found on the University of Melbourne international tuition fees page.

International candidates are offered a range of scholarships, including full and part-fee remission of course fees. International candidates without a fee remission scholarship are charged tuition fees on a daily pro-rata basis.

Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents

PhD courses are offered on a Research Training Scheme (RTS) basis only. The RTS provides Commonwealth-funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) students with an 'entitlement' to a fee exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course. Funding is provided for a maximum of four years full-time (eight years part-time) for a PhD. (Local PhD candidates who enrolled before September 2000 remain entitled to a fee exemption for up to five years full-time equivalent study). The University may elect to impose fees on students who wish to remain enrolled after exhausting their entitlement. More information can be found on the Australian Government's RTS website.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Residency

All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12 months full-time (24 months part-time) advanced study and research in the University unless studying at an approved outside institution. The RHD Committee will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for graduate researchers.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within the University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the candidate is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research candidates) and the University, so as:

to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program;
to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University;
to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research throughout candidature.

Under certain circumstances permission will be given to fulfil the residency requirements by means of two or more short periods of residency totalling into 12 months full-time (or 24 months part-time). Time spent on approved fieldwork or other off-campus studies for a period of less than three months may be approved by the Research Higher Degree (RHD) Committee as part of the minimum period of residency. Application for non-consecutive periods of residency must be made to the RHD Committee. The application should include:

a statement of reasons for the application;
a detailed timetable stating how the residency requirement will be met by the combined short periods;
a letter signed by the supervisor and head of department.

Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) holders will usually live within reasonable commuting distance from campus for the duration of their award. APA and MRS holders are entitled to apply for periods of up to 12 months study away. Refer to the APA/MRS condition booklet.

In exceptional circumstances, and where an applicant already has a proven professional background in the area of research, an application may be made to meet the residency requirement by other means. A case may be made to the RHD Committee and must be supported by the nominated supervisors and head of department. The application should include:

capabilities of applicant, details of proven research skills and professional background;
a statement of commitment to attend the University for face-to-face meetings with the supervisor and meet other expectations as identified at least at commencement, at six months, at 12 months and annually thereafter;
a plan detailing the commitment and agreed upon expectations.

The above face-to-face intervals are a minimum only and these meetings need to take place in the department. Applications, where the applicants meet these requirements, will not be approved automatically.

At commencement the candidate and supervisor will clarify expectations and complete the Checklist for Research Students and their Supervisors – Research Integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research.

At six months progress will be reviewed and at 12 months the candidate will give a presentation for confirmation of candidature and attend the Confirmation Committee meeting. Annual visits thereafter will include a presentation in the department. Before thesis submission the candidate will present at their Completion Seminar in the department.

Meeting the attendance requirements and other expectations will be a hurdle requirement for confirmation of candidature. All other attendance must be monitored and signed off by the Advisory Committee for progress reporting. Documentation of visits must be maintained and recorded appropriately.

APPLICANTS BASED AT APPROVED OUTSIDE INSTITUTIONS

Candidates may be permitted to base their research entirely at certain approved research institutions. Candidates based at an outside institution must report on their progress to the RHD Committee through the department in which they are enrolled, and take part in graduate seminars and other activities, as required by the department.

Departments should refer to Section F for the List of Approved Outside Institutions, Guidelines for Supervision of PhD Candidates Based at Outside Institutions and for the procedure to add an institution to the approved list.

PART-TIME CANDIDATURE

An applicant for admission as a part-time candidate must satisfy the head of department and supervisor that adequate time is available to devote to their PhD work and to maintain regular contact with the supervisor and department.

Periods of probationary and confirmed candidature for part-time candidates are twice those set for full-time candidates.

Part-time APA/MRS scholarships are available only to applicants who can demonstrate compelling social reasons for part-time study.

International PhD candidates should be aware that student visas are for full-time study only.

EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS ON FULL-TIME CANDIDATES

A PhD program at the University of Melbourne is a demanding undertaking requiring performance to the full extent of the candidate's ability. It is therefore expected to be a full-time commitment unless enrolment is part-time. In some instances, the candidate, in consultation with their supervisor and head of department might determine that additional coursework subjects will assist in their PhD research program. Application should be made online via the Application for Adding/Removing Additional Subjects form available on the Student Portal in these cases.

Professional development is considered an integral part of the PhD training program, and might include tutoring or demonstrating. The University of Melbourne does not stipulate the maximum hours to be worked, but recommends, as a guide, that more than six hours per week across the year, during normal working hours would be undesirable. Where sessional teaching is undertaken, it should be understood that the initial tutorial will include two hours of preparation and marking. Repeat tutorials involve one additional hour.

No other commitments should impact on the time commitment to the PhD program. It is the responsibility of the supervisor, head of department and candidate to ensure that paid work will not jeopardise the completion of the course of study in the time allowed.

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Full-time research assistants within the University of Melbourne may enrol in the PhD part-time if their nominated supervisor(s) provide a statement with the application form covering the following points:

that the candidate would have sufficient time to undertake independent research towards their PhD;
the relationship of the proposed thesis research to the applicant's employment, bearing in mind the independent nature of PhD research;
that the candidate would complete the program in the required time.

PhD CANDIDATES FREED BY EMPLOYERS FOR FULL-TIME RESEARCH

Eligible applicants for PhD candidature who are in full-time employment must satisfy the head of department and supervisor, by way of confirmation in writing from their employer, that the following conditions can be met:

the complete freedom of the candidate from all duties other than research for the degree, including attendance at the candidate's normal place of employment;
the vesting in the University of power to regulate all aspects of the candidature and to do so at the University's discretion.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

For information on the current application process, requirements and links to Faculty pages please click here.

Applicants for PhD candidature should contact their prospective Faculty or Graduate School and/or academic school or department prior to submitting a formal application. Each Faculty or Graduate School may have additional or differing entry requirements.

An applicant must meet the entry requirements outlined on pages 8-11 and the application must be approved by the supervisor(s), head of department, dean of faculty and the Chair of the RHD Committee. The official letter of offer will contain advice on enrolment procedures (Refer to Enrolment).

Joint department applicants

Cross-disciplinary research applicants may apply for joint enrolment in more than one department. Applicants should indicate this by listing each department/school on their application.

Applications for a jointly-awarded PhD program

Applicants wishing to be admitted under a jointly-awarded PhD program must also complete the Agreement for a Jointly-Awarded PhD Degree form.

The form requires information on collaboration, supervision, residency at each institution, proposed form of examination, arrangements for fees, details of scholarship/stipend and travel support for the candidate and, funding arrangements for travel for supervisors/examiners. Before a jointly-awarded PhD program can be approved, an applicant must be approved as an eligible candidate for the PhD degree.

Transfer from masters by research candidature

Candidates who have completed six months or more of research for a masters (by research) degree at this University and who are qualified for admission to the PhD program may be admitted to confirmed PhD candidature. An unfinished masters degree or other doctorate normally cannot contribute to meeting the eligibility requirements for admission into the PhD. Candidates are required to undertake the same confirmation process as probationary PhD candidates. (Refer Probationary status and confirmation of candidature). Candidates are encouraged to apply within six to 12 months of masters candidature and must lodge an Application for Conversion from Other Research Higher Degree Candidature to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This can be done with your proposed faculty or graduate school. Faculty Contacts

The PhD candidature will normally be regarded as a continuation of the same program of study, and the PhD commencement date will be backdated to the commencement date of the masters degree.

International masters candidates should check that their visa and sponsored funding arrangements do not impose any restrictions on undertaking a PhD.

Transfer of PhD candidature from another institution

PhD candidates at other institutions who wish to transfer their candidature to the University of Melbourne must satisfy all the requirements of this University's PhD regulations. Candidates apply by completing the current application form. For information on the application process and requirements and links to Faculty pages please click here

Departments may make a case on an individual basis for the probationary period to be reduced, or recommend admittance into confirmed candidature, on the basis of work completed at another institution. Normally, the residency requirement of one year full-time would still be imposed.

Under the provisions of the Research Training Scheme (RTS) Commonwealth-funded higher degree research candidates transferring their candidature are required to have the time they were enrolled at their previous university included in the maximum time available, up to a maximum period of four years full-time or eight years part-time equivalent study for a PhD.

The University of Melbourne allows a maximum term of PhD candidature of three years (for full-time candidates). If necessary, candidates may apply for a maximum of two extensions of six months. Part-time candidates have a maximum term of candidature of six years, and may apply for a maximum of two twelve-month (part-time) extensions. Further extensions beyond four years will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. The University may elect to impose fees on candidates who have exhausted their entitlement.

Police checks

Organisations which host clinical placements or field experience may require candidates to have obtained a police record check regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. Applicants and enrolled candidates are advised that they may be required to obtain and pay for a police check prior to undertaking clinical placements or research in their course. A fee is normally charged. Applicants and candidates who anticipate they may need to obtain a police record check for their research project should seek advice from their supervisor or from their school or faculty at the earliest possible time.

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research