Become part of something special

The University of Melbourne is recognised worldwide as a centre of research excellence. Our researchers regularly publish in major international journals such as Nature and Science, and our research is widely reported in Australian and international media, including the ABC, the BBC and the New York Times. Read about our research for yourself on Pursuit.

See the world

As a PhD student you can apply for funding to attend an overseas conference to present your work and meet the world-leading researchers in your chosen field.

Depending on your area of research, you may also travel for fieldwork, visit collaborating labs interstate or overseas, or attend other research events or symposiums.

Let the world come to you

You'll participate in a range of activities that give you opportunities to meet scientists from the University and around the world.

Regular seminars introduce the latest thinking in specialised areas of science, and each year the University hosts eminent international researchers through our visiting fellows programs.

Career connections

Events that connect students with industry and other employers are held throughout the year. You’ll have the opportunity to network with and learn from professionals in your field. In addition, you can participate in one of our multidisciplinary programs to enhance your learning experience - connect with graduate researchers from other disciplines, engage with relevant external organisation and broaden your networks to improve your career prospects.

After you submit your thesis, you can choose to complete a significant industry placement in an area relevant to your potential career destination, through the Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists. This will give you the chance to build a valuable professional network, further develop your employability skills, and gain a greater understanding of career planning and employer expectations.

Skill development

Access extracurricular services and programs that will help you to develop the skills you need to succeed – for example the Three Minute Thesis competition and Thesis Boot Camp. You’ll also have access to a wide range of workshops on topics such as managing your data and science communication.

Volunteering

While you’re studying with us, why not get involved with volunteering to extend your learning opportunities, connect with communities, and enhance your employability. One opportunity for volunteering is through the Science Student Ambassadors program.

Student experiences

Stephanie Bernard - PhD (Physics)

Stephanie was given rare access to the Spitzer Space Telescope to explore the origins of the universe
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Dr Catherine Weller - PhD (Earth Science)

“I have caught the fieldwork bug, so I would like to explore many more field areas as a postdoctoral researcher. I also enjoy the teaching opportunities I have had within my department and would like to develop these further and one day lead my own students into the field. A career in Earth Sciences has the potential to be incredibly diverse, and I am excited and motivated for the future.”

Dr Michela Mariani - PhD (Geography)

"I am inspired by the notion that the past holds the key to understanding the future. By studying the past we can disentangle the events that have led to changes in the natural environment and we can then predict scenarios in a climate-changing future. My research focuses on the reconstruction of past fire activities and related environmental changes across the Southern Hemisphere, especially western Tasmania."
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Dr Patrina Dumaru - PhD (Geography)

"I was fortunate during my studies to be able to engage in interesting discussions with students, lecturers and tutors from a variety of cultures and nationalities in a fun and well-resourced learning environment in a great city. I particularly loved riding my bike to Uni in the mornings and hanging around pubs and cafes around Carlton, Brunswick and Fitzroy. Melbourne is like a second home for me and I feel like I’m part of a community in Melbourne and that’s very important when you come from a place like Fiji."
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