Undertake a PhD degree, while being jointly supervised by leading academics here in Melbourne and at one of our overseas partner institutions.
Through a joint PhD you will:
We provide funded opportunities to conduct a joint PhD with our partner institutions by supporting cohorts of graduate researchers, known as International Research Training Groups (IRTGs). These IRTGs provide a supportive and collegiate environment for you to excel in your research training.
In addition to existing opportunities within our IRTGs, you could also explore joint PhD options in a different subject area with one of our international partner institutions listed below.
When you apply for a joint PhD you nominate either Melbourne or an overseas institution as your Home Institution. Your Home Institution is usually the one where you spend most of your time. This is normally predetermined by the project or joint PhD opportunity you are applying for.
Your project plan will include a research stay of at least 12 months at your Host Institution.
Your PhD will be jointly supervised by at least one supervisor from each partner institution.
The level of funding support (for example, to cover tuition fees or a stipend) will depend on the joint PhD activity, partner institution, and which of the partners is your Home Institution.
Details of your enrolment and candidature will be governed by an agreement between us and your partner institution. This Individual Graduate Researcher Agreement (IGRA) will outline your location periods (of at least 12 months) at each institution, thesis requirements, as well as supervision, funding, examination and graduation arrangements.
If we are your Home Institution you will:
A fee-remission scholarship will be awarded at your host institution for the duration of your PhD.
If the University of Melbourne is not your Home Institution, funding will usually be allocated by the partner institution through a competitive process. This scholarship or stipend would support your Home Institution’s tuition fees and living allowance for the duration of your degree, including the time when you are conducting research in Melbourne with us as your Host Institution. *
As your Host Institution, we will award you a fee-remission scholarship for the duration of your PhD.
*Note that in some arrangements scholarship funding is split between the partners and paid for by the institution at which you are located at any given time.
German PhD candidate Susi Seibt had always wanted to experience life in Australia. The international joint PhD program enabled her to fulfil both her personal and professional ambitions. After completing her PhD in chemistry, Dr Seibt secured her dream job at the Australian Synchrotron.
For further general information and advice see the FAQs below.
The University of Melbourne administers jointly awarded PhD degrees with partner institutions with whom we agree to support cohorts of graduate researchers: International Research Training Groups (IRTGs). If your proposed joint PhD arrangement fits within your University of Melbourne supervisor’s plans to develop an IRTG with a new partner university, then please direct them to the Joint PhD and IRTG Staff Hub page for more information.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer Joint PhDs in a part-time capacity at this time.
Upon completion of your Joint PhD, the degree is conferred through two testamurs, one from each participating institution. Both testamurs will state the joint nature of the degree and name the partner institution.
Usually your graduation ceremony takes place at the home institution, although you may wish to attend both graduation ceremonies.
As well as being accepted into a PhD program at each university you must fill-out the individual Graduate Researcher Agreement. This agreement varies depending on the partner institution and can be obtained via the coordinator of the Joint PhD activity. Once complete you should submit the form back to the coordinator.
The agreement must be completed, signed, and dated by all parties as soon as possible after you have been accepted at both institutions. It must be processed within the first year of candidature.
As a Joint PhD candidate you have up to a maximum 4 years of enrolled candidature to submit your thesis to Melbourne. Melbourne stipends are awarded for up to 3.5 years, and Melbourne fee-remissions are awarded for up to 4 years.
Whether Melbourne is your Home or Host Institution, information regarding student visas, accommodation, and other international student support is available for all incoming international candidates. The University also offers a free airport pickup service to interstate and international students who are commencing their first semester of study.
Student visas for time spent at your partner institution (where you are a non-national of the partner institution country) will depend on the location of the partner institution and its country’s national regulations. You should seek independent advice regarding necessary visas and accommodation specific to your partner institution.
If you are an International graduate researcher, you must arrange compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your time at Melbourne, as part of your visa requirements. If you receive a scholarship from Melbourne for your time spent in Melbourne, single cover OSHC will be provided.
Please consult with your proposed partner institution regarding health insurance requirements for your time at the partner institution.
Yes, mobility costs are included for you when successfully enrolled as part of a Joint PhD activity. However, you will be encouraged to apply for external funding to support these activities.
PhD completion and assessment policies differ between UoM and partner institutions. To receive your Joint PhD degree you must abide by the requirements of both institutions, as outlined in your individual agreement.
The program Coordinator along with the lead academics of the Joint PhD activity will make reasonable efforts to assist you in resolving the conflict, which may include finding an alternative supervisor, provided that you are in good standing and in accordance with University of Melbourne policies and procedures.