PhD (Medicine) / MBA at Flinders University, Adelaide

PhD / Doctorate Medicine (MD) Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) / Master of Business Administration Future Business

at Flinders University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

113548B

CRICOS provider code

00114A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$236,500 total

Per year

A$47,300/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) / Master of Business Administration Future Business at Flinders University is a unique dual-degree program designed for future leaders at the intersection of science and management. This five-year doctorate enables students to undertake high-level original research in medicine while acquiring advanced business and leadership skills essential for shaping healthcare organisations and medical enterprises.

Structured according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), this doctoral program involves the completion of a significant and supervised research thesis within the field of medicine, contributing novel insights to the discipline. In parallel, students engage with MBA coursework, typically delivered across units of study, with credit points that reflect the workload for each. The Master of Business Administration component covers strategic management, innovation, and entrepreneurial business practices that directly complement medical expertise.

Throughout the program, candidates develop rigorous research techniques, data analysis expertise, problem-solving skills, and a sophisticated understanding of how modern healthcare systems operate, in both clinical and commercial contexts. The curriculum typically also includes opportunities for work-integrated learning, placement, or applied business projects relevant to the healthcare sector.

This doctoral qualification with an embedded MBA is ideally suited for medical professionals, researchers, managers, and aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs aiming for senior roles in academia, industry, policy, or multinational organisations. Entry requirements include demonstrating English proficiency at a high level, and prospective international students are encouraged to review the detailed admission criteria on the university's official website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Medical research leader or principal investigator in Australian biomedical institutes
Healthcare executive roles in hospitals, clinics, or healthtech enterprises
Pharmaceutical or biotech company management
Policy advisor or consultant with government or NGOs
Academic positions in Australian universities
Healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, or start-up founder

Graduates may benefit from strong industry links in Adelaide's thriving health and biomedical precinct, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and standard work rights during their studies. Candidates are advised to confirm details and any professional accreditation requirements with Flinders University.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) / Master of Business Administration Future Business at Flinders University?

It typically takes 5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$236,500 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Medical research leader or principal investigator in Australian biomedical institutesHealthcare executive roles in hospitals, clinics, or healthtech enterprisesPharmaceutical or biotech company managementPolicy advisor or consultant with government or NGOsAcademic positions in Au...

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