PhD (Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences) – UniMelb

PhD / Doctorate Public Health Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences)

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

006670B

CRICOS provider code

00116K

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

4 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$283,064 total

Per year

A$70,766/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences) at the University of Melbourne is a rigorous research-based doctorate designed for individuals seeking to develop advanced knowledge and independent research skills in public health or related disciplines. Suitable for those aiming to make significant scholarly contributions, this four-year full-time PhD course centres on the design and execution of an original research project, culminating in a thesis that is examined by international standards.

The programme structure adheres to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requirements for doctoral study. Candidates work closely with academic supervisors, undertaking research methodology training, engaging in seminars, and participating in relevant coursework units to support their specialisation. The degree typically carries no traditional credit point structure but is considered equivalent to advanced full-time study with institutional expectations for annual progress milestones. Candidates may also have opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present at conferences, further preparing them for impact in both academic and applied settings.

This programme is well suited to aspiring researchers, future academic staff, health policy professionals, and clinicians seeking to deepen their expertise. Students will gain advanced research skills including critical analysis, project design, data interpretation, academic writing, and the capacity for independent, evidence-based problem-solving. The university’s strong industry and hospital partnerships offer potential for collaborative research, enhancing real-world relevance and networking within Australia’s health sciences sector.

Located in centrally-connected Melbourne, candidates benefit from proximity to major medical research institutes and public health agencies. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, typically at a higher level (IELTS Academic 7.0 or above) due to the discipline’s requirements. During their studies, international students have the right to work up to 48 hours per fortnight and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) upon completion, offering valuable post-study work experience in Australia. Applicants should confirm the latest admission requirements and programme specifics via the official university page.

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

Academic research positions in universities and research institutes
Public health policy roles in government or non-government organisations
Health programme management and evaluation
Leadership roles in hospital or healthcare administration
Research and advisory positions in international health agencies
Health data analysis and epidemiology positions
Consultancy in public health and health systems

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences) at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 4 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$283,064 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic research positions in universities and research institutesPublic health policy roles in government or non-government organisationsHealth programme management and evaluationLeadership roles in hospital or healthcare administrationResearch and advisory positions in interna...

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