PhD Programs

The vision of Melbourne Business School is to open minds and change lives. An important part of achieving this is the challenging and dynamic PhD program. The research generated by both the faculty and the doctoral students creates a flow of new ideas that contributes to the School’s environment of excellence. You must have a passion for knowledge and a drive to develop new ideas and paradigms to succeed in the PhD program.

As the largest business school in Australia, associated with the University of Melbourne and co-owned by Australian business, MBS provides a unique environment that fosters diversity, academic rigour and cutting edge research. We pride ourselves on the reputation and quality of our faculty and student body. Melbourne Business School is highly selective in its student intake. You will need ability, motivation and ingenuity to be accepted as a PhD candidate at Melbourne Business School.

The current PhD program focuses on the following concentrations:

Management
Organisational Behaviour, Negotiations, Strategic Management and International Management

Management science
Decision Science, Operations and Technology Management, Data Mining and Forecasting

Marketing
Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Strategy, Retailing, Public Sector Marketing, Services Marketing, Branding, Advertising, International Marketing Strategy​​​

Course Length:
3 yrs (Full-time)/6 yrs (Part-time)
Program Ranking:
Cost:
​NA
Class Size:
NA
Typical Class Profile:
NA
Prerequisites:
Honours degree H2A (75-79%)
Contact Hours:
Full-time study
Course Delivery:
​Full-time/Part-time
QUICK LINKS
Program Structure Associated Faculty Scholarships Visa for International Students Selection Criteria
Application Process and Deadlines Fees Living Costs
Financial Assistance Living in Melbourne Why Choose MBS?
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
 
Candidates are required to present a thesis of 80,000 – 100,000 words in length.
 
Although not compulsory, PhD candidates at MBS are encouraged to enrol in two subjects of coursework during their first year of candidature.

The two subjects: Research Decisions and Research Methods are offered by the Department of Management at the University of Melbourne. Candidates are also encouraged to audit subjects taught at MBS that are relevant to their dissertation topic. It is expected that candidates will attend and participate in the Research Seminar Series at MBS.

Candidates are required to present a research proposal to a selected committee within the first 12-18 months of candidature. Candidates are also required to present a research seminar at MBS prior to submission of the final thesis.
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ASSOCIATED FACULTY
 
Melbourne Business School attracts world-class faculty who bring their knowledge and expertise directly into our postgraduate business education programs, research activity and our key centres for excellence in executive education, and business and public policy.
 
Their worldwide networks keep them at the forefront of business education, management thought and practice and in executive learning and contemporary leadership development. Their consulting and boardroom and experience keeps them in touch with current business issues.

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT AT MELBOURNE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Australian scholarships
These scholarships are available to Australian citizens, permanent residents or currently enrolled international students wishing to undertake a higher research degree at The University of Melbourne.

Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) with a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place
An RTS place exempts students from liability under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) for their research higher degree studies. Time limits and other conditions apply to RTS places. Benefits provided by the APA include:

  • A living allowance of $22,500 per annum (2010 rate)
  • A Relocation Grant of $2,000 awarded to students who are moving from interstate in order to study at the University of Melbourne or $3,000 awarded to those who are moving from overseas
  • A Thesis Allowance of up to $420 (2010 rate) for masters by research and up to $840 (2010 rate) for PhD and other doctorate by research candidates, and
  • Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) with a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place
An RTS place exempts students from liability under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) for their research higher degree studies. Time limits and other conditions apply to RTS places. Benefits provided by the MRS include:
  • A living allowance of $22,500 per annum (2010 rate)
  • a Relocation Grant of $2,000 awarded to students who are moving from interstate in order to study at the University of Melbourne or $3,000 awarded to those who are moving from overseas
  • A Thesis Allowance of up to $420 (2010 rate) for masters by research and up to $840 (2010 rate) for PhD and other doctorate by research candidates, and
  • Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
Application closing date:
October 31 (annually) for Australian scholarships.
 
International students - International scholarships
 
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)
The Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) is funded by the Australian Government and awarded to international students wishing to undertake graduate research degree studies at the University.
 
Each year the University of Melbourne offers about 40 new IPRSs.
 
Benefits and conditions
  • IPRSs cover full tuition fees for each year of the course and the annual Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Students awarded an IPRS by the University of Melbourne normally receive a MIRS as well which provides a living allowance, thesis allowance and other benefits. Students transferring with an IPRS from other institutions are not guaranteed a MIRS
  • The IPRS cover full tuition fees for each year of the course and the annual Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Usually coupled with an MIRS, which provides a living allowance.
Melbourne International Research Scholarships (MIRS)
The Melbourne International Research Scholarships (MIRS) is awarded to international students wishing to undertake graduate research degree studies at the University of Melbourne. MIRSs are funded by the University with each faculty having a limited number to award.
 
Each year the University offers about 220 new Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRSs), of which about 100 are normally awarded to international students as MIRSs.
 
Benefits and conditions
  • A living allowance of $22,500 per annum (2010 rate)
  • A Relocation Grant of $2,000 awarded to students who are moving from interstate in order to study at the University of Melbourne or $3,000 awarded to those who are moving from overseas
  • A Thesis Allowance of up to $420 (2010 rate) for masters by research and up to $840 (2010 rate) for PhD and other doctorate by research candidates, and 
  • Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarship (MIFRS)
These scholarships are normally only available to international students commencing a research higher degree course. They cover full tuition costs, but not overseas student health.

Further information relating to scholarships can be found here.
Application closing date:
September 15 (annually) for international scholarships.
Visa for International Students

To study at Melbourne Business School, international students are required to obtain a student visa from an Australian embassy or consulate. The specific requirements associated with getting a student visa are determined by the ‘country/sector assessment level’ of the country of your citizenship, however, all applications will require, among other things, a letter of offer from Melbourne Business School and documents showing your financial support while at Melbourne Business School.
 
To receive a letter of offer from Melbourne Business School, candidates must complete and submit a successful application. It is recommended that you allow yourself ample time to obtain the appropriate visa from an Australian embassy or consulate. The process of issuing visas can be as long as 6 months in some instances. We therefore recommend international students apply to the program as early as possible.

For all visa and migration related questions please contact your local embassy or visit http://www.immi.gov.au/.
 
Successful applicants will be provided with further information regarding the student visa at the time of offer.
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SELECTION CRITEREA
 
Academic Requirements
Applicants will be assessed using the criteria described in the table. The measures include an assessment of a candidate’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.
English language requirements

As success is determined in large part by your ability to communicate your findings to your peers, mentors, and the business world at large, you must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. The University’s English language requirements for both locally qualified and international candidates can be found at here.
 
Criteria Minimum standard
1. Minimum qualifications Applicants are normally required to have completed at least a four-year honours degree at H2A (75-79%) standard from an Australian university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered by the Research and Higher Degree Committee to be equivalent.
2. 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.
3. Relevance of the degree  The completed degree must be in an area that is relevant to the intended PhD. It must include sufficient specialisation, so that the applicant has already developed an understanding and appreciation of a body of knowledge relevant to the intended PhD.
4. 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 4th year or at Masters level.
5. Currency of applicant’s knowledge The applicant must demonstrate that their knowledge is of the discipline current in the discipline they plan to research, either through their degree/s and/or professional experience.
6. Assessment of level of commitment Based on interview or other communication, an assessment should be made of the level of understanding, motivation and time commitment of the student for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time student would be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week and a part-time student about half of this.
 
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
 
An applicant who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident may satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways:
 
  • Satisfactorily completing secondary studies in a country where English is the official language and gaining a pass in final year English (applicants from countries with more than one official language may be required to meet TOEFL or IELTS requirements).
  • Satisfactorily completing the final two years of secondary studies in an approved Secondary School with English as the medium of instruction and gaining a pass in English in their final year.
  • In an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment for the entire institution, satisfactorily completing either: at least the first year of a tertiary course within the last two years; OR at least a two year tertiary degree within the last five years.

Please provide formal advice from the institution to support your claim that you have satisfied this requirement.
 
  • Obtain a grade in the General Paper, General Studies, English Language, English Literature, English Language and Literature at the General Certificate of Education AO/AS level which is deemed by the Academic Board to be at least the equivalent of applicants for the course who have completed the VCE.
  • Obtain a pass of VG (grade 4) in English in the Norwegian Vitnemal or the Swedish Avgangsbetyg.
  • Satisfactorily completing additional English Language Studies, which in the opinion of the Selection Committee, is the equivalent of the other tests specified above.
  • Meeting the University's TOEFL or IELTS requirements in a test taken no more than 24 months prior to application. Your original TOEFL or IELTS test report form must be included with your application.
  • Certified copies and TOEFL examiner's score records are not accepted. For acceptance into the PhD program the following scores must be obtained. An IELTS score, with a minimum requirement of 7.0 (with no single band less than 6.0) or a TOEFL score (derived from either an internet, computer or paper based test - see specific requirements below) TOEFL score - Internet based test (102 + written score of 24 and no band less than 21) TOEFL score - Computer based test (253 +5.0 essay rating) TOEFL score - Paper based test (610 + TWE 5.0) In addition to ensuring that non-native English speakers can cope with the language demands of the MBA, an IELTS score is now a mandatory requirement for many candidates seeking to study in Australia on a Student Visa. The School is unable to waive this language requirement in any circumstances.
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APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINES
 
If you are interested in undertaking a PhD or Master of Management (Research) at Melbourne Business School you must follow these steps:
  1. Ensure that you meet the PhD or Master of Management (Research) admission requirements, both academic and English language.
  2. As the PhD is administered by The University of Melbourne and is undertaken through a School or Department of the University, all applicants should read carefully the information from the School of Graduate Studies for University requirements. All international applicants should also refer to the International Centre of the University for further information relating to fees, language requirement, entry, visas etc.
  3. Investigate the research interests of faculty at MBS. Profiles of faculty can be found in the Faculty & Research section of the website and clicking on individual staff members’ names.
  4. If there is a particular faculty member you would like to work with, please contact them by email. Outline your area of research interest and attach a detailed academic CV.
  5. Based on the advice of the faculty member, write a brief proposal (approx. 1000 words), which is clear and specific about your proposed area of investigation, and specify the faculty member you wish to work with.
  6. Send your proposal, academic CV, copy of academic transcripts and covering letter via e-mail to the PhD Program Director at phdprogram@mbs.edu.
  7. Once we have received your proposal, CV and academic transcripts, it will be reviewed by the PhD Program Director. You will be advised via e-mail as to whether an official application should be lodged. Being advised to lodge an application does not guarantee the offer of a place in the PhD program. It is an acknowledgment that, should you lodge an application, it will be given careful consideration by the PhD Committee. Acceptance into the PhD program will be largely dependent on: - supervisors having the expertise to cover the proposed area of research - supervisor availability within the area of research interest - available physical resources - appropriateness of the applicant’s academic background

Formal application
On being advised to lodge a formal application, local PhD applicants should complete the hardcopy application form available here.

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FEES 

Candidates must be enrolled students of the University throughout the period of candidature and must pay the Amenities and Services fees at the beginning of each year.
 
From September 2000, the Research Training Scheme (RTS) was introduced by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The RTS replaces the Research Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) Exemptions Scheme. It provides Commonwealth-funded HDR students with an ‘entitlement’ to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years’ full-time or eight years part-time equivalent study for a PhD. Under the provisions of the Research Training Scheme (RTS) candidates transferring their candidature are required to have the time they were enrolled at their previous university included in the maximum time available.
 
The University may elect to impose fees on students who have exhausted their entitlement.
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LIVING COSTS
 
Depending on your lifestyle and choice of accommodation, the cost of living in Melbourne varies. However, we estimate you will need approximately AUD$16-26,000 per year (tuition fees excluded) to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, textbooks and entertainment.
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Financial Assistance

FEE-HELP is an Australian government loan scheme designed to assist Australian citizens undertaking tertiary degrees, including all MBS coursework programs. If eligible, you are able to borrow the total program fee, and repayments are deducted from your taxable income. Voluntary lump sum repayments are also permitted, and may make you eligible for a 10 per cent bonus off the repayments. Before deciding on a financing method, students are advised to consult an independent financial advisor.
 
Further information on FEE-HELP is available on the government website.
 
Please note: FEE-HELP is only available to Australian citizens. Permanent residents of Australia are not eligible to participate in this scheme.
 
Company Sponsorship
A significant number of our part-time students are company sponsored. MBS is happy to provide you with a business case to share with your employer about the benefits of part-time study to facilitate the company sponsorship process.
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There is no information session available for this course at this stage.
Living in Melbourne

Melbourne was ranked the number one most liveable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2011. It has also been ranked in the top ten Global University Cities and in the top 20 Global Innovation Cities.
 
It is the second largest city in Australia with a population of 4 million and is nestled on Australia’s largest bay - Port Phillip Bay. The city enjoys a climate that allows you to spend summers on the beach and winters in the near by ski fields.
 
Melbourne is often referred to as “Australia’s Cultural Capital.” It is the birthplace of the world's first feature film, Australian Television, the Australian Impressionist art movement and its’ live music scene has created many great acts including AC/DC and Kylie Minogue.
 
Melbourne is also Australia’s sporting capital. It hosted the 1956 summer Olympics and each year still plays host to some of the largest sporting events in the world, including the Australian Open Tennis Championship, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the Boxing Day Test Match, and the Melbourne Cup.

A distinctive feature of Australia’s most European city is Melbourne’s trams. Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world and it’s the main mode of transport around the central business district.

Click here to read more.
Why Choose MBS?

Professor Zeger Degraeve
Dean, Melbourne Business School
 
All around the region and around the world we see business becoming faster, more uncertain and more global.
 
To keep graduates and employers ahead of the pack, we’ve made the most significant change to the MBA model in more than 50 years.
 
We’ve re-imagined the MBA to help you maximise significant long-term benefits and place you at the forefront of current trends.
 
Our MBA programs are delivered by international thought leaders, whose insights are published in the world’s top management and business journals. Our faculty consults to and works with leading Australian and global organisations: the same organisations that come to us to hire our graduates and develop their own executive talent.
 
During your time at Melbourne Business School you’ll acquire tools and frameworks to make better decisions, to navigate through ambiguity, and to manage yourself and other people.
 
You’ll match wits with a class of experienced professionals from around the world, people who’ll become your lifelong, global business network.
 
At the end of your program, you’ll gain a degree awarded by The University of Melbourne – one of Australia’s most prestigious universities.
 
You’ll have a suite of tools indispensable for anyone who aspires to lead people and make an impact on organisations.
 
Contact one of our friendly Admissions Consultants and you will take your first step towards transforming your future.
PHD Programs
Throughout the year
NA
No
No
- Honours degree H2A (75-79%)
- Degree relevance
- Research evidence
- Discipline knowledge via degree/s and/or experience
- Interview to determine commitment, understanding and motivation
No
No