Graduate research in the Faculty of Science
Work with leading research groups and use state-of-the art equipment and techniques to tackle the world’s grand challenges. Explore our graduate research options and how you can get started with us.
Why research with us?
As a graduate researcher in the Faculty of Science, you’ll:
- Learn from inspiring supervisors
- Be part of exciting research projects
- Gain access to cutting-edge facilities
- Build strong peer relationships
- Enjoy an experience like no other.
We’ll also support your journey with scholarships that recognise your talent and allow you to pursue your passion. Read on to find out more.
(Earning my PhD) gave me a lot more confidence. It gave me a sense of achievement. It took a lot of effort, but it was worth it. Dr Cathy McAuley, PhD – Agricultural Sciences Read Cathy's story
Graduate research scholarships
We don't offer a graduate research opportunity without making sure you'll have the financial support to take it.
All our scholarships include
- Over 140 scholarships to undertake PhD, MPhil or Masters by Research programs, valued at $34,400 per annum (full-time rate)
- Some of these scholarships will be joint projects with organisations like Agriculture Victoria Research and may be based within their excellent research facilities
- Fee waivers for approved international candidates and Research Training Program (RTP) fees offset for all domestic graduate researchers
- Over 20 Rowden White Scholarships, valued at $6,500, awarded to outstanding domestic and international candidates to top-up an awarded scholarship
- Science Abroad Travelling Scholarships, valued at up to $2,000, to current graduate researchers intending to undertake travel to attend conferences, field work, etc.
Getting started in graduate research
Step 1: Work out what you'd like to research
Science at Melbourne is one of the broadest faculties of science in the country, and there is sure to be a researcher, group or project that matches your passion. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:
Option 1: Explore our schools' research areas
There are a wide-range of projects and teams across our Faculty's seven schools – visit our school websites to explore our breadth and depth of research and to learn about the projects and supervisors you could join.
Option 2: Find a research project
The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join.
Explore research opportunities
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
To be eligible for a research higher degree, applicants must have a four-year honours degree, or equivalent, with a minimum overall average of 75%. Applicants who do not have a four-year honours degree must demonstrate they have conducted a research project equivalent to 25% of a year's full-time study at fourth-year, or masters, level.
Please also take a look at the specific entry requirements of our higher degrees.
Step 3: Get in touch with us to discuss your interest
Now that you know what you want to research, and with who, and you know you're eligible for a graduate research degree – it's time to get in contact. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.