About the Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is an internationally-recognised advanced research qualification.

Each PhD candidate undertakes a substantial piece of independent and sustained research on an original topic under academic supervision and leading to the submission of a thesis for examination. The research is expected to make a significantly new and innovative contribution to the discipline.

Candidates are supported by at least two accredited supervisors with a demonstrated track record in the proposed area of investigation as outlined in the Graduate Research Supervision Policy. Progress throughout the degree is tracked and managed in keeping with the University's Graduate Research Progress Policy. Candidature may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, subject to the restrictions of the student visa.

Entry requirements and pathways
International students

Academic entry requirement

Prerequisites

In order to apply for candidature, you must have completed:

(a) a Masters by research degree in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above; OR

(b) a Bachelor (Honours), Masters by coursework or ungraded Masters by research degree completed within the last ten years. These applicants may be eligible for direct entry to the PhD if:

• their qualifying degree includes a minor thesis or other substantial research component assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 above; OR
• they are the lead author of a peer-reviewed publication or other research published within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above.

The La Trobe Masters by Research Equivalence for a Minor Thesis Grade will be referenced in determining whether a Bachelor (Honours), Masters by coursework or ungraded Masters by research degree meets the La Trobe Masters by research standard. Schools may specify particular research requirements for entry, or specify how applicants may otherwise demonstrate equivalence.

Selection criteria

• If you do not meet the minimum requirement you may be eligible to apply initially for a Masters degree by research and apply for doctoral candidature when you have completed your degree.

  In addition to the requirements above, the department or school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.

  For Joint degrees, where La Trobe University is the host institution, an applicant may be considered for admission on the basis of confirmed candidature at the partner (host) institution.

Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

English language requirement

6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated course fees for international students

Estimated fees per year (2023):Low cost fields of education: A$36 200 per EFTSL (equivalent full-time study load).
High cost fields of education: A$42 000 per EFTSL (equivalent full-time study load).

Scholarships:Not available for this course

The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.

International scholarships

This course is not eligible for international scholarships.