PhD studies in mathematics and statistics

If you've completed an Honours or a Masters course with a significant research component, you're eligible to go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other graduate research program.

Graduate research degrees

PhD graduates dressed in graduation gowns

Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in mathematics and statistics. Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and careers in research and teaching in academia or move into industry where their technical and professional skills are highly valued.

Overview

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Master of Philosophy (Science)

Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

Overview

Getting started in graduate research

Once you know the Graduate Research degree you want to pursue, you need to find a researcher, group or project to work with while pursuing your degree. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:

Option 1: Meet our researchers

There is a wide range of research being performed across our School – explore our website to learn more about the supervisors you could join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore by research area All potential supervisors

Option 2: Find a graduate research project

As well as collecting our researchers' projects here, many of our researchers' projects are listed on the University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool – a central 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.

Projects in the School All research opportunities

What do I say to a prospective supervisor?

You need the written support of a supervisor before submitting an application to the University. Once you've found a prospective supervisor, contact them with the following documents and information:

  • Your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • All higher education transcripts
  • A brief summary of your intended area of research.

They will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an available project that fits with your  background and area of interest.

Scholarships

The University of Melbourne has one of the most generous scholarship programs in Australia. With over 1200 scholarships and prizes available for new and current students, it's more than likely there is one that you're eligible for either when you start your course or during your studies.

You will be automatically considered for a number of scholarships, but some awards will be assessed by application.

PhD scholarship opportunities All scholarships

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Helpful resources for graduate researchers

There are a range of resources for graduate researchers in our School:

Need advice or help getting started?

We welcome general inquiries from graduates interested in undertaking postgraduate study – email the Graduate Research Coordinator.