Doctor of Philosophy

Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents do not usually pay tuition fees for graduate research degrees, as the fees are covered by the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP). Where RTP fee offset support coverage is not provided, fees will vary depending on the program of study, and may be paid upfront or through a government loan scheme, subject to eligibility criteria.

Applicants need to have completed an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF8) or equivalent with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above) in the final year, OR an Australian Masters degree (AQF9) combining coursework and thesis with the same grade requirement, OR an Australian Masters research degree (AQF9) with the same grade requirement, OR an equivalent combination of academic and research achievements such as relevant industry experience or peer-reviewed publications in a similar discipline.

Within IHES you may study towards a qualification in business, human movement, medical and biological sciences, nursing and midwifery, psychology, science, social work, society and culture, and sport and recreation. Further opportunities also exist to complete your PhD in other disciplines in the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.

Yes, Victoria University offers multiple start dates throughout the year. For 2026, domestic applicants can start on dates including 16 February, 13 March, 27 April, 25 May, 27 July, 31 August, 28 September, and 26 October 2026, across campuses including Melbourne City, Werribee, Footscray Park, and St Albans. Early start dates are available for domestic students only.

PhD students have access to a $68 million high-technology sport and exercise science research facility including altitude hotel, biomechanics laboratories, exercise physiology and rehabilitation laboratories, and sport and exercise biochemistry laboratories. There is also a $51.6 million Western Centre for Health Research and Education building at Sunshine Hospital with clinical trials areas, as well as science labs at Werribee campus with cell culture, biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine facilities.