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Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed a Master's by research degree in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research standard of 70 or above.
An applicant with a Bachelor (Honours), Master's by coursework or ungraded Master's by research degree completed within the last ten years may be eligible for direct entry to the PhD where:
- their qualifying degree includes a research thesis of typically 15,000-20,000 words assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research standard of 70 or above; OR
- their qualifying degree includes a written research component comprising at least 3/8 of one year of their qualifying degree assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research standard of 70 or 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 Master's by research standard of 70 or above.
Schedule A – Master's by Research Thesis Grading Schema should be referenced in determining whether a Bachelor (Honours), Master's by coursework or ungraded Master's by research degree meets the La Trobe Master's by research standard.
Selection criteria
Schools may specify particular research requirements for entry to graduate research degrees; or may specify how applicants may otherwise demonstrate their equivalence to the academic entry requirements with the approval of the Board of Graduate Research. All discipline-specific requirements will be published in a Schedule to the Graduate Research Admissions Policy.
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 (home) 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.
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What you'll study
Work-Based Learning
A range of work based learning opportunities are available, including internships, mentoring, and industry-linked projects.
Internships. Candidates who have successfully confirmed their candidature and who are making satisfactory progress may apply to participate in an internship at least one month before they submit their thesis. Refer to the Graduate Research Candidature Policy and associated information.
Candidates will apply separately to participate in an internship through a process detailed on the Graduate Research School website.
For more information visit https://www.latrobe.edu.au/researchers/grs/industry-community
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
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Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
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Doctor of Philosophy course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution.
- Ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations.
- Knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques relevant to the field of research as well as identify and allow for any shortcomings associated with these techniques.
- A satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the scholarly community to which it is addressed.
Doctor of Philosophy career opportunities
The Doctor of Philosophy is an internationally recognised intensive research doctoral degree that will equip graduates for employment in a range of occupations and positions across academic, government, nongovernment, education and private industries.
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Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2026):
Indicative based on 2025 fees
Low cost fields of education: A$39 000 per EFTSL.
High cost fields of education: A$45 000 per EFTSL.
Scholarships:
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.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
CRICOS code: Low cost: 0100699; High cost: 0100698
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Other courses you may like
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Doctor of Clinical Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
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Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
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Doctor of Laws
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Doctor of Midwifery
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Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
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Doctor of Science
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Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
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Master of Applied Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
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Master of Arts
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
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Master of Business (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Education (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Engineering (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Laws (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Nursing (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Philosophy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Psychological Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
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Master of Science
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
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Master of Social Work (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Doctor of Philosophy |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | Low cost: 0100699; High cost: 0100698 |
| Start dates |
Anytime (2026) |
| Duration | 4 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2025 fees Low cost fields of education: A$39 000 per EFTSL.High cost fields of education: A$45 000 per EFTSL. |
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.
The thesis must be submitted in no more than four years (or part-time equivalent) of commencement in the degree. All PhD programs are administered by the La Trobe Graduate Research School.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 10 - PhD.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Doctor of Clinical Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Laws
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Letters
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Midwifery
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Nursing (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
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COURSE
Doctor of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Social Work (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
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Master of Applied Science (Research)
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Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City
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2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
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Master of Business (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
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Master of Education (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Engineering (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
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Master of Laws (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Nursing (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
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Master of Philosophy
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Psychological Science (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Science
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Master of Social Work (Research)
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton