Students studying

A large and diverse postgraduate research program with over 250 PhD students embedded within our research groups

Embark on your research journey at the Melbourne Children’s Campus, a unique partnership between the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, and The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

This dynamic environment fosters collaboration across research and clinical practice, providing you with exceptional opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and innovative approaches in child health.

View 2026 PhD projects booklet (PDF)

Embark on your research journey at the Melbourne Children’s Campus, a unique partnership between the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, and The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

...

Embark on your research journey at the Melbourne Children’s Campus, a unique partnership between the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, and The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

This dynamic environment fosters collaboration across research and clinical practice, providing you with exceptional opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and innovative approaches in child health.

View 2026 PhD projects booklet (PDF)

Why choose us for your PhD?

PhD candidates at MCRI benefit from world-class facilities, advanced laboratories, and cutting-edge technolocy. Regular seminars led by leading experts in various child health fields and tailored professional development opportunities further enrich the experience.

While MCRI is primarily affiliated with the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, students may also be enrolled through other departments or universities associated with their supervisors.

All PhD and graduate research applications and projects are reviewed by the Melbourne Children’s Graduate Research Committee (MCGRC), ensuring rigorous oversight and quality assurance, regardless of the student’s department or university affiliation.

How to apply

Students interested in joining MCRI are encouraged to explore research opportunities by connecting directly with potential supervisors from our research groups.

Start by exploring our five specialist research areas:

You can also learn more about our current research projects to explore research that aligns with your interests.

Application process

  1. Contact a Supervisor: Reach out to a potential supervisor to discuss project ideas and availability.
  2. University Application: Apply for a PhD through an affiliated university, with your research conducted at MCRI.
  3. Project Review: After you’ve submitted your university application, your agreed-upon project must be reviewed and approved by the Melbourne Children’s Graduate Research Committee (MCGRC).
  4. Secure Funding: Securing a living allowance scholarship or other funding is essential. While PhD applications are accepted year-round, scholarship deadlines vary, so plan ahead.

Find out more about applying for a Graduate Research Degree at the University of Melbourne, and entry requirements for degrees at the University of Melbourne.

PhD funding support

PhD students at MCRI are responsible for securing scholarship funding to support their living expenses during their candidature.

Please note: Scholarship applications are separate from your PhD enrolment and often have strict deadlines. It’s essential to plan ahead and apply early.

Where to find scholarships

Explore the following resources to find funding opportunities and understand application timelines:

Contact us

MCRI Postgraduate Research Coordinator
Associate Professor Shireen Lamande
Email:
Phone: show phone number

MCRI Student Programs Manager
Dotti Tang
Email:

University of Melbourne Graduate Programs Officer
Carmen Van Tiggel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: show phone number