PhD students

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute has a large and diverse postgraduate research program, with over 150 PhD students currently embedded within our research groups. Conducting your research at the Melbourne Children’s Campus – the partnership of MCRI, the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics and the Royal Children’s Hospital – has a number of advantages, including the collaborative nature of research and clinical practice and the ability to engage with different approaches to child health.

Additionally, PhD students at The Institute have access to modern labs and facilities in a world-class medical facility, regular seminars from leaders in a variety of child health fields and professional development opportunities.

The Institute is affiliated with the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics. The majority of our students are enrolled through the Department of Paediatrics; however, PhD and graduate research students may be enrolled through other Departments or Universities that their supervisor is affiliated with.

All PhD and other graduate research applicants and projects need to be approved by the Melbourne Children’s Graduate Research Committee (MCGRC), regardless of Department or University.

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How to Apply

Students interested in joining the Murdoch Children's Research Institute are encouraged to investigate research opportunities by speaking directly to potential supervisors from Research Groups. See our current projects and Research Themes for more information. 

Students will then need to apply for enrolment into a PhD program at a University, with approval for the research to be conducted at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Students need to ensure they are capable of securing competitive funding (living allowance scholarship) to support their PhD studies.

Applications for PhD positions can be made at any time during the year, but be aware that scholarship funding opportunities have closing dates.

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

Students are responsible for seeking scholarship funding support for their living allowance during their PhD candidature. Please be aware that scholarship applications are separate from your candidature enrolment, and application deadlines may apply. Some options for finding scholarships and understanding deadlines are listed below:

Contact us 

Postgraduate Research Coordinator
Associate Professor Shireen Lamande

Phone: +61 (3) 9345 7021

MCRI Student Programs Officer
Mr. Xavier Busuttil-Crellin      

Phone: +61 (3) 9936 6750

Graduate Programs Officer - The University of Melbourne
Ms. Carmen Van Tiggel
[email protected]
Phone: +61 (3) 9345 7021