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A large and diverse postgraduate research program with over 150 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.

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...

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.

PhD candidates at MCRI benefit from world-class facilities, advanced laboratories, and cutting-edge research equipment. 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 the Murdoch Children's Research Institute are encouraged to investigate research opportunities by speaking directly to potential supervisors from Research groups. For more information:

After MCGRC approval, students apply for a PhD at a university, conducting research at Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Securing funding, like a living allowance scholarship, is crucial. PhD applications are ongoing, but note scholarship funding opportunities have closing dates.

Projects on offer in 2025 (PDF)538.94 KB

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 

MCRI Postgraduate Research Coordinator
Associate Professor Shireen Lamande
Email: 
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MCRI Student Programs Officer
Xavier Busuttil-Crellin

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Graduate Programs Officer - The University of Melbourne
Carmen Van Tiggel
Email: [email protected]
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