Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
KPT/JPT (N/0700/8/0001) 08/31 - MQA/SWA17709
Be part of a proud tradition of research excellence.
This PhD program consists of an extensive, independent research project in your discipline of choice, supported by a minimum of two academic supervisors throughout your candidature. Your study will result in a research thesis, which makes a valuable contribution to the current body of knowledge on your chosen topic.
As a graduate research student at Monash, you’ll explore your discipline on an advanced level and learn how to apply your new knowledge to real problems. You’ll have access to world-class research facilities and equipment, on top of great academic support, so that you too can devise innovative solutions to global challenges.
Duration
3-4 years (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time)
Type
Research
Intake
15 January, 1 May, 15 July, and 15 October (subject to availability of supervision). Flexibility may apply for students whose enrolment is supported by external funding.
Fees
In 2026, the annual tuition fees for this course are:
- RM48,480 for Malaysian students
- RM54,720 for international students.
General fees:
- Application (once only) - RM100
- Registration (once only) - RM200
- General amenities (per semester) - RM100
- International student pass application - Click here.
You’ll be required to submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 80,000 words in one of the following research areas:
- Advanced materials
- Artificial intelligence
- Bioprocess engineering
- Biomechanics
- Bioinspired systems
- Critical infrastructure
- Energy
- Engineering in medical and healthcare
- Environmental engineering
- Food and pharmaceutical processing
- Future wireless access technologies
- Intelligent lighting
- Management of natural resources and phenomena
- Nanotechnology
- Nanoelectronics
- Optical communications and photonics
- Process modeling, simulation and optimisation
- Smart manufacturing and industry 4.0
- Sustainable drainage and flood management
- Sustainable transportation engineering
- Thermal management
- Waste management.
Monash's international reputation offers graduates career and research opportunities in Malaysia and around the world.
You'll have a highly respected qualification that positions you well for employment in multinational corporations, government and non-governmental organisations, and universities.
Quality education
Your degree will be recognised wherever you want to work or study in the world. Our School of Engineering is rated Tier 5 (Excellent) in D-Setara Engineering by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, and Monash University is ranked (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026):
- No. 37 in the world for Chemical Engineering
- No. 39 in the world for Civil and Structural Engineering
- No. 70 in the world for Mechanical Engineering
- No. 77 in the world for Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The finest facilities
Engineering is a hands-on discipline and it’s important to choose a university with the best facilities to support your studies. At Monash, you’ll have access to world-class engineering facilities supporting research in micro and nanodevices, intelligent lighting, robotics, fluid mechanics, and many more.
Benefit from expert supervision
You'll work with some of the world’s most inspiring and distinguished researchers in a stimulating, supportive and professional environment.
Research with impact
Monash researchers pursue innovative, multidisciplinary research addressing national and international priorities. From developing new ways to extract energy from waste by-products to designing next-generation systems and treatments to enhance the quality of life for patients, we're working on overcoming some of the key challenges facing society today.
Be supported
We offer a range of scholarships to help ensure money and circumstances aren’t barriers to you accessing a world-leading engineering education. Click here for details and a full list of scholarships.
Entry requirements
To enter Monash University, you must satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training, qualifications and ability to pursue the proposed course of study. In all cases, the qualifications described below are expected to be equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework levels and standards.
In considering applicants' qualifications from international institutions, the Graduate Research Committee (GRC) will consider a range of qualifications, publications, experience and demonstrated research capacity.
Standard entry
The minimum academic qualification requirements for admission into a PhD or doctoral course are:
- A bachelor’s degree of at least four years in a relevant discipline, which includes a research thesis or project, with a minimum overall average grade of an honours degree equivalent to the Second Class Honours Division A; or
- A master's degree in a relevant discipline which includes a research thesis or project equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study, with a minimum overall average grade of honours equivalent to the Second Class Honours Division A; or
- A qualification, or combination of qualifications and relevant professional experience, deemed equivalent by the GRC (or delegate).
Please refer to the Admission criteria for more details.
Application process
Related courses
- Postgraduate Certificate of Applied Engineering
- Master of Applied Engineering
- Master of Engineering Science (Research)
Get in touch
For more information about this degree, visit the School of Engineering or email mum.gro@monash.edu.