Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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.

• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Epidemiology and preventive medicine
• General practice
• Infectious diseases and immunity
• Medical education
• Medicine
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Nanomedicine
• Public health
• Paediatrics
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Surgery
• Toxicology

The course consists of a research and thesis component. You must submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 80,000 words. Your research training is further enhanced by professional development activities or coursework units designed to support you in your academic and professional development.

Quality education
Monash University is ranked #41 in the world for anatomy and physiology and #33 for medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).

Make a difference
From developing the first prototype of an oral vaccine against Avian Influenza to creating a mobile application to capture possible Aedes breeding sites, our researchers make groundbreaking contributions that impact our communities. If you want to play a role in improving our health and wellbeing, we can help make that happen.

A multidisciplinary health community
You’ll study alongside students from all areas of health. This prepares you to work collaboratively across professions in your future career.

Delivering impact
We are home to the Brain Research Institute at Monash Sunway, now collaborating with the International Brain Research Organization to provide a platform for neuroscientists in the region through seminars and training programs, and the South East Asia Community Observatory that's leading studies in dengue, stroke recovery, social care and support for the elderly, infant feeding practices, and more.

Be supported
We're committed to supporting young scholars who want to change the world for the better. Click here to view our range of prestigious 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