Official guides / Enrolment & course planning

Research - School of Engineering (Monash Malaysia)

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Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

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The School is committed to training the next generation of research leaders, and this is done via Graduate Research programs. There are two(2) Graduate Research programs offered:

Research Degrees	Course Code	Duration	Entry requirements
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)	3291	Full-time 4 Years 8 semesters Part-time 8 years 16 semesters	Master of Engineering by Research from a recognised tertiary institution Or A four year Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from a recognised tertiary institution	Minimum equivalent to H2A H1 or H2A equivalent
Students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree will have to undergo a confirmation exam within 10-12 months of candidature. Detailed handbook entry for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master of Engineering Science (Research)	3292	Full-time 2 Years 4 semesters Part-time 4 years 8 semesters	A four year Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from a recognised tertiary institution	Minimum equivalent to H2B
Students admitted to the Master of Engineering Science (Research) degree may be allowed to transfer to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree within 10-12 months of commencement via a transfer exam. Detailed handbook entry for Master of Engineering Science (Research)

Research Supervision

Research interests can be very diverse and hence, you are encouraged to talk to your potential supervisors about possible research topics and explore areas of interest. Although not essential, most students embarking on a research degree already have a preference for a particular area of research arising from personal interests. Supervision in the areas of Physics and Mathematics for Master of Science (Research) and Ph.D. is also available through the School of Engineering.

You may click to read more on your potential supervisors and their area of expertise.

General Graduate Research Enquiries email:

mum.soe-sit.research@monash.edu

What is GPA at Monash?

All campuses

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale from your grades rather than your marks: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.0, Credit 2.0, Pass 1.0, Near pass 0.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 0.3, Withdrawn fail 0.0. Some results, such as SFR and NE, are not counted. Your GPA is shown in WES and on your transcript. Malaysia also uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with different values: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.67, Credit 2.85, Pass 2.15, Near pass 1.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 1.15, Withdrawn fail 0.0. It is not on your academic record, so you request a CGPA letter.

How do I withdraw from a unit?

Australia: withdraw through WES while enrolment changes are open. Before the census date there is no fee and no record; after it, you keep the fee liability and the unit shows as a withdrawal. If you are on a student visa you have study load requirements to maintain: Monash's study load page says you can reduce your load only in compassionate or compelling circumstances, unless you are in your final year and will finish within the time on your CoE. Malaysia: after the census date a withdrawn unit shows as WD-LATE or WD-FAIL, and the date you withdraw can affect fee refunds and your academic record. The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is before the WD-LATE date ends; the dates are in Monash Malaysia's Principal Dates. With a Student Pass, going below 24 credit points a semester is an underload: it needs approval, it can never go below 18 credit points, and below 18 you have to apply for intermission.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

The rules are each country's, not Monash's, and they are different. Australia: work rights for student visa holders are set by the Australian Government, and the cap has changed several times in recent years. Monash's page links to the current Department of Home Affairs conditions - always confirm the number there before relying on it. Malaysia: with a Student Pass you may work only during semester breaks or public holidays of more than seven days, and for no more than 20 hours a week, at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets or hotels; the page lists jobs that are not allowed. Every job has to be approved by the Immigration Department: you apply through the International Student Pass office and must be there in person when the application is submitted.