Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Study (Study) (Monash Malaysia)

KPT/JPT (N/0900/8/0002) 08/31 - MQA/SWA17710

Be part of a proud tradition of research excellence.

Monash researchers are asking questions that impact on the health of the world. With strengths in several life-changing areas, including noncommunicable diseases, neuroscience, community research, infectious diseases and natural bioresources, we're finding answers with the help of great research platforms and facilities. Do you have a passion for positive change like us? We want you to join us.

Monash's PhD program has an international reputation for excellence and relevance, with quality supervision at the heart of our success. We have a history of providing medical, surgical and health sciences research training that is respected worldwide, and you'll be inspired to tackle society's biggest challenges in a vibrant and supportive environment.

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.

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At a glance

Areas of research and Course Structure

Why Monash?

How to apply

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 2027, the annual tuition fees for this course are:

• RM49,920 for Malaysian students
• RM57,600 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

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Admission

Please refer to the Entry Requirements listed above or visit this page for further information on admission criteria for graduate research degrees.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact the Monash University Malaysia Graduate Research Office (MUMGRO) at mum.gro@monash.edu

Scholarships

To explore our range of scholarships, please click here.

Step 2: Find Supervisors (minimum of one)

Graduate research degrees involve the independent investigation of a research problem formulated by students in consultation with their supervisors. Potential supervisors can be viewed using this link or research opportunities.

Step 3: Submit your application

Submit your application here. To check the application requirements, take a look at our application submission guide. When you submit your application, you can select your intended Monash University Malaysia scholarship. Discover available scholarship opportunities here. Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed and you will be notified via email of the outcome. Please allow 4-8 weeks for your application to be processed. If you are offered a place at Monash University Malaysia, your letter of offer will explain the enrolment process. For further information and clarifications, please contact the Monash University Malaysia Graduate Research Office at mum.gro@monash.edu.

"Monash gave me many opportunities to explore and develop new leadership and research skills. I received research training from world-class teachers, had access to sophisticated facilities and equipment, and was supported with travel and research activities. I traveled to various countries to present my work and worked in labs in Belgium, Thailand and Hong Kong."

Uday P Kundap Doctor of Philosophy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Center

Related courses

• Master of Biomedical Science
• Master of Biotechnology
• Master of Clinical Psychology
• Master of Professional Counselling

Get in touch

Visit the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, or contact the Monash University Malaysia Graduate Research Office at mum.gro@monash.edu