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.

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.

Studying with us offers you a unique opportunity to become part of a tight knit community of people, all utterly dedicated to improving the world around them. Our researchers are constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, and their work is at the forefront of life-saving drug discoveries and health policy developments. Now is the time to change the world. Come and join us.

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At a glance

Areas of study 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.

• Anticancer therapeutics
• Clinical pharmacy
• Complementary and alternative medicine Digital health
• Drug delivery
• Drug discovery and development
• Health economics
• Health policy
• Medicinal chemistry
• Microbiology
• Neuropharmacology and medical biochemistry
• Organics and biomolecular chemistry
• Pharmaceutical analysis/Pharmaceutical sciences
• Pharmacogenomics
• Pharmacoepidemiology and evidence synthesis
• Pharmacognosy
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy practice
• Public health

The course consists of a research and thesis component of no more than 80,000 words, and a professional development training program.

Ranked #2 in the world Monash University is ranked #2 in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).

Benefit from expert supervision Our cohort of research-active academic staff brings a wealth of insight and experience from industry and professional practice. You’ll receive consistently excellent teaching and guidance for the best learning outcomes.

A reputation for excellence Our researchers are leaders in their fields who regularly publish in international journals and present their work at major conferences around the world. Some serve on editorial boards of leading journals, and many are involved actively in engagement with the community, pharmaceutical industries and professional bodies.

Vibrant research environment By undertaking your graduate studies at Monash, you'll have the opportunity to be part of our stimulating, supportive and professional research environment. You'll also gain a genuine competitive advantage going into the workforce.

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 and their expertise can be viewed here. Explore the various research areas here and postgraduate research opportunities at this link.

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 uniquely provides professional development programs to its graduates, and I've been regularly participating in such programs to enhance my communication skills and leadership qualities. Besides on-campus programs, I've had the opportunity to present my research at the International Diabetes Federation Congress and network with leaders in my field of research."

Allah Bukhsh Doctor of Philosophy

Related courses

• Master of Pharmaceutical Science
• Master of Philosophy

Get in touch

Visit the School of Pharmacy or please get in touch with the Monash University Malaysia Graduate Research Office at mum.gro@monash.edu more information about this degree.