Graduate Research FAQs

• How do I apply?

  Apply online here: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/your-online-application

  To apply for any of our doctoral programs, please search for the course code DR-PHILBE and select Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics. You will be able to select your preferred doctoral discipline later in the application.

  Please also select the following categories when applying:

  • Liability category:
    • International applicants select ‘Graduate International Fee Place’
    • Domestic applicants select  ‘Research Training Scheme’
  • Attendance mode: select 'On Campus'
  • Study mode: select 'Standard'
• Can I apply for Advanced Standing?

  In some circumstances and for a limited number of subjects, you may apply for credit (also known as Advanced Standing) if you have qualifications that are equivalent to the Master of Commerce portion of the Doctoral program. You can apply for advanced standing online after submitting a course application. We are unable to pre-assess your eligibility for advanced standing.

• How long does it take to assess applications?

  All complete applications will receive an outcome within 8-12 weeks of the closing date.

• Are there any closing dates for applications?

  Yes. Late applications are only accepted at the discretion of the Department’s Selection Committee. Departments can also make early offers to high-calibre applicants at their discretion.

  Semester 1 entry only:	Closing Date
  Accounting	31 August
  Economics	31 August
  Semester 2 entry only:	Closing Date
  Decision, Risk and Financial Sciences	31 March
  Finance	1 February
  Management and Marketing	1 February

  Applications for the Doctoral programs in Actuarial Studies, Business Administration and Analytics can be made all year round.

• Can I apply as a part-time student?

  Only domestic students can apply to study part-time. This will also depend on your program and approval from the Selection Committee of the Department.

• Do I need to contact a supervisor before I lodge my application?

  Only if you are applying for a graduate research course in Actuarial Studies, Business Administration, and Analytics.

  In the 5-year Doctoral Programs, principal supervisors will be selected in consultation with the Program Directors at the end of year 2.

• What are the starting dates?

  Actuarial Studies, Business Administration, and Analytics: any time

  Accounting and Economics: Semester 1 only

  All other disciplines: Semester 2 only

• What scholarships am I eligible for?

  Generous scholarship packages are available to competitive applicants, including a living allowance (stipend), and a full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the program. For details regarding or scholarship program, please visit FBE Graduate Research Scholarships.

• If I have to relocate to Melbourne to take up my offer, can I claim any relocation costs?

  The FBE Doctoral program scholarship includes a relocation allowance of $3000 if relocating from outside Australia or $2000 if relocating from outside Victoria.

• When does my scholarship commence?

  Students in the Master of Commerce receive the FBE Doctoral Programs Scholarship. This includes a stipend paid on a quarterly basis.
  PhD candidates receive the Graduate Research Scholarship and are paid on a fortnightly basis.
  The scholarships are administered by Melbourne Scholarships. Payments can only be made after you have accepted your scholarship offer, enrolled in the course or subject for which the scholarship was awarded, and updated your address and bank details.

• What does the Selection Committee consider when assessing my research application?
  • performance on the GMAT or GRE unless the applicant has met one of the approved conditions for GMAT or GRE exemption;
  • prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional experience;
  • understanding of the research question to be explored;
  • performance at the interview;
  • motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
  • prior research and/or professional experience; and
  • referee reports.

  Applicants are expected to submit institutional grading scales to assist Selection Committees in determining their equivalent University of Melbourne grades.

  The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission into Graduate Research Courses Policy.

• What do "GMAT" and "GRE" mean?

  GMAT = Graduate Management Admission Test

  GRE = Graduate Record Examination

• Can I take the test more than once?

  You can sit the GMAT and GRE exams once every 31 calendar days and no more than 5 times in a 12-month period.

• For how long is my score valid?

  Your test scores on both the GMAT and GRE are valid for 5 years.

• Should I choose the GMAT or the GRE?

  GMAT/GRE test requirements
  Accounting	GMAT or GRE
  Actuarial Studies	GRE
  Economics	GRE
  Finance	GMAT or GRE
  Management	GMAT or GRE
  Marketing	GMAT or GRE

• GMAT/GRE Exemptions - Do I need to complete the GMAT/GRE?

  The GMAT/GRE is mandatory for graduate research programs admission. The following applicants are exempt from submitting a GMAT or GRE test:

  • have completed a tertiary degree in Australia or New Zealand within 18 months of applying

  OR You fit into the ‘humanitarian aid case’ category - i.e. you are an applicant who:

  • is in receipt of a sponsored scholarship from a humanitarian aid organisation (eg AusAid)
  • holds a permanent Humanitarian Visa for Australia
  • can demonstrate that humanitarian crisis impacts on your ability to sit the GMAT/GRE (e.g. residence in country where there has been a recent critical threat to their health, safety, security or well-being through armed conflict, epidemic, famine, or natural disaster).
• How much do the tests cost?

  GMAT fees.

  GRE fees.

• How to find and book a testing centre?

  The GMAT exam is delivered year-round and on demand in test centres around the world. Visit mba.com to find a testing centre near you, determine if that site has available seats and register to take a test. Please ensure you select the Melbourne Business School (code: 1ZK-80-47) to ensure your GMAT results are posted directly to us.

  The GRE is available at about 700 test centres in more than 160 countries. It is offered as a computer-based test year round at most locations and as a paper-based test up to three times a year in areas where computer-based testing is not available. Visit ets.org/gre/revised_general/register to find out which test format is offered in your location and to book a test. Please ensure you select the Melbourne Business School (code: 5992) to ensure your GRE results are posted directly to us.

• How is the test structured?

  Each test contains three sections:

  Quantitative - This section is multiple choice  designed to measure a student’s ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. There are two types of questions asked, data sufficiency and problem solving.

  Verbal - This multiple choice section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material, reason and evaluate arguments and correct written material to conform to standard written English. There are three types of questions asked: critical reasoning, reading comprehension and sentence correction.   

  Analytical Writing - This short essay writing section is designed as a direct measure of your ability to think critically and to communicate ideas.  This assessment consists of two separate writing tasks, Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument.

• How can I prepare?

  Understand how the test works - The academic level of these standardised tests is the equivalent to the 1st year of university study. The key to achieving a high score is to understand each section and the types of questions that are going to be asked.

  Timing – Each section has a set amount of time in which all questions must be answered. A common mistake is that students run out of time. Ensure that you know exactly how much time you have to answer each question. Both the GMAT/GRE take approximately 4 hours to complete.

  Adaptive – Normally these test are completed on a computer and they are adaptive which means when a correct answer is given the next question will be harder and when a response is incorrect the next question will be easier.

  Practice – Both the GMAT and GRE provide excellent online practice tests and tutorials to assist with preparation. We strongly advise that students download these resources and complete a number of practice tests in order to familiarise themselves with the test and to help target their study.

• What do these tests measure?

  The GMAT and GRE are standardised tests that are used by leading business schools around the world to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. The GMAT and GRE help us to make an assessment of your academic potential specific to our programs. They also highlight areas where you may need to strengthen your skills and show us where we can provide you with assistance.

• What is the difference between the GMAT/GRE, and the IELTS?

  The GMAT and GRE assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in the specific areas of business and management. The IELTS test primarily measures the English language proficiency of the applicant.

• What is the language of delivery?

  The language of delivery is English.

• What is your institution code?

  All applicants must nominate MBS as a recipient of their GMAT score. You should choose the institutional code below that corresponds with your first program preference:

  Master of Accounting: 1ZK-LW-14

  Master of Commerce: 1ZK-LW-77

  Master of Finance: 1ZK-LW-44

  Master of International Business:1ZK-LW-84

  Master of Management: 1ZK-LW-95

  All Graduate Research Degrees: 1ZK-80-86

  The Institution code for the GRE is the same irrespective of your preferred program: 5992

• What score do I need?

  Our selection panels prefer GMAT scores of 680 or more or a GRE where the verbal and quantitative scores add to 324 or more (post August 2011 grading system).

  Applicants to the Doctoral Program in Finance must achieve a GMAT minimum score of 45 on the Quantitative section, 28 on the Verbal section and 4.5 on the Analytical Writing section. An applicant who has written the GRE exam must achieve a minimum score of 156 on the Quantitative section, 151 on the Verbal section and 4 on the Analytical Writing section, or equivalent scores under the scale used on the GRE exam prior to August 2011.

• Why do I have to undertake the GMAT/GRE?

  The GMAT/GRE is required for entry into MBS programs as other leading business schools use these tests to ensure quality of student cohort. Undertaking the GMAT/GRE informs not only MBS of your ability and aptitude to undertake our course requirements, but also assists you to understand your strengths and weaknesses, and helps identify areas in which you may benefit from our wide range of student support services. Studying for the test also refreshes your knowledge and skills in mathematics, logic and language and ensures you are well prepared for the daily rigor of MBS academic life. Research indicates that your performance on the test is strongly correlated with your performance in graduate studies.

Doctor of Philosophy (DR-PHILBE)

• What minimum qualifications should I have completed in order to apply?

  a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% (80% for Economics) in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent,

  OR

  
  a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent,

  OR

  
  a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent;

  
  For Economics, the masters must be a two-year degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study with a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent and a minimum weighted average mark of H1 (80-100%) across all second year subjects.

  For Management and Marketing, the masters must be a two-year degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study with a minimum weighted average of 80% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent across all first and second year subjects.

  For Business Administration, the masters must be a two-year degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study with a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, as determined by the Assistant Dean (Graduate Research) of the Faculty of Business and Economics.

  For Analytics, the existing University of Melbourne admission requirements for a direct-entry PhD will apply.

• What other requirements must I meet in order to apply?
  • submit a research proposal (except for applicants in the disciplines of Accounting, Economics, Finance, the Melbourne Institute);
  • a personal statement outlining why they wish to be considered for the course;
  • submit academic referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years);
  • submit the results of a GMAT or GRE completed within the last 5 years. The results of a Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) completed within the last 5 years. No minimum GMAT or GRE score is required. The average score of successful applicants is around 680-700 (GMAT) and 324 (GRE).

  AND

  • For Actuarial Studies, Business Administration, and Analytics only: have the endorsement of a prospective supervisor; in all other disciplines, the Department’s PhD Director serves as Interim Principle Supervisor until confirmation of candidature.

  The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission into Graduate Research Courses Policy.

  Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate course admission.

• For Doctor of Philosophy programs

  Minimum scores and tests accepted

  IELTS: Overall 7.0 with 7.0 in writing (no band less than 6.0)

  TOEFL (paper-based): 600 and 5.0 in Test of Written English (TWE)

  TOEFL (internet-based): 94, with writing 27, speaking 18, reading 13, listening 13

  TOEFL (computer-based): Minimum score of 250 and score of 5.0 in the essay rating

  Pearson Test of English (Academic): 65 and a written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50

  Applicants may be provisionally offered a place in the program on the condition they attain the required minimum English proficiency level before commencing the program.