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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Integrated PhD program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Integrated PhD program

Integrated PhD program

How long will the Integrated PhD program take to complete?

The Integrated PhD program will take up to 5.5 years to complete (Master of Commerce up to 2 years and PhD up to 3.5 years).

What are the fees?

Domestic Students:

The Australian government's Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset covers graduate research course fees if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident, for the specified duration of your course.

International Students:

Tuition fees ($38,900 per year, 2025 rate) for the duration of the degree and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of the international student visa will be covered by the Faculty.

What is the Integrated PhD program?

Our new Integrated PhD Program adopts the world’s best practice for research training in our disciplines. You will complete extensive advanced coursework, build your skills across different research methodologies and explore research developments and technical approaches relevant to your discipline.

This program offers a range of fully-funded five-year PhD programs across most of our major disciplines, and as a graduate, will equip you with sought-after skills for the competitive international academic job market.

Part 1: Master of Commerce (1 or 2 years)

The Master of Commerce (MCom) will provide advanced coursework and training in research methodologies in preparation for effective doctoral research. Upon successful completion of the MCom degree, you may be invited to apply to the PhD program, based on the discipline-specific selection criteria.

Part 2: PhD (Up to three and a half years)

When you transition from the MCom into the PhD, you will continue to work with academics in your discipline on your doctoral research question. You will refine your research approach and make a novel contribution to knowledge in your domain.

Find out more

Are scholarships available specifically for the Integrated PhD?

The Integrated PhD pathway at Monash Business School is only available to high-performing domestic and international students. Selected students may be offered fully-funded places (comprising tuition fees, a living allowance and Overseas Student Health Singles Cover paid as applicable). Selection into this program follows a strict assessment process, including an interview with a relevant academic panel.

What are the selection criteria for the Integrated PhD program?

The selection criteria depend on your previous study. For more information, please refer to our interactive tool.

Provided you meet the conditions in the Master of Commerce component of the Integrated PhD program, you will progress to the PhD component.

How do I apply for the Integrated PhD?

Please refer to the How to apply page.

How is the Integrated PhD program structured?

Please refer to our Integrated PhD Program page for more information.

I have completed a Master’s degree. Do I still need to complete the MCom first?

Your previous study will be assessed as a part of your application, and the Faculty will advise you on the best pathway for you.

For further details, please refer to the Entry pathways and program structure page.

Scholarships

Can I apply for a scholarship?

You will be automatically considered for a scholarship when you apply for the Integrated PhD Program.

The scholarship will cover the entire duration of your Master of Commerce + Doctor of Philosophy degree.

More information about scholarship is on the Scholarships, Fees, and Funding Opportunities page.

When does my scholarship commence?

Prior to enrolment in the Master of Commerce degree, you will be sent instructions to update your banking details. More information about the payment process and payment dates for the Master of Commerce Scholarship can be found on this webpage.

Once you have enrolled in the PhD degree, you will be asked to complete the scholarship banking details form for you to start receiving your scholarship payments.

Am I able to defer my scholarship and/or admission offer?

In exceptional circumstances (such as visa delays) you may be able to defer your enrolment. However, given the coursework component and structure of the Integrated PhD program, you would need to commence your studies in the following semester (or following year if Banking & Finance). This would need to be approved by the Graduate Research Program Director and Master of Commerce Coordinator, and is subject to coursework prerequisite requirements.

Alternatively, you could submit a new application to be assessed for the next Integrated PhD intake.

Admissions

If I do not meet the entry requirements, are there any pathway programs?

There are many paths to a PhD. Our PhD readiness tool can help you explore the pathways to PhD study in the areas you are interested in. It also includes links to information on other graduate programs that we offer.

What is the entry requirement for the PhD program at Monash Business School?

Please refer to the Entry Requirements for the MCom degree.

You must maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of >83 in the Master of Commerce degree to guarantee your place in the PhD.

What are the English language requirements?

Sound English language skills are required for academic programs at Monash University. If your first language is not English (i.e. you originate from a country where English is not the official primary language), then the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements must be satisfied. Applications cannot be considered if you do not meet the English criteria. Please familiarise yourself with Monash University's English language proficiency requirements.

Further information on the English Language Test requirements

I’m enrolled in a PhD elsewhere. Can I transfer to Monash?

If you wish to apply for admission to Monash University, you must submit a new admission application. As part of your application, you will be required to provide Monash with your enrolment details from your current higher education provider.

Enrolment details include:

Commencement date
End date
Months of enrolment to transfer date
Any variations
Any milestones and coursework completed
Current Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), if you're an International Student

Conditional offers of admission subject to meeting the language requirement?

We do not issue scholarship offers conditional upon meeting English language proficiency requirements.

How long does it take to assess applications?

Applications for admission can take up to six weeks from the application due date to be processed.

Programs

Will I be required to complete any coursework units as part of my PhD?

The PhD program within Monash Business School consists of:

A research and thesis component
A coursework study program

You must maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of >83 in the Master of Commerce degree to guarantee your place in the PhD.

Do I get to choose the campus?

Your campus location depends on your Department. Your Department will allocate you to a desk space once you have enrolled into the program, and advise you on your campus location.

Can I enrol as a part-time student?

Domestic students

The academic unit and the delegate of the Graduate Research Committee need to be satisfied that prospective and current students have sufficient time available during the week to devote to their research, as well as complete any mandatory program requirements, and participate in relevant academic activities.

International students

International students on Australian student visas must enrol on a full-time basis unless there are compassionate or compelling circumstances.

When can I start my Integrated PhD?

Semester 1 commencement is in February

Semester 2 commencement is in July

Please note:

*Banking and Finance are only accepting applications for Semester 1 commencement.

I already have an MCom, do I need to complete another as part of the program?

Your previous qualifications will be assessed by the admissions committee. You may be eligible for credit for 1 year or both years of the MCom component.

Do I need to contact a supervisor prior to my application?

No. You do not need to contact any supervisors prior to your application submission.

Why am I being asked to apply for a Master of Commerce when I want to do a PhD?

The Master of Commerce is the first element of our Integrated PhD Program. You will progress to the PhD component as long as you maintain >83 WAM in your Master’s degree.

I meet the eligibility requirements, does that mean I am guaranteed a place?

While you may meet the eligibility requirements, the Integrated PhD Program has a highly competitive recruitment process. Your application will be thoroughly reviewed and you will be informed of the outcome.

Monash Business School