PhD Program

Monash University has a proud tradition of research excellence, and is committed to providing the highest quality of graduate research education. By undertaking your doctoral studies at Monash, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a stimulating, supportive, professional, and international research environment.

Being the first foreign university in Indonesia, doctoral scholars at Monash University, Indonesia will have the opportunity to explore and engage in program areas of high demand and a relevant sustainable future focus, specifically in business innovation, digital technology and data science, public health, public policy, and urban design. Our PhD program will be offered on the basis of the Monash Indonesia academic expertise, and will embody a transdisciplinary research focus, helping to deliver impact and solve real-world challenges, making a difference in Indonesia’s development, and benefit the wider region.

If you have any questions, please email MI-HDR@monash.edu

Admission Process and How to Apply View

Admission criteria
To enter Monash University, students must satisfy particular academic and English language.
To apply for the PhD program at Monash University, Indonesia, you must have completed:
- a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from Monash University, requiring at least four years of full-time study, which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours degree at H1 or H2A level, or
- a course leading to a master’s preliminary qualification at a level rated by the relevant department, school and committee as equivalent to an honours class 1 or 2A degree, and
- a master’s degree that entails work normally including a significant research component, including at least 25% of one full time equivalent year of work including a thesis. It is normally expected that a grade of honours 2A has been obtained for the research thesis or project. Where ungraded, examiners' reports will be taken into account; or
- have qualifications which in the opinion of the research committee are deemed equivalent.
Note:
For students graduating from Indonesian universities, where the GPA scale ranges from 1.0 to 4.0, an H2A classification typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria alone does not guarantee acceptance into the PhD program. Supervisor alignment is a crucial factor in the selection process.
Your research interests and expertise must align with an available supervisor. To assess this, the Monash Indonesia Research Office (MIRO) will review all required documents submitted as part of your application. The office will then liaise with relevant academics to determine whether a suitable match exists.
You will be notified via email if this alignment has been confirmed. Only candidates who meet both eligibility requirements and supervisor alignment will be invited to proceed to the next stage of the application process.
Step 1: Preparing Your PhD Application
It is recommended that prospective applicants begin planning at least five months in advance. This timeline applies to all applicants, including those seeking an unconditional letter of acceptance for LPDP, IIDSP, or other external scholarships.
To assist with the Pre-Eligibility Review, email the following documents to MI-HDR@monash.edu:
- Identified potential supervisor, research topic, and justification – Provide the name of your potential supervisor, your selected research topic, and a brief justification based on your experience and/or publications.
- Abstract of your PhD Preliminary Inquiry Form.
- Official academic transcripts – Copies of transcripts for all previous qualifications, including the grading scale and proof of completion (e.g., GPA 3.6/4.0).
- CV/Resume – Include relevant experience, publications, and research background.
- English language proficiency evidence – If applicable, submit proof of meeting the language requirements.
- Source of funding – Indicate whether you are self-funded or sponsored (e.g., LPDP, BPI, IIDSP, or other external scholarships)
Step 2: Supervisor Review Process
Once your complete documents have been submitted for Pre-Eligibility Review, the MIRO research office will:
- Assess your eligibility and confirm supervisor availability.
- Introduce your nominated supervisor (if available and suitable) for an initial email discussion, which may include an interview or meeting.
- Suggest an alternative supervisor, if necessary.
- Inform you if you are not eligible or not a good fit for the program.
Step 3: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
If the discussion with your supervisor is successful, you will be guided to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Your EOI includes your research abstract and all required application documents.
- This step requires collaboration with your agreed supervisor.
- If your EOI is successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within 6-8 weeks.
Step 4: Lodging a Formal Application
Once you receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can proceed to submit your formal application through the Research Management Office. It may take up to four weeks to receive a response.
Please note the Invitation to Apply does not guarantee an offer of admission, and will be subjected to any conditions stipulated in the invitation. If unsuccessful, applicants will receive feedback and alternative pathways.

Apply now Enrol in the program Submit application.

PhD Program overview
Why Monash?
PhD funding options

The Monash doctoral (PhD) program consists of an extensive, independent research project in your field of choice, supported by a minimum of two academic supervisors throughout your PhD candidature. Your study will result in a research thesis, which makes a valuable contribution to the current body of knowledge in your chosen field of study.

Duration: 3 – 4 years (full-time)

Student profile: Indonesian citizens, residents and international students

Location: Monash University, Indonesia BSD Campus

Intake: Throughout the year (subject to supervision availability)

Tuition Fees: IDR 120,000,000,- per year (subject to change)

Top 50 in the world

From day one, undertaking research at Monash sets you on the path to success. Monash University is now a top-50 university in the prestigious 2026 QS World University Rankings (WUR), achieving a rating as the 36th ranked university globally. Our research programs are highly regarded by industry and can take you anywhere in the world.

Not just a researcher

The Monash doctoral program experience supports our graduates to become specialists within their field, and leaders in their communities. We are committed to supporting our scholars through expert supervision, mentorship, and professional development activities or coursework units that are designed to support you in your academic and career development.

To enter Monash University, Indonesia you must satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements.

To apply for the Doctor of Philosophy, you must have completed at least one of the following:

a bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field
a course leading to a level rated by the University as equivalent to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field
a master’s degree that entails work, normally including a significant research component, including at least 25% of one full-time equivalent year of work, including a thesis. It is normally expected that a grade of honours 2A has been obtained for the research thesis or project. Where ungraded, examiner’s reports will be taken into account or
have qualifications which in the opinion of the Graduate Research Committee and Monash Graduate Research Office are deemed equivalent.

There is more than one entry pathway into the doctoral program at Monash Indonesia. If you have got the drive and desire to become a part of our community, we will do our best to get you here.

Applicants are to consider one of these four options:

Project-specific PhD scholarship (subject to MI supervisor)
External PhD scholarship
Monash Indonesia Inspire Doctoral Scholarship Program (IIDSP)

Read more about scholarships here.

Self-funded entry pathway

Visit our academics staff page to find potential research supervisors. When you find a project of interest, simply liaise directly with the suitable MI academic (potential supervisor) to discuss the project.

Project-specific PhD scholarship (subject to MI supervisor)
A number of PhD scholarships will be made available for specific research projects undertaken by MI academics. These scholarships are offered throughout the year, subject to the availability of project funding and Monash Indonesia supervision. Successful applicants will receive a scholarship that will cover tuition fees, living stipend and relevant project-specific research costs. Applicants are to directly liaise with the designated Monash Indonesia academic assigned to the specific research project, and prepare a research proposal, including details about project-specific scholarship funding details.
Find out more details about available projects here.
External PhD scholarship
Each year, a number of PhD scholarships are made available to research students by organizations outside of Monash Indonesia. Please check the details about eligibility, closing dates and application processes on each scholarship link. Note that applications for all external scholarships must be submitted to the administering organisation, not to Monash University. The scholarship funding must cover tuition fees and relevant research costs.
Applicants applying for the Monash doctoral program are to directly liaise with a suitable Monash Indonesia academic, and prepare a research proposal, including details about external scholarship funding details.
- Wellcome Trust - Doctoral Studentships – Grant Funding | Wellcome
- Chinese Scholarship Council - CSC Scholarships | China Scholarship Council | Chinese Government Scholarships (chinesescholarshipcouncil.com)
Please note:
- The links to third-party websites which are provided on this page are for information purposes only. Monash University does not approve or endorse the accuracy or suitability of such websites or their content.
- The links to third-party websites will let users leave this website. These links are provided for convenience only and may not be current. Monash University is not responsible for the contents of the linked websites. Users access those websites, and rely on the material contained in the third party websites, at their own risk. Third-party websites should have their own Terms of Use, which we encourage users to read.
Monash Indonesia Inspire Doctoral Scholarship Program (IIDSP)

The Monash Indonesia Inspire Doctoral Scholarship Program is highly competitive, and offered to applicants with an excellent research and/or academic track record. These scholarships offer a living stipend, tuition fees and contribution towards relevant research costs. These scholarships are offered twice a year, July and January. These scholarships are only open to Indonesian citizens or permanent residents. Potential scholarship topics and discipline areas, and application methods will be advertised online two months before applications are due.

Scholarship overview

Scholarship duration: 3.5years

Scholarship rounds: July and January each year

Scholarship value:

Stipend:
Tuition fee waiver: AUD35,000
Project costs:

Application process:

Students are to submit an online application with relevant information and documentation

Selection criteria:

The significance and impact of the PhD (i.e., consider whether Indonesia focus or international focus), including aims/ objectives, literature review, research methodology, expected outcomes, list of outputs (apart from the PhD thesis)
How the PhD and outputs will contribute towards advancing MI’s research strategy and priorities
Demonstrate transdisciplinary research focus, and have identified two potential supervisors within Monash Indonesia
Evidence of research plan and budgets (including, details of PhD research timelines and completion plan within 3.5 years, and estimated of research costs)
Evidence of current research collaborations that can be supported in the doctoral program (e.g., datasets, capacity building programs etc.)

PhD Scholarships View

We are very pleased to offer a range of partially and fully funded scholarships for our PhD programs at Monash University, Indonesia.

As these scholarships are competitive, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and apply early.

A number of PhD scholarships will be made available for specific research projects undertaken by MI academics. These scholarships are offered throughout the year, subject to the availability of project funding and Monash Indonesia supervision. Successful applicants will receive a scholarship that will cover tuition fees, living stipend and relevant project-specific research costs. Applicants are to directly liaise with the designated Monash Indonesia academic assigned to the specific research project, and prepare a research proposal, including details about project-specific scholarship funding details.
Each year, a number of PhD scholarships are made available to research students by organizations outside of Monash Indonesia. Please check the details about eligibility, closing dates and application processes on each scholarship link. Note that applications for all external scholarships must be submitted to the administering organisation, not to Monash University. The scholarship funding must cover tuition fees and relevant research costs.
Applicants applying for the Monash doctoral program are to directly liaise with a suitable Monash Indonesia academic, and prepare a research proposal, including details about external scholarship funding details.
- Doctoral Studentships – Grant Funding | Wellcome
- LPDP
Please note:
- The links to third-party websites which are provided on this page are for information purposes only. Monash University does not approve or endorse the accuracy or suitability of such websites or their content.
- The links to third-party websites will let users leave this website. These links are provided for convenience only and may not be current. Monash University, Indonesia is not responsible for the contents of the linked websites. Users access those websites, and rely on the material contained in the third party websites, at their own risk. Third-party websites should have their own Terms of Use, which we encourage users to read.

Self-funded View

FAQs for PhD Program

To be eligible for our PhD program, applicants must meet specific academic, and English language requirements. Check your eligibility criteria under How to Apply section.
The application process involves several steps, including checking your eligibility, finding a suitable supervisor and project, preparing a project proposal, obtaining support from Monash University Indonesia supervisors, and then submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by a formal application. For a step-by-step guide, please read How to Apply section.
Our PhD program is 3.5 years for full-time students. It consists of an extensive independent research project under the guidance of at least two academic supervisors, culminating in a research thesis.
Generally, students will need to identify and apply for external funding, such as LPDP scholarships, or pay fees. Learn more.
However, we also offer the highly competitive Monash Indonesia Inspire Doctoral Scholarship Program (IIDSP). Details about eligibility criteria and application processes can be found on our IIDSP page.
Our PhD program is research intensive and very demanding and therefore usually requires full-time dedication from students to ensure successful completion. While we understand the importance of balancing commitments, we strongly advise against undertaking external employment while enrolled in the program to fully engage with the academic and research requirements.
Yes, we welcome international students to apply! Our program will be open for new admissions starting in January 2025.
If you are interested in collaborating with our faculty members, we encourage you to first explore their research interests on our academic page and initiate direct contact to discuss potential collaborations aligned with your expertise. Engaging in our events and discussions, which are regularly updated on our LinkedIn page, also provides opportunities to interact with academics and explore shared research interests. If you are interested in undertaking a PhD please take a look at our list of PhD academics and their projects.
Yes, students can apply through the LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan) scholarship. To explore the LPDP scholarship further, please visit our LPDP scholarship for PhD page or LPDP Scholarship website. Please note, Monash University, Indonesia is categorized as Domestic Target Universities.
The LPDP scholarship is open to all Indonesian citizens; note that applicants must meet the minimum education standards specified by LPDP. For detailed information, please refer to the LPDP website. Similar to other PhD application processes, applicants need to find an academic at Monash Indonesia who is willing to support their application. As with all other scholarships and PhD applications, we strongly advise applicants to research and familiarise themselves with the academic work of potential supervisors to ensure alignment with their research interests. The academic can then request the necessary supporting documents from the Monash Indonesia Research Office for the LPDP application.
Yes, students can visit during Monash University Open Days and meet a representative from the Monash University Research Office. To opt in to be invited to our Open Days, please fill out our PhD Enquiry Form.