Why research with us

We’re pushing the boundaries of knowledge

Attracting more research funding and making the most significant investment into research among universities across the country – that’s what makes us Australia’s leading comprehensive research-intensive university.

When you join the University of Melbourne as a graduate researcher, you join a stimulating, supportive environment, and a talented academic community. With research endeavours that cut across all disciplines, you will be challenged to make a difference in your field.

And our experts – ranked among the world’s best by number of citations, awards and grant successes – will help you design purposeful PhD or masters research that adds to the store of human knowledge, creates impact – or does both. Research that leads to a better, fairer, richer world.

When you leave, you'll enhance your career prospects with a degree from one of the highest ranked universities globally for graduate employability, that you can take anywhere in the world.

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Benefits of researching with us

  • More research funding
  • World's top researchers
  • Rich global networks
  • High graduate employability

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Message from our Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

"The University of Melbourne carries out research to enrich our understanding of the world. To grow the store of human knowledge. And to address major social, economic, health and environmental challenges. We instil this spirit of discovery in future generations of researchers. And we ensure that all our graduates have essential research skills.

The University is one of the largest and most productive research organisations in Australia. In 2018, we invested more than $A1.2 billion in research. We have thousands of research projects underway at any one time.

I am immensely proud of this University and its research workforce. Our researchers create, curate and critique the knowledge that helps society thrive. They are at the forefront of fields as diverse as Indigenous knowledge, human rights law, quantum computing, vaccine development, and fine arts and music. They work together to respond to the world’s biggest challenges. And to enlarge the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be human.

The research we conduct on behalf of society is enriched through collaborations with industry, government and the community. And by working together with other universities in Australia and around the world. Indeed, we benefit in many ways from our rich global networks and a thriving international student community.

I invite you to explore how the University of Melbourne is discovering, creating and sharing knowledge through research."

Professor James McCluskey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Headshot of Professor James McCluskey
Professor James McCluskey

What's on offer