Preparing your PhD application

When preparing your PhD application, there are a number of considerations and supports available. We suggest giving yourself six months to read widely, gather your documents, explore potential supervisors, conceptualise your research and propose start date.

Academic transcripts

Your PhD application needs two certified copies of academic transcripts from degrees undertaken outside of The University of Melbourne. You can contact the institution for information on how to get these copies.

Find out more about the documents you need to provide

Shepherding

Shepherding connects prospective Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD scholars with senior Professors at the University, who can assist the prospective scholars during the application process.

Areas of support include

• assistance navigating admissions criteria
• how to articulate an applicant’s research experience and training, and
• advocating for applicants  through the selection process.

To find out more about Shepherding, contact the Poche team.

Conceptualising your research

When thinking about the idea or topic you’d like study, one of the first things you can do is read widely in the area.

Consider where there might be gaps in the knowledge or research and create draft research questions that you are interested in answering.

Reach out to potential supervisors to discuss the idea, asking them for comments, feedback and if they’re willing to be part of your project.

More resources

• How to decide on a PhD topic - UQ guide
• Conceptualising your research – EDU guide

Supervisors

Each PhD scholar needs at least one supervisor and often more. Supervisors are experts in the general fields of your research and will provide a range of advice, including strategic guidance on how and where your research will progress.

A professional relationship, supervisors work to ensure that you are provided with the best opportunities within your scope of work. While the role of supervisor is not the same as the role of a mentor, they will advocate for your academic career advancement.

The primary supervisor’s institution is where you will be enrolled for your PhD. For example, if the supervisor works at Uni Melb, you will be enrolled here. If they work at UQ, you will be enrolled at UQ. Secondary or non-primary supervisors can be located anywhere.

Tips on how to talk to a supervisor

1. It’s a good idea to be interested in the work of the people you approach, and to have an idea about how they could contribute your research project
2. Read up on their work so you can put your best foot forward in the professional interactions
3. Be prepared to talk about their work in relation to the work that you want to do

Where to find a supervisor

• There’s many places to look for experts in your field of interest
• Approach academics you’ve seen speak at conferences, symposiums, who’s books you’ve read
• Reach out to your network, get in touch with us
• Search for your research topic on expert finder websites, such as Find an Expert at Uni Melb
• Browse PhD scholar profiles to see who is supervising Indigenous scholars

Non-academic supports

You can include other people in your project, for example a Community Advisor who works in a similar area. They can be an important source of support as you navigate the research, and don’t have to be academic or part of your supervisor panel.

Talk to Poche to find out how we’ve seen this work and what it could look like for you.

Research proposal

Once you’ve got your supervisor, you’ll work with them to write a research proposal, which will form part of the PhD application.

Finances

Indigenous PhD Scholars are guaranteed a Research Training Program Stipend. This stipend is funded by the Australian Government. For 2025 the stipend rate is $52,300 p.a tax free for full time study. Part time study affects the rate. Other top up stipends, scholarships and in-kind support may also be available.

The Melbourne Poche Centre does not provide or administer scholarships, however we share opportunities through our networks as they come up.

Community engagement

Community engagement may form a significant part of your research, depending on your research question.

The Lowitja Institute has excellent material, including information on best practice, like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Participation in Research information sheet.

The Lowitja Institute is Australia's only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research organisation.

Join the Members Community

Indigenous PhD scholars can join the Members Community, which gives access to tools and resources, networking opportunities etc outside of the University environment. There is no charge to join the Members Community.

Scheduling/workload of a PhD

In theory a full time PhD takes up 40 hours per week for three years. A research workload may have times of increased activity, for example during data collection, and less activity, like preparing for an annual progress presentation.

Have a conversation with your supervisors around how you plan to balance your PhD with other responsibilities including work, family and community.

It can be a good idea to speak with other PhD students or graduates on how they managed the workload too. We can help connect you with someone to speak with, reach out to the Poche team.

Find out more on changing your study rate

Give yourself six months

Six months is inclusive of how long it takes for your application to be assessed and processed in the system. We may seek more information from you during this time, to strengthen your application even after it has been submitted. This is a great time to read widely, consider your research questions and draft a research proposal.

Have a yarn

The Melbourne Poche Centre team can support you as you navigate this process. Reach out to Tahlia or one of the team.