PhD Pathways

The Melbourne Poche PhD Familiarisation Program opens the door to graduate research.
Tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, students and early career researchers, this fully funded program provides a culturally safe, supportive environment led by Indigenous academics.

It can take up to six months to prepare for enrolment, have a look at this list of things to consider and actions to take as you prepare your application for graduate research.

You will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and it can take up to three months to be processed. We may reach out for more information during this time to support the process.

Your application includes consideration for a PhD scholarship called the Research Training Program (RTP) stipend, which is guaranteed for Indigenous scholars.
The RTP scholarship for Indigenous students in 2026 is $53,608 pa, adjusted annually. These are not administered by the Poche Centre and to be eligible for this you must provide a certificate of Aboriginality or sign a Statutory Declaration.

Pre-confirmation is a progress review meeting with your advisory committee (including your supervisors) usually held within three to six months (if studying full time) of commencing your candidature.

Confirmation is a major milestone in your candidature designed to evaluate your research project's progress, identify any problems and help set the direction for your successful completion.

The Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research is an interdisciplinary coursework program. Students develop a wide range of research skills in a culturally respectful learning environment underpinned by Indigenous perspectives.

Our Indigenous Graduate Research Program Coordinator Tahlia Eastman and Manager of Student Programs, Warwick Padgham provide culturally safe and responsive academic support on your PhD journey.

Progress reviews are scheduled at least once per year, usually around milestones during your candidature. It's a meeting where you and your advisory committee (including your supervisors) discuss your progress.

A completion seminar is a public presentation of your research findings, in the six months prior to submitting your thesis. We encourage you to share your completion seminar details with the Poche team and your cohort. Let Tahlia know when yours is coming up!

This action begins the selection process for examiners of your thesis. You provide a brief overview of your research question, methods and results (80 words) which will be sent to potential examiners. This is ideally done two months before submitting.

Congratulations! You're ready to submit your thesis! This is a huge achievement. Click this link to find out the steps involved. Once you submit, notifications are sent to your principal supervisor and Chair of Examiners to confirm that the thesis is ready for examination.

When your thesis has been conferred, you will be able to graduate (conferred means you have officially been awarded your degree, and can add the title Dr to your name). Find out what's involved in University-wide graduations.

The Peeneeyt Thanampool (Strong Women) Aunty Joan Vickery and Aunty Angela Clarke MDHS Indigenous Post-doctoral Fellowship aims to support the next generation of Indigenous researchers who will actively contribute to translational health research and/or address critical health issues facing Indigenous communities.

An interdisciplinary coursework program that aims to develop leadership skills and capacity in, or involving, Indigenous research. It builds on participants' prior experience and expertise in Indigenous research.

Designed for Indigenous health professionals with sound experience in the health sector, in community, clinical, policy, academic or government roles, with leadership responsibilities. Embark on three week-long intensives to explore and develop your leadership potential.