The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

PhD frequently asked questions

1. What projects are available?
2. What sort of marks do I need?
3. Will I need a scholarship?
4. When do applications close?
5. What are the selection criteria?
6. How many places are available?
7. If I'm accepted, what resources are available to me?
8. How many hours a week are involved?
9. Do I have to attend institute seminars?
10. Do I have to give seminars?
    
11. When would I start?
12. Is there a student association?
13. Where can I find more information?

1. What student research projects are available?     Back to top

Although the institute provides a list of potential student research projects online, we are also open to hearing from students who have an interesting question they want to pursue, provided the question fits with the institute’s existing research programs. Find out more about how to apply for PhD at the institute.

2. What sort of marks do I need?     Back to top

You need to have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a four-year honours degree at an Australian university with a minimum result of first-class honours (at the University of Melbourne first-class honours is 80 per cent and above).

3. Will I need a scholarship?     Back to top

Yes. In the first instance, local (Australian and New Zealand citizens) and international prospective students should make contact with potential supervisors or lodge a general expression of interest with academic administration at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)). Following positive evaluation (via referee reports etc) by the institute, students may be offered provisional acceptance, with final acceptance conditional on scholarship success. Find out more about PhD scholarships

4.When do applications close?    Back to top

Local and international students may submit their PhD applications at any time but please be aware of scholarship closing dates.

5. What are the selection criteria?     Back to top

A high academic standard, demonstrated potential for successful completion of postgraduate research, demonstrated interpersonal skills and strong referee support.

6. How many places are available?     Back to top

We do not have a set number of PhD places available each year. The number of PhD places is only restricted by applicants’ ability to secure a postgraduate research scholarship and their interest in the projects the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has available. Applicants should look at the PhD projects listed online and/or contact the laboratory head they are interested in working with to see if a PhD position is available.

7. If I’m accepted, what resources are available to me?     Back to top

Administrative
PhD students will be supplied with their own computer with the full range of relevant software. We also provide IT support, free access to scientific journals, free assistance in the design and printing of scientific posters, photocopying, printing, telephones, dial-in internet access, interlibrary loans and funding for conference travel (awarded on merit). Morning and afternoon tea is also provided daily.

Scientific
Laboratory space, equipment and consumables required for your PhD project. Experienced FACS (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting) staff and services, pre-prepared media for experimental use, washed and autoclaved equipment, mouse facility with qualified animal technicians, histology services, monoclonal antibody production and imaging facility.

8. How many hours a week are involved?     Back to top

Scientific research is not a 9-5 job. Depending on the experiments you are running you may find yourself working evenings and weekends as well as during the day. Discuss with your prospective supervisor their expectations regarding time spent in the lab.

9. Do I have to attend institute seminars?     Back to top

Yes. Each week two institute-wide seminars are held. One as part of the Postgraduate Lecture Series (designed to give students an understanding of a topic they may not have been exposed to in their coursework, or within their projects) and the other as part of the Wednesday Seminar Series (where scientists, often from the institute, talk about current developments in their research). Attendance at both seminars is compulsory. Each research division holds a weekly seminar – attendance at your divisional seminar is also compulsory.

10. Do I have to give seminars?     Back to top

Yes. PhD students are expected to give six-monthly seminars on their work plus a final institute seminar on completion of their PhD. Seminar presentation training is provided.

11. When would I start?     Back to top

January/February although PhDs can be started at any time, depending on individual circumstances.

12. Is there a student association?     Back to top

Yes. WESA (Walter and Eliza Hall Student Association) is an association that includes PhD and Honours students. The WESA committee is elected by the students and provides advice on any questions or problems you might be facing. The association also arranges guest speakers, regular sporting activities, movie nights, pub nights and the annual student retreat. The retreat is fully funded by the institute.

13. Where can I find out more information?     Back to top

The institute holds an Open Day each year, in September, where staff and students are available to discuss potential projects and institute life. Tours are also be held throughout the afternoon. Find out about events at the Walter and Eliza Hall institute, including Open Day.