How to apply for Manchester-Melbourne dual-award PhD studentships

Decide on the project(s) that are most relevant to your research interests from the list of available projects.

Under each project there are contact details of the lead supervisor and details of the PhD programme that you will formally apply for.

Contact the relevant academic lead supervisor for your chosen project (as detailed in the individual project information).

Applicants for the Manchester-based projects are encouraged to contact the Manchester lead supervisor for an initial discussion before submitting an official application form. This will give you an opportunity to discuss the project with them and check that you are eligible to apply.

To be eligible for the programme applicants must meet the entry requirements of both The University of Manchester and The University of Melbourne to be accepted: 

• The University of Manchester admissions criteria can be found under the specific PhD programme information.
• The University of Melbourne admissions criteria.

When you have completed discussions with the relevant lead supervisor about the project, it is then time for you to submit your formal application to The University of Manchester.

You do not need to submit an application to the University of Melbourne at this stage.

Go to the How to Apply page for the link to our online application form. Ensure you read all the instructions carefully.

Select 'Postgraduate Research' as the 'Level of Study' on the application form.

On the 'Academic Programme' section of the application form, search for and select the PhD programme as indicated on the individual project information. Work your way through the application form, including all details as requested.

For Section 6 –‘Research Details', you must state the name of the project supervisor and project title in the format below.

1. Name of Supervisor – Project Title

If you would like to apply for more than one project, please complete an online application form for each project.

For Section 9 – 'Funding Sources', you must select the details as follows:

• Select 'Yes' from the drop-down.
• Type of Funding: ‘University Scholarship’.
• Awarding Body: Melbourne Dual-Award.
• Status of Funding – Awarded.
• Funding Covers – Fully Funded.
• Leave the remaining boxes blank.

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents:

• A supporting/personal statement.
• Certificates and transcripts from all your current/previous degrees.
• Official English Language transcript (IELTS or TOEFL), if applicable.
• Current curriculum vitae (CV).
• Two references from people who have knowledge of your academic ability. These are usually academic references, from a lecturer or professor at your current or previous university. You will need to provide details of your referees in section 10 of the online form. Your referees will be contacted directly after you submit your application and directed to complete our online reference form.

It is recommended that the email address you provide for your referees is related to the academic institution or organisation to which they belong, rather than a personal email. If a personal email address is provided, it may cause delays to your application, as additional steps may be required to verify this.

Please note, your application must be complete and contain all the required supporting information at the time of submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must supply an official IELTS or TOEFL transcript to support your application, or provide a date on which you will be taking a test.

Please note the IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

Details on language requirements can be found on the individual PhD Programme information page relevant to the project.

Once submitted you will receive acknowledgement that your application has been received. Once all your supporting documents have been received, your application will be reviewed and circulated to your preferred supervisor(s).

You will be kept informed of the progress of your application throughout the application procedure. You will be contacted directly if you are invited to interview for the dual-award programme.