Shanghai Jiao Tong University - University of Melbourne Joint PhD Program
I. Introduction to the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne, founded in 1853 in Melbourne, Australia, is a leading public research university and a member of:
- Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
- Universitas 21 (founding member and Secretariat host)
- Group of Eight Australia
- AACSB and EQUIS accredited
Global Standing:
- Ranked #1 in Australia across multiple disciplines.
- QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022: Global #8 for graduate employability.
- Student Body: Over 54,000 students (44% international) and 430,000+ alumni.
Location: Parkville campus, north of Melbourne’s central business district.
Top-Ranked Disciplines:
Sports Management | Education | Law | Social Policy & Management | Development Studies | Sociology | Anthropology | Accounting & Finance | Economics & Econometrics | Media Studies | Political Science | Statistics & Operations Research | Geography | Environmental Science | Chemistry | Geophysics | Mathematics | Earth & Marine Sciences | Materials Science | Physics | Psychology | Medicine | Veterinary Science | Dentistry | Anatomy & Physiology | Nursing | Biological Sciences | Agricultural Sciences | Pharmacy & Pharmacology | Mining Engineering | Civil Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering | Architecture | Linguistics | Modern Languages | English Literature | History | Performing Arts | Philosophy | Theology | Archaeology | Art & Design | Master of Business Analytics
II. Program Overview
This joint PhD program awards a single jointly conferred doctoral degree upon candidates who fulfill the academic requirements of both universities.
Key Features:
- Dual Supervision: At least one primary academic advisor from each institution.
- Individual Training Agreement: Specifies program terms, research milestones, and institutional obligations.
University-Specific Requirements:
1. University of Melbourne:
- Minimum 12-month residency at Melbourne.
- Thesis submission within 4 years of enrollment.
2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University:
- Direct-entry PhD candidates: Complete SJTU coursework and exams within 24 months of enrollment.
- Regular PhD candidates: Complete SJTU requirements within 12 months.
- Minimum 12-month residency at SJTU.
III. Eligible Disciplines
All academic fields offered by both universities.
IV. Admission Process
Prerequisite: Supervisors must be affiliated with the SJTU-Melbourne Joint Seed Fund Program.
Application Steps:
- Candidate submits application to their home university (SJTU or Melbourne).
- Home university shares application materials with the host university.
- Candidate formally applies to the host university.
- Joint review and admission decisions by both institutions.
- Separate offer letters issued (if applicable).
- Candidate accepts offers from both universities.
- Joint Training Agreement finalized for each candidate.
- Full-time enrollment at both institutions under the agreed plan.
Admission Criteria:
- Compliance with entry policies, academic standards, and language requirements (e.g., English proficiency) of both universities.
V. Financial Arrangements
- Tuition: Waived by both institutions.
- Additional Costs: Living expenses (accommodation, insurance, etc.) are the student’s responsibility.
Program terms are governed by the SJTU-Melbourne Joint PhD Agreement and subject to periodic review.