Malaysia Australia Research Collaboration

Malaysian universities participating in the PhD and research collaboration initiative

The following seven Malaysian universities have been selected by the Malaysian Government to be involved in the split-PhD and research collaboration initiative with The University of Melbourne:

Universiti Malaya
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia
International Islamic University Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Universiti Teknologi Mara

Applying for the Split-PhD
Applications are now open for potential candidates interested in this four year split-PhD program fully sponsored by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). The

Application Form can be downloaded from www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/ipg/ipgapply.html. You should download the application form rather than completing and submitting it on-line.
Applications are still being accepted.

Completed hard copy applications with relevant documentation attached must be submitted to:
Dato' Prof. Ir. Dr. Sahol. Hamid Abu BakarMinistry of Higher Education Level 3, Block 3, Parcel E, Precinct 1Federal Government Administrative Complex62505 PutrajayaMalaysiaTel: +60 3 8883 5070/5146 Fax: +60 3 8883 5325Email: sahol@mohe.gov.my

Please make sure that you include the following information and required documentation with your Application Form:

1. If your Masters level qualification is coursework-based rather than research-based, please provide information relating to any research studies or research experience you have completed;
2. a certified translation of academic records, if the originals are not in English;
   evidence of work experience, if required; two referee reports, one of which should be the supporting letter from your head of department/school or equivalent;
3. a research proposal of no more than one page in length. This should be a simple statement of the general area of research and methodology in which you would like to undertake your PhD. The proposal should not be too narrow in focus as it will be progressively refined during discussions with your proposed supervisor. If you have an idea of a particular project you may provide this as an attachment to assist in finding an appropriate supervisor;
4. a detailed curriculum vitae.
5. evidence of English language proficiency;
6. certified copies of academic transcripts from your tertiary level studies (completed and current).

NB: The assessment/application fee of AUD $100.00 which is specified on the Application Form has been waived for applicants who are involved in the split-PhD initiative.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be required to meet all the selection criteria for entry into the PhD specified by The University of Melbourne, and other course requirements. The selection process is competitive and applicants will be assessed against other international applicants and will be selected in order of merit.

The University of Melbourne's minimum pre-requisite for the PhD is a four year honours degree of high standard, or a qualification and experience judged to be equivalent. Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project or component that accounts for at least 25% of their year's work at fourth-year or at Masters level. Some PhD specialisations may have additional specific requirements. The minimum English language requirement is an IELTS overall band of 6.5 with a written band of 6.0. PhD courses in Arts, Dental Science, Economics and Commerce, Education, Law and Physiotherapy require an IELTS overall band of 7.0 with a written band of 7.0.

Identification of Supervisors and Co-supervisors
There is wide variation in how prospective students go about identifying supervisors and co-supervisors. Each Faculty/Graduate School/Department has a team of postgraduate research student advisors who can advise you of the preferred approach to identifying supervisors within their Faculty. Most Faculties/Graduate Schools/Departments require you to identify the University of Melbourne supervisor prior to submitting a formal application. This will require you to commence a dialogue with a prospective supervisor who is known to you or who has been recommended to you or who you have identified through the University of Melbourne web pages.

The purpose of the dialogue is to see if your area of interest matches the interest and expertise of the prospective supervisor and to determine whether he/she will be able to act as your supervisor should you be selected for entry to the PhD. Some Faculties/Graduate Schools/Departments prefer to allocate the most appropriate supervisor on the basis of your research proposal following assessment of your application. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the procedures and practices within the Faculty/Graduate SchoolDepartment which is most relevant to your area of interest.

The selection of the co-supervisor in Malaysia can either be done prior to submitting a formal application or following identification of the Melbourne supervisor. It is important to be aware that the Melbourne supervisor would need to agree to the Malaysian co-supervisor you have nominated.

Useful University of Melbourne Websites
The University of Melbourne website has comprehensive and up-to-date information about courses and research programs on offer and about the nature of the University in general.
You may find the following websites of particular interest:

The University of Melbourne homepage (includes link to Faculty homepages)
School of Graduate Research
Postgraduate International Prospectus
PhD Handbook
Postgraduate International Application Form
Research Profile
Research Experts
Themis Research Profile Database
Future Students Page
Course Search Database

Further Information
For further information about the split-PhD initiative with The University of Melbourne please contact:
Ms Carmella PrideauxInternational Projects AdvisorSchool of Graduate ResearchThe University of MelbourneAustralia 3010Tel: +61 3 8344 4402Mob: +61 418 576 518Email: cprid@unimelb.edu.au
Ms Jan DrewRegional Director (Malaysia and Singapore)The University of Melbourne Malaysia OfficeMenara MaxisKuala Lumpur City CentreKuala Lumpur 50088Tel: +60 3 2615 7319Fax +60 3 2615 0088Email: jan.drew@unimelb.edu.au