At RMIT, when you enrol in a Joint PhD you will work with leading universities worldwide, gain access to world-class expertise and facilities, expand your international networks, and set yourself up for an international career.
A Joint PhD is one doctorate, shared between two universities. You are co-enrolled at both universities, guided by supervisors at each, and supported by the combined expertise, resources, and facilities at each.
We partner with universities across Asia, Europe, North America and beyond, connecting you with research expertise and peer networks.
Regions and examples of partners:
Two leading research institutions in India partner with RMIT, giving you the opportunity to collaborate internationally and deepen your expertise.
BITS–RMIT PhD Program with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), India
RMIT–AcSIR Joint Research Program with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), India
A Joint PhD at RMIT is one doctorate, shared between two universities. You are enrolled at both universities, guided by supervisors at each, and supported by the combined expertise, resources, and facilities at each.
You will normally spend two years or more at your home institution and up to 12 months at RMIT, often in your second year. Time in Melbourne is a required part of the program. The exact timing is set out in your formal agreement, so check your offer carefully.
Because you are enrolled at two universities, you must follow the policies and processes of both institutions. These may differ across your candidature, for example admission, enrolment, changes to study load, and thesis examination.
Most candidates follow a four-year Joint PhD model where you apply to both institutions, co-enrol, continue your project across both institutions, and complete up to 12 months of research in Melbourne.
Preferred four years, minimum three years.
Some cohorts, including candidates from BITS or AcSIR, follow a five-year model where you complete your first year at your home institution with RMIT co-supervision, then enrol at RMIT, continue your project across both institutions, and complete up to 12 months of research in Melbourne.
Preferred four years, minimum three years.
Enrolled at RMIT only while based at an institution overseas, with supervisors also overseas? You are completing a standard PhD, not a Joint PhD. You may spend an agreed period in Australia, usually in your second year. Please check your PhD offer and the formal agreement between RMIT and your host institution. Resources on this page and international candidate guides on our Essential resources page may also be useful.
Joint PhD projects are available across a wide range of fields, including:
Find a project that matches your research interests and expertise.
Most Joint PhDs at RMIT provide support for:
Additional support may be available from your partner university – check your offer. Funding depends on the institutional agreement.
Most Joint PhDs at RMIT do not provide:
Check your Joint PhD agreement, confirm with your partner university, or speak with your supervisors to see if any additional support is available.
If your application is successful, you will receive offers from both RMIT and your partner university. These may arrive at different times depending on each university’s process.
You must accept both offers. Each offer includes terms and conditions, as well as details of any scholarship awarded.
Secure your place by accepting your RMIT offer. The School of Graduate Research (SGR) will email your enrolment instructions before your chosen start date.
Joint PhD candidates must complete the Relocating to Australia Form at least five months before your planned arrival.
Submitting this form initiates your Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), which you must use in your student visa application.
Discuss your arrival date with your supervisors before you submit the form.
Differences between dates:
Your eCoE will state when you are permitted to arrive in Australia for your research program.
You must arrive in Australia before this date to avoid the cancellation of your visa and enrolment.
Apply for your Australian student visa after accepting your RMIT offer and confirming your relocation dates with your supervisors and School of Graduate Research (SGR).
RMIT provides visa application support to make the process easier.
RMIT's Research Training Services (RTS) team will contact candidates before their offer letter start date to confirm their commencement date. Candidates must consult their RMIT Senior Supervisor and agree on a commencement date. Commencement must occur within 10 working days of the offer letter start date. Candidates are required to enrol for the full academic year.
PhD candidates must complete three core coursework courses and Master by Research candidates must complete two core coursework courses as part of their research program. Refer to your program plan for specific coursework requirements.
Re-enrol at RMIT each January. Check with your partner university for their enrolment process.
Changes like taking leave or requesting an extension require formal approval from the university and your supervisor. They must also comply with Australian Government visa rules. Consult with graduate research specialists at RMIT Connect before submitting a request.
For candidates enrolled under a collaborative research training agreement or joint PhD, milestones should align with the partner institution’s requirements where possible.
If a milestone is completed at the partner institution and includes RMIT supervisors on the panel, it will be recognised as equivalent to the RMIT milestone and does not need to be repeated.
Candidates who have presented or are about to present a milestone at their partner institution must complete the Milestone Information Capture Form (student login required). The information will be sent to the Senior Supervisor for verification, including confirmation of attendance. If the form is submitted before the milestone takes place, candidates must provide confirmation of the outcome to RTS via RMIT Connect.
If an equivalent milestone was completed before enrolment at RMIT, equivalency approval is still required. In this case, attendance by the RMIT Senior Supervisor is not mandatory.
All Joint PhD candidates must complete compulsory coursework in the first six months of your research at RMIT. Coursework covers research methodology, research impact and translation, and research integrity. Once enrolled, you can view your required coursework via your Enrolment Online portal.
In addition to your coursework, all candidates will complete online modules on research integrity, research culture, and research conduct in your first months. Your partner university may require additional onboarding.
Your enrolment is probationary until you complete your CoC milestone, usually within 12 months. This milestone confirms your research plan and readiness to continue. Your partner university has separate requirements.
Both universities regularly review your progress. At RMIT, you complete three annual progress reviews, including CoC at 12 months. Your partner university has its own review process. Supervisors from both universities are involved in all your reviews.
Check key academic dates and deadlines at both RMIT and your home institution. They are likely to be different.
Our orientation welcome events help you connect with fellow researchers arriving at a similar time and supports your transition into life as a researcher at RMIT.
For more information, contact School of Graduate Research.
Ms Louise Ballard and Mr Alex McAulay.
Email: hdr.outreach@rmit.edu.au
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