Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre PhD Program

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is one of the world’s leading cancer research, education and treatment centres, and is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to caring for people affected by cancer. We have over 2,500 staff, including more than 600 laboratory and clinical researchers, all focused on providing better treatments, better care and potential cures for cancer.

Based in Melbourne, Peter Mac works closely with research and education partners in the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, and with local and international universities and research institutes.

Our research covers topics that range from laboratory-based studies into the fundamental mechanisms of cell transformation, translational studies that provide a pipeline to the patient, clinical trials with novel treatments, and research aimed to improve supportive care. Our student opportunities extend across the breadth of our laboratory and clinical research.

Why study at Peter Mac?

Peter Mac provides a world-class research education program, hosting students from countries and universities all over the world to undertake their research studies at Peter Mac. Our multidisciplinary and multicultural student cohort is at the heart of our research excellence.

We are home to 180 research students undertaking postgraduate and undergraduate research programs. We provide all students with the opportunity to expand their research knowledge and skills, while also developing important transferable skills that will contribute to their future career directions.

If you undertake your research at Peter Mac, you will be supported by a pre-eminent academic program, driven by internationally renowned laboratory and clinician researchers, with a strong focus on educating future generations of cancer clinicians and researchers.

You will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of cancer care and make a contribution to our research advances.

Enrolments and Eligibility

This is a highly competitive program, with all students required to obtain a scholarship to support their PhD. Most of our students enrol through the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology at The University of Melbourne, but we also accept students from other national and international universities. All our PhD students are supported with computer and travel funds.

Once supported by a supervisor, students apply to the University for candidature and scholarship support. Round 1 scholarship applications close 31 October for a PhD to commence the following year.

Learn more about Peter Mac PhD opportunities

Visit our Research Student Recruitment page to learn more about our education program and the application process. Hear from research leaders about their research projects, and from students about their research experience.

“The thing I love most about Peter Mac is that expertise in practically any cancer field, tumour type or technology is literally just a short walk down the hall. Studying in this environment of brilliant minds pushes you to be a better student, and I am grateful to have had the privilege of completing my PhD at Peter Mac. We truly have leadership on the global stage in terms of the quality and impact of our research”.

[Stefan Bjelosevic, PhD student, Peter Mac].