Macquarie University Dual PhD Programme

The Bristol-Macquarie Dual PhD programme offers postgraduate researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities and academic support at two universities renowned for their world-class research excellence.

Over the past decade, Macquarie University has firmly established itself as a leader in research training, making this Dual PhD arrangement an ideal opportunity for students to gain high-quality international academic experience.

Colloaborative international programmes with Macquarie University, Sydney, are:

  • co-created
  • co-supervised
  • co-funded
  • split-site
  • co-award.

Each Dual PhD project is developed individually by the lead co-supervisors from each institution and advertised by their respective faculties on university and other recruitment websites. 

The University's formal arrangement with Macquarie has resulted in 34 collaborative PhDs since 2018, either ongoing or successfully completed, across all of Bristol's faculties. Both universities signed a renewed, institutional-level, Cotutelle Agreement in April 2023, which will continue to fund further post-graduate research students until 2027. 

Working in two labs gave me access to more resources, expertise, I could learn more techniques, make more collaborations and get a more informed idea of the kind of lab I want to work in in the future. I think it has been a very valuable arrangement for me in getting started in a research career.
Completed student
Biological Sciences PhD, Macquarie Cotutelle

Information for prospective students

The Bristol-Macquarie Dual PhD programme lasts for 3.5 or 4 years, depending on your discipline and length of funding. You will spend time on both university campuses, beginning your studies in Bristol, before moving to Macquarie midway through your programme. Throughout your degree you will be supported by a main supervisor and a second supervisor at each university.  

As part of your programme, you will be required to meet the annual progress monitoring requirements of each university. At the end of your degree, you will submit your thesis to both universities simultaneously for an independent examination according to the local policies and procedures. Each university issues a certificate upon successful completion of the examination with an indication that the degree was completed under a Cotutelle arrangement with the partner university.

In partnership with Macquarie, we provide scholarships to select high-quality students.

While you are in Bristol, this scholarship includes: 

  • Tuition fees for the duration of your funded period
  • Stipend at UKRI minimum rates
  • Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG), to contribute towards research-related costs.

While you are at Macquarie, this scholarship includes: 

  • Tuition fees for up to three years
  • Stipend
  • Travel allowance for a single international return airfare from the UK to Sydney.

Yes, there are other costs that you are liable to pay during your degree that are not covered by the scholarship. These can include Visa fees, Health Cover, and language tests. 

Students who are UK domiciled will require an Australian Student Visa. As of May 2025, these cost upwards of $1,600 (approximately £765). 

While in Australia, you must take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a condition of your student visa.  As of May 2025, these cost from AUD $1,571 (approximately £657).

Yes, there are other costs that you are liable to pay during your degree that are not covered by the scholarship. These can include Visa fees, Health Cover, and language tests.

While in the UK, International students may require a Study visa. You can find out about the costs involved in the application process on the University of Bristol Student Visas page. These include Visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

While in Australia, with the exception of Australian citizens, you may also be required to obtain an Australian Student Visa. Depending on where you are from, you may also be required to undertake biometric testing as part of the Visa application process. You must also take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a condition of your student visa.

Some international students may need to provide evidence of the proficiency in the English Language. You can find information about English Language requirements for study on the University of Bristol and Macquarie University web pages. The prices of these tests vary according to location.

Please see the table below for the potential additional costs associated with doing a Dual PhD with Macquarie University. These costs are accurate as of May 2025. Please note they will vary depending on your personal circumstances and characteristics. 

Potential costs while in the UK
UK Study Visa £524
Immigration Health Surcharge £1,552 (£776 per year)

Potential costs while in Australia
Australian Student Visa From AUD $1,600 (approximately £765)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) From AUD $1,571 (approximately £657)

Other potential costs
English proficiency tests Variable
Biometric tests Variable

Estimate of additional costs
UK-domiciled students From £1,422
International students From £3,498

Dual PhDs are usually advertised directly by faculties. Take a look at the faculty postgraduate research pages below for information about current opportunities. 

Many Dual PhD opportunities are co-created by leading academics at Bristol and Macquarie. These will be advertised on the above webpages.  

However, if you have an idea for a PhD that aligns with the research interests of academics at both Bristol and Macquarie, we recommend you reach out to these potential supervisors to discuss the possibility of a Dual PhD.