Study at Burnet

Burnet accepts honours students from all major universities within Australia with the aim of providing training in public health, infectious diseases and immunology research programs. 

Honours projects cover diverse areas of research including the immunology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the structure and function of cell surface receptors, determining sexual risk practices and STI awareness, malaria, modelling of infectious diseases including COVID-19, and HIV-1 associated dementia.

View honours projects.

Applying for an honours program 

1. Explore projects on offer. View our student projects to learn about the projects available.
2. Do your research. Talk to other Honours and PhD students about their current projects at one of our student information days. What interests you? We may even alter a project to suit your interests.
3. Enrol for honours at university. Contact your faculty about enrolment details and submit your application before the deadline.
4. Approach supervisors. Our supervisors want to meet you! Feel free to contact a supervisor to arrange a tour around the Institute and find out more about the projects being offered. Their contact details are listed on the relevant project pages online. It is advised that all students include a copy of their most recent CV and official/unofficial academic transcript when contacting potential supervisors.
5. Register at Burnet. When you've secured a place in your honours course, your university will notify you and you will then be able register at Burnet. 

Take the next step towards a challenging but rewarding research career. 

We place great emphasis on postgraduate study, providing high-quality research and training in areas related to public health and science in infectious diseases and immunology. 

Burnet has students undertaking PhD research programs, enrolled in Monash University, the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, RMIT University, and Deakin University, among other institutions. 

PhDs have covered a range of topics including HIV entry and replication, HCV virology and immunology, autoimmune disease, malaria, drug misuse, sexual health, modelling of infectious diseases, and vaccine development. 

View masters projects, or view PhD projects.

Applying for a masters or PhD program 

1. Explore projects on offer. View our student projects to learn about the projects available. 
2. Contact potential supervisors. If you find a specific project or area of interest, email the supervisor directly for further information. Forward them your most recent academic transcript and current resume.
3. Select a university department. You need to be enrolled in a masters or PhD program at a Victorian university. Your potential supervisor may hold an honorary position in a particular department that could influence your decision. Check the program entrance requirements and confirm that you are eligible to apply.
4. Review potential scholarships. Check out the scholarships available on various university websites. Please note that there are specific closing dates for each scholarship.
5. Register at Burnet. If you are successful in securing a scholarship, your university will notify you and you will then be able to register at Burnet. 

Burnet offers undergraduate and work placements however this is subject to the supervisor. Take a look at student projects and consult the prospective supervisor to discuss this.

Burnet is an internationally renowned medical research institute located in Melbourne, Australia — one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

We offer high-quality research training with internationally recognised experts in public health and basic science in the areas of infectious diseases and immunology. 

Please see our step-by-step guide below, outlining the application process. 

For more information on studying and living in Australia, see: 

• Study Australia website.
• Melbourne City Council International Students web page. 
• How to apply for visas on the Australia Government Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship website.

Applying as an international student 

• Explore projects on offer. View our student projects to learn about the projects available. 
• Contact potential supervisors. If you find a specific project or area of interest, email the supervisor directly for further information. Forward them your most recent academic transcript and current resume. 
• Select a university and follow the international student guidelines. Contact the PhD coordinator at your chosen university department. You need to be enrolled in a PhD program at an Australian university. Entry requirements at all universities include a combination of academic qualifications, English language skills and professional work and/or research experience. Check out the prospective international student pages on university websites about specific requirements for enrolment into their PhD programs and confirm that you are eligible to apply. 
• Apply for entry to the PhD program. Contact the PhD coordinator at your chosen university department. 
• Register at Burnet. If you are successful in securing a scholarship, your university will notify you and you will then be able register at Burnet.