This PhD scholarship at the Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to an Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded project investigating the economics of mental healthcare markets and socioeconomic inequities in access to care. The research addresses critical issues in mental health, focusing on the supply-side drivers of patient fees, market structure, and the impact of professional behaviour on prices and access to mental healthcare services. Using advanced econometric methods and population-wide administrative data, the project aims to generate new evidence to inform policy and improve access for disadvantaged populations.

As a PhD candidate, you will join the CHE Integrated PhD Program, beginning with a year of advanced coursework, research training, and a minor thesis leading to a Master of Commerce (MCom) degree, followed by three and a half years dedicated to research and career development. The program provides rigorous training in health economics and related fields, with opportunities for domestic and international conference travel and research visits. You will be supervised by Associate Professor Nicole Black and collaborate with leading academics including Professor Carol Propper, Associate Professor Terrence Cheng, and Dr. Danusha Jayawardana, benefiting from mentorship within one of the world’s top health economics research groups.

Monash University is ranked among the top 50 universities globally and is a leader in health economics in the Asia-Pacific region. The Centre for Health Economics boasts the largest Health Economics PhD program in Australia and a vibrant research community focused on themes such as disadvantage and health, global and environmental health economics, economic behaviour, incentives and preferences in health, and economic modelling of health policies and technologies. Graduates from the Centre have secured positions at prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide, including the London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, World Bank, and government health departments.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous tax-free stipend of $39,000 AUD per annum, with up to $49,000 AUD per annum available for outstanding students. Additional financial support is offered through research and teaching assistance work. Applicants should hold an Honours degree, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, or a Master's degree with top marks and a research component in a relevant discipline such as health economics, labour economics, economics, econometrics, or other quantitative fields like data science, mathematical statistics, actuarial science, public health, or psychology with strong statistical training. English language requirements apply as per Monash Business School guidelines.

The program commences in July/August 2026, with applications closing on 1 February 2026. To apply, follow the Integrated PhD Program application process and select 'Health Economics' as your area of specialisation. For further details, visit the application link provided. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated students seeking to make a real-world impact in health economics and mental healthcare policy.