PhD in Economics of Mental Healthcare Markets

Centre for Health Economics, Monash University

Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Integrated PhD Program 2026

Location: Caulfield campus, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

Duration: 4.5-year fixed-term appointment

Employment type: Full-time

Remuneration: You will receive a generous scholarship covering tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at current value of AU$39,000 per annum (up to $49,000 per annum for outstanding students).

Additional financial support is available through research and teaching assistance work. 

The opportunity

The PhD research will be part of an Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded project aimed at investigating mental healthcare markets and socioeconomic inequities in access to care. Early access to mental health care is crucial for both individual well-being and economic productivity. However, half of Australians experiencing mental disorders do not receive professional care, with cost being a major barrier to timely access.

This research aims to understand the supply-side drivers of patient fees for mental health services and their impact on socioeconomic inequities in access to care. It will use econometric methods and population-wide administrative records on the supply of mental health workers and mental healthcare services delivered over time. The expected outcomes of this project include new evidence on how the market structure and behaviour of mental health professionals impact prices and access to mental healthcare.

The successful candidate will work under the primary supervision of A/Prof Nicole Black and have the opportunity to work closely with other leading academics at Monash University, including Professor Carol Propper, A/Prof Terrence Cheng and Dr Danusha Jayawardana.   

Integrated PhD Program

The project is based in the Centre for Health Economics (CHE), a large and active economics research group within the Monash Business School.

As a candidate in the CHE Integrated PhD Program, you will receive rigorous training in advanced health economics and related studies. The Integrated Program starts with advanced coursework, research training and a minor thesis packaged into a Master of Commerce (MCom) degree, and takes one year to complete. The PhD stage, which is dedicated to research activities and career development, typically takes three and a half years to complete. 

You will also enjoy opportunities for domestic and international conference travel and the potential to undertake international research visits.

PhD students at the Centre for Health Economics are supported to pursue research with real-world impact.

Integrated PhD Program entry requirements and scholarship eligibility

Applicants should have completed 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. 

Relevant disciplines include health economics, labour economics, economics and econometrics. We will also consider other quantitative disciplines such as data science, mathematical statistics, actuarial science or public health or psychology with strong statistical training.

You can check your eligibility with the PhD readiness tool.

For full information on eligibility and English language requirements, please visit the Monash Business School Integrated PhD Program page.

Applications

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button

When prompted, select “Health Economics” as your area of specialisation.

Integrated PhD program commencement: July / August 2026

About Monash and the Centre for Health Economics

The Centre for Health Economics is one of the world’s leading research groups in the economic analysis of health and health care. We have the highest concentration of economists working in health in the Asia-Pacific region and the largest Health Economics PhD program in Australia, reflecting the reputation of our researchers and the quality of their mentorship.

Monash is one of the top 50 universities in the world, ranked top in health economics in the Asia-Pacific region. As a PhD student of the Centre, you will be part of a team of researchers at the cutting edge of impactful international research across research themes including: disadvantage and health; global and environmental health economics; economic behaviour, incentives and preferences in health; and, economic modelling of health policies and technologies. 

Employment prospects

PhD graduates from the Centre for Health Economics typically find employment as researchers in leading universities and consulting firms around the world. For instance, our previous graduates have been successful in gaining positions at the London School of Economics, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the University of Illinois, the University of York, the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, Ernst & Young, the World Bank and government health departments.

Enquiries

For questions related to this PhD opportunity, please email Nicole.black@monash.edu.

For questions related to the application procedure, please contact buseco-research.degrees@f.e.monash.edu.

Supporting a diverse workforce

Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations, and pays its respects to their elders, past and present.