The University of Wollongong says it will continue to support a PhD arts student with anti vaccination views.

The University of Wollongong last year paid Judy Wilyman $3,000 to attend a talk in San Francisco where she presented a paper arguing against young people being vaccinated for the humanpapilloma virus, or HPV.

Dean of Research Tim Marchant says it's important Ms Wilyman be supported despite the scientific evidence behind vaccinations being strong.

"In a university environment we uphold the principle of academic freedom for staff and students," he said.

"Just because something is controversial doesn't mean that a student shouldn't present her viewpoint."

He likens her research to debate over climate change and says her PhD topic is entirely appropriate.

But the Australian Medical Association has criticised the University of Wollongong for supporting a PhD student with anti vaccination views.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton says while everyone is entitled to their opinion universities have a higher responsibility.

"People should be able to do anything they want to do and I agree with that, but when we have funds contributed does that undermine the university's reputation for being a scientific institution or not?" he said.

Dr Hambleton says the university needs to make a clear distinction as to whether it upholds scientific principles or not.

"Because if a university says something the assumption is it's science based, there are scientific methods used and it's scientifically proven," he said.

"And where there are issues such as this where the science actually goes the other way that's something the university needs to think about before it awards bursaries like this to students studying something that we know to be proven by good scientific method."