Research with us

Before you start your application, check whether a higher degree by research is right for you. To apply, you need to have either:

• an Australian undergraduate degree with Honours, Second Class Division A (or international equivalent), or
• a Master’s degree by research (Distinction average) in a relevant discipline or field, or
• a Master’s degree by coursework (Distinction average) in a relevant discipline or field, which includes substantial research component (i.e., training in research methods and a thesis or dissertation)
• other professional experience that demonstrates research training or independent capacity at a similar level.

If you’re unsure whether you meet these criteria, please write to ftp.hdr@acu.edu.au, to discuss.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to show that your previous university work was in English or provide other evidence of English proficiency.

Learn more about ACU's policy on HDR eligibility requirements

To apply, please go to the Graduate Research School's portal, which will take you through the process, step-by-step.

The most important element of your application is the research proposal. This roughly 2000-word document needs to:

• set out your research question,
• show your awareness of current scholarly conversations around that question,
• lay out your proposed methods of studying and the materials you want to work on,
• offer a proposed outline of the thesis, and
• present a sample bibliography.

We especially encourage you to discuss this with your potential supervisors. They will be happy to work with you to shape your research proposal before you submit your application.

Thanks to ACU's international partnerships, it's possible to apply for cotutelle or joint degree supervision. You will be supervised by experts from ACU and a partner institution and receive your degree from both. This expands your access to expertise beyond ACU and you'll receive your testamur endorsed by both universities.

To pursue a cotutelle, you need to apply to, and be accepted by, both institutions. You should discuss the idea with your prospective supervisor early on.

If successful, you’ll divide your time between the two institutions, though the majority of your time will be spent at the institution where your principal supervisor is based.

ACU's partners are:

• Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven
• Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Durham University
• University of Oslo
• Member institutions of the Contemporary Humanism Network, such as:
• Institut Catholique de Paris
• Università di Roma LUMSA
• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• Universidade Católica Portuguesa

Cotutelles are arranged on a case-by-case basis. If you’re interested, please discuss it with your potential supervisor.

There are no set deadlines to apply for HDR degrees at ACU, but there are deadlines for scholarships.

We want to get to know you. When you apply for a scholarship, we’ll reach out and invite you for an interview. This gives us the opportunity to better understand your research goals and learn more about you, and you’ll be able to ask us any questions you might have.

Scholarships and financial support are available to help cover living expenses and tuition fees.

While there are no deadlines to apply for our HDR degrees, there are two scholarship application deadlines each year.

Explore available scholarships and funding options at our Graduate Research School.