How to apply

Join an active and engaged research community working to solve the critical challenges we face in the world today. Follow our simple step-by-step application process and open up new possibilities for your career and future.

ACU future research students

Domestic applicants

If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or a New Zealand citizen, this guide will walk you through how to apply for a research degree at ACU.

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International applicants

Are you based overseas and planning to study in Australia? This guide will help you navigate the process of applying for a research degree at ACU as an international applicant.

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Indigenous applicants

Indigenous applicants may qualify for PhD entry through demonstrated achievements and lived experience, ensuring Indigenous Knowledges are central to the research journey.

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FAQs

Follow these instructions if you want to apply for one of the following research degrees:

You are a domestic applicant if you are one of the following: 

  • Australian citizen
  • Australian permanent resident
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder 
  • New Zealand citizen.  

You are an international applicant if you will need a temporary student visa to study in Australia.

A research degree is a master's or doctorate that is mostly made up of researching and writing a single thesis.

We also offer postgraduate degrees made up of different units and classes; however, these are known as postgraduate coursework degrees.

If you’re looking to apply for a postgraduate coursework degree, such as a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's by coursework, you should visit our application page for postgraduate students.

Learn how to apply for a postgraduate coursework degree

Yes, there are a number of pathway programs available that provide the required research training to enable students who have not completed honours degrees or master’s by research to qualify to apply for a higher degree by research program.

Yes. ACU offers a range of scholarships that can support you whilst you study and provide access to the tools and resources you need to progress your research:

  • Stipend Scholarships provide an allowance for general living costs whilst you study, such as rent or groceries.
  • Scholarship-Supported Research Projects are defined PhD research projects that include a scholarship package to support you while you study.
  • Tuition Fee Scholarships cover the cost of tuition for a Research Doctorate or Research Master's degree.
  • RTP Allowance Scholarships assist with ancillary costs such as supporting your relocation to Australia.

Browse research scholarships

Need help? Contact the Graduate Research School

grad.research@acu.edu.au

Graduate Research School

General enquiries

Get in touch to learn more about graduate research at ACU

Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au

Industry partnerships

Contact us to explore how you could collaborate with our graduate researchers.

Email: grs.partnerships@acu.edu.au