How to apply

A PhD is a rigorous, research-intensive degree designed for those seeking to make a significant original contribution to knowledge in their field.

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The DMin is a professional doctorate for experienced ministry practitioners, focusing on advanced theological reflection and applied research in ministry contexts.

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The MPhil is a shorter research degree that allows you to undertake independent research and demonstrate advanced understanding of existing knowledge.

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Design your own research project by identifying a topic, refining a research question, and developing a proposal that outlines your approach. This is the most common pathway for applicants with a clear research idea they want to pursue independently.

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Apply for an existing research project that includes a scholarship package to support you while you study. These projects are aligned with ACU research priorities and may provide structured topics, support from an established research team, and meaningful engagement with industry partners.

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Undertake your PhD as part of a formal partnership between ACU and an international university. You will be supervised across two institutions and may have opportunities for study and research experiences in both locations.

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At ACU, we honour diverse forms of knowledge and understand that academic qualifications are not the only measure of research potential or impact. Indigenous applicants may qualify for PhD entry based on demonstrated achievements and lived experience, ensuring that Indigenous Knowledges are not only included but central to the research journey.

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You can check the specific criteria for your chosen course in Section 5 of the Higher Degree Research Policy.

Keep in mind that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Your application will also be assessed based on:

• Your potential to undertake research
• The quality and feasibility of your research proposal
• The availability of appropriate supervision
• The strength of your referee reports

View entry requirements

You will need to demonstrate English language proficiency if:

• English is not your first language, or
• Your previous university studies were not completed in English or in an approved English-speaking country.

You can meet this requirement by providing results from a recognised English language test or evidence of prior qualifications taught in English. Any test or qualification must have been completed within two years of your intended course start date. For full details, refer to Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Policy, which outlines the English language requirements for HDR programs.

View English language requirements

Your proposed research must align with the expertise of available supervisors. Reviewing the University's research areas will help you understand the breadth of research strengths available to support your project. Research areas are offered across:

• Faculty of Education and Arts
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Law and Business
• Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
• Computer Science and Data Science

You will need to submit a 2,000-word research proposal in a text-searchable PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) format.

Writing a research proposal can feel overwhelming, but remember perfection isn't expected. You're not required to have all the answers at this stage. Your proposal is a starting point, laying the foundation for your research journey and helping us understand your ideas, interests, and potential.

Learn more about the requirements for your research proposal

Before submitting your application, you may wish to identify accredited supervisors who are actively researching in your proposed area. If appropriate, you can reach out to discuss your research proposal with them.

Contacting a supervisor before applying is optional. If your application is successful, ACU will allocate suitably qualified supervisors to you, as outlined in Section 10 of the Higher Degree Research Policy.

Learn more about our supervisors

NOTE: If a supervisor expresses interest in working with you, this does not guarantee admission or that they will be assigned to your project. Supervisor availability is assessed as part of the application process.

Domestic applicants

All domestic applicants approved for admission will automatically receive a Research Training Program Fees Offset Scholarship, which provides a tuition fee waiver in accordance with Section 2 of the Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

International applicants

International applicants will automatically be assessed for an ACU Tuition Fee Scholarship which provides a tuition fee waiver. These scholarships are competitive and awarded at the discretion of the university.

Successful international applicants who are not awarded an ACU Tuition Fee Scholarship will be required to pay full tuition fees.

For the latest fee information please visit the International student fees page.

ACU offers a range of stipend scholarships to assist with living costs whilst you study.

When applying for a stipend scholarship, you must provide any additional information required for that scholarship, as outlined on the relevant scholarship webpage.

If you are applying for a scholarship with a specific application deadline, please ensure that your completed application (including referee reports) is received at least one week prior to this date.

View scholarships

If you are applying for a scholarship-supported research project, please provide the project name and any additional details required as outlined on the relevant project webpage, and ensure that your completed application (including referee reports) is received prior to the application deadline.

View scholarship-supported research projects

During the online application process, you'll be asked to enter the names and email addresses of your referees. Please ensure their email addresses are entered correctly.

Once you submit your application, your referees will receive an email invitation with a link to complete the online reference form. Let them know to expect this email and advise them to check their junk or spam folders if they don't see it.

It is your responsibility to ensure both referees complete and submit their reports. Your application will not be assessed until both forms have been received.

If you're applying for a scholarship with a specific closing date, your referee reports must be received within one week of that deadline.

You'll be notified once both references have been received, and your application is ready for assessment.

As of April 2026, we have implemented an online application form which includes an online referee report.

Consider starting a new application which includes the online referee form. Otherwise, please follow the instructions below to organise your referee reports:

• Download the referee report template below and complete Section 1.
• Email the partially completed template to each nominated referee so they can complete the remaining sections.
• Instruct referees to send their completed report directly to the Graduate Research School at grad.research@acu.edu.au (do not have them return it to you).

It is your responsibility to ensure both referees complete and submit their reports. Your application will not be assessed until both forms have been received.

You'll be notified once both references have been received, and your application is ready for assessment.

Download referee report template

You will need to provide materials that demonstrate your academic background and research achievements. These include:

• An academic resume (CV) including academic qualifications, relevant employment and research experience, publications, awards, prizes, scholarships, and exhibitions or performances
• Copies of any completed research, such as published articles, book chapters, thesis extracts, or research reports
• A copy of your thesis from any previously completed degree, along with examination reports
• Certified copies of transcripts for any higher education study you have undertaken to date.

You will need to provide a certified identification document, such as:

• A birth certificate
• A citizenship certificate
• A passport (including any relevant visa pages)

If you are currently enrolled in a research degree at another institution, please upload an official enrolment summary from your current institution. This document should confirm:

• Program name
• Commencement date
• Consumed load (i.e. how much of your program you have completed)
• Current status (e.g. active, on leave, withdrawn)
• Confirmation of candidature details (indicate whether you have been confirmed and the confirmation date)
• Details of Research Training Program Fees Offset and Stipend Scholarships, including consumed load.

You may need to contact the graduate research office at your current institution to obtain this document.