NOTE: A new online application form was introduced in April 2026 that includes an integrated referee report process. If you started an application before this date and haven't submitted it yet, we recommend starting a new application using the online form for a smoother experience.

ACU National School of Arts

Are you an international applicant?

This guide is for domestic research degree applications only. If you're based overseas and will require a temporary visa, you should visit our step-by-step guide for international research applications.

Register in our application portal

To begin the application process, use the link below to register in our online application system.

Once registered, you can:

  • start, save, and submit an application
  • upload the necessary supporting documents
  • track the progress of your application
  • view and respond to outcomes.

Please register using an email address you check regularly, as this will be our primary method of contacting you.

Register now

Prepare and submit your application

Prepare your application by selecting your course and completing all required details in the online portal.

Select the 'Start an application' tab to begin preparing your application.

To choose a course, type 'Research' into the keyword search field and select 'Search Now'.

You'll then be able to choose from the following research degrees:

  • Doctor of Ministry
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Master of Philosophy

Work your way through the application form, supplying all required information and documentation.

Once you have completed your application and carefully reviewed all details, submit it via the application portal.

Applications are assessed based on the documentation submitted at the time of lodgement. Additional documents cannot be accepted once assessment has commenced, unless specifically requested by the University.


Referees complete their reports

After you submit your application, your nominated referees will be contacted to complete confidential reports supporting 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.


Manage your application

Regularly checking your applicant portal helps ensure your application progresses without delays.

By logging into your applicant portal you can:

  • track the progress of your application
  • monitor the status of your referee reports
  • resend a reference request
  • update a referee's email address
  • nominate a new referee if needed
  • view and respond to outcomes

You'll be notified once all required information has been received and your application is ready for assessment.

Manage my application

We assess your application

When all required documents and referee reports have been received, we will begin assessing your application.

This process involves reviewing your academic background, research proposal, and supervision arrangements and typically takes around eight weeks.

Following assessment, we will notify you of your application outcome as soon as possible.

Have a question? Explore our FAQs to find answers

FAQs

Graduate Research School

Get in touch

Have a question about graduate research at ACU?

Contact us