Applicants can apply for:
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Find answers to frequently asked questions about the graduate research application process at ACU.
Applicants can apply for:
You are a domestic applicant if you are one of the following:
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.
Identifying 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.
To discuss possible supervisors, please contact the Faculty Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty to which you will apply for admission:
| Faculty | |
|---|---|
| Faculty Education and Arts | FEA.HDR@acu.edu.au |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | FHS.ADR@acu.edu.au |
| Faculty of Law and Business | FLB.HDR@acu.edu.au |
| Faculty of Theology and Philosophy | ADRes.FTP@acu.edu.au |
You can also browse the researcher profiles of our accredited supervisors and contact them directly.
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.
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:
Yes, at ACU you’re part of a supportive, inclusive community that values your journey and offers connection, culture, and care.
A Joint PhD is a research degree undertaken through a formal partnership between ACU and another university, typically an international institution. As a Joint PhD candidate, you may have supervisors from both universities and complete your research across both institutions.
This gives you the opportunity to:
Joint PhD arrangements vary depending on the partner institution and research project.
For current opportunities and more information, visit our Joint PhD webpage.
Applications are currently open. You may begin your studies before the census date in either Research Term A or Research Term C.
You can submit your application at any time, however we strongly recommend applying at least 12 weeks before your preferred research term begins to allow sufficient time for processing.
If you are also applying for a scholarship, please refer to the specific application deadline listed on the scholarship webpage and ensure that your completed application (including referee reports) is received at least one week prior to this date.
| Research Term | Census date |
|---|---|
| Research Term A | Mon 9 Mar 2026 |
| Research Term C | Mon 7 Sep 2026 |
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.
A scholarship-supported research project is 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.
Yes. Research candidature applications may be accepted year-round, while scholarships often have fixed closing dates.
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.
Yes. 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.
Most applicants will need to provide:
Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances, such as:
Yes, 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
You will need to demonstrate English language proficiency if:
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.
As part of your application, you are required to nominate two referees who can speak to your academic and research capabilities.
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.
Referee reports are confidential and submitted directly by the referee to the university.
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 submitted within one week of that deadline.
You’ll be notified once both references have been received, and your application is ready for assessment.
If you applied using our online application portal (ACU Apply Online), by logging in you can:
Regularly checking your portal helps ensure your application progresses without delays.
You’ll be notified once both references have been received and your application is ready for assessment.
A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been officially verified as a true copy. It does not confirm the authenticity of the original document — only that the copy matches the original.
Documents that must be certified include:
To have a document certified, simply take the original document and a photocopy to an authorised person, such as:
The certifier will:
The certified copy must include:
My eQuals is the preferred method for applicants to share academic transcripts when applying for a research degree at ACU. Please use this service if it is available to you.
Scan or photograph the certified copy and email it to the Graduate Research School:
Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au
Mail the certified copy to the Graduate Research School:
ACU Graduate Research School
Level 11, Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building
115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
The application process includes six key stages:
To get started, visit our How to apply page.
Yes, if you apply via our online application portal (ACU Apply Online) you can:
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.
Domestic applicants
Domestic applicants can contact the Graduate Research School:
Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au
International applicants
International applicants can contact the International Admissions team:
Applicants experiencing technical issues should:
Domestic applicants can contact the Graduate Research School:
Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au
International applicants can contact the International Admissions team:
Our online application system supports both domestic and international admissions. As a result, some automated messages may reference "international.admissions". Please be assured that your application has been correctly received and is being processed as a domestic application. These references do not affect your status or eligibility.
If you applied using our online application portal (ACU Apply Online), by logging in you can:
Regularly checking your applicant portal helps ensure your application progresses without delays.
You'll be notified once all required information has been received and your application is ready for assessment.
International applicants
If you applied through an agent, you will need to log in to your application portal using the email address your agent supplied in your application. If you haven't logged in previously, you can select "I have forgotten my password" to receive an email with instructions to set your password. If you have difficulties with this process, please confirm with your agent the email address they provided to the University.
Outcomes are typically communicated by email.
Yes — you may be able to defer your offer, but it depends on your specific circumstances.
Deferral options are not automatically guaranteed and are considered on a case-by-case basis. They can depend on factors such as your research program, scholarship conditions (if applicable), supervisor availability, and any visa-related requirements (for international applicants).
If you receive an offer and are considering deferral, you should contact the Graduate Research School for advice before accepting or declining your offer. They can confirm whether deferral is possible in your situation and explain any conditions that may apply.
For more information see Section 6 of the Higher Degree Research Policy.
Yes, international applicants studying in Australia typically require a valid student visa.
Yes, most international students studying in Australia must maintain OSHC for the duration of their visa.
Yes, international applicants may apply from outside Australia, either online through our application portal or via an authorised education agent in your country.
Our global network of ACU education agents can help you narrow down your course and campus selection, outline the language requirements, organise your course application and explain how to apply for your student visa.
Use our search tool to find your nearest authorised education agent
Yes. International students relocating to Australia can apply for support with relocation expenses by submitting the RTP Allowance (Relocation) application form.
Yes. ACU provides dedicated International Student Advisers (ISAs) at each campus to assist with general enquiries, accommodation advice, visa information, and pre-departure/orientation support.