Graduate research

Whether you're driven by curiosity, a passion for discovery, or a desire to create meaningful change, ACU is the place to turn your research ambitions into reality. Become part of a world-class research community, where mission-driven research delivers practical, ethical solutions that advance human dignity and the common good.

Graduate Research School

Research with us

Step into a thriving research community where bold ideas meet real-world impact. At ACU, you'll tackle today's toughest challenges using advanced methods and creative thinking-gaining powerful skills that open doors and shape your future.

How to apply

Research degrees

With programs across all faculties, our Research Doctorate and Master's degrees give you the freedom to explore your interests and drive meaningful change.

Discover your research path

Scholarships

Our scholarships do more than cover costs—they empower your research journey with tuition support, living allowances, and access to essential resources.

Explore available scholarships

Research projects

Explore defined PhD projects across diverse disciplines, each offering a scholarship package to support you throughout your studies.

Browse current projects

Supervisors

Work alongside leading researchers who will mentor and support you every step of the way. Browse our expert profiles to find the right supervisor for your goals.

Connect with a supervisor

Industry engagement

Take your research beyond your thesis. Partner with industry to solve real-world problems, boost your impact, and grow your professional network.

See how you can collaborate

Tackling the trend towards gendered disrespect

Peer sexual assault is rife in Australian schools. We spoke to an ACU researcher whose work aims to reverse the trend.

Improving the wellbeing of war widows

Can young volunteers help war widows to find a sense of belonging and hope? An interview with PhD candidate Jo-anne Walker.

Galloping through the field of sports science

We sat down with ACU's Tom Fary, the PhD candidate whose research is aimed at giving the Broncos a competitive edge.

An advocate for success

The First Nations physio who is championing cultural awareness and enabling Indigenous success in higher education.

With a SACRU Fellowship, Ethan Murphy is taking his PhD overseas

We caught up with ACU PhD student Ethan Murphy, recipient of a 2024 Visiting Doctoral Research Fellowship from the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU).

Bringing Australia's diverse history to life

We chat with Jen Rose, a historian, whose passion is uncovering the stories of ‘ordinary’ Australians, in particular, migrants.

Giving marginalised women a voice

Farjana Mahbuba is using her PhD research to give marginalised migrant women a voice and hopes her work leads to policy reform.

Bridging the gender gap in sports science research

The ACU researchers who are shedding new light on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and athletic performance.

A passion for women's health

Meet Courtney Giles, the ACU researcher who is exploring the effects of exercise on childbearing women.

Lifting the silence on Australia's trans history

ACU historian Adrien McCrory on his journey of exploration into the experiences of trans and gender-diverse Australians.

Building a better world with bioethics

ACU graduate and Fulbright scholar Dr Xavier Symons uses philosophical reasoning to solve real-world ethical dilemmas.

Wellbeing of First Nations' youth

A passion for Indigenous peoples' wellbeing inspired Georgia's PhD exploring how First Nations' youth in higher education thrive.

A safer place for women and children to live

ACU PhD candidate Ulrike Marwitz has a goal to widen our society’s understanding of family violence.

Understanding the adolescent athlete

The ACU higher degree research student who wants to help young athletes to reach their sporting goals.

A quiet achiever shines through

He’s the ‘ordinary Filipino’ who has devoted his life to uplifting disadvantaged communities and alleviating human suffering.

Why ACU?

Our research community

Collaborate with a dynamic network of world-class researchers, interdisciplinary teams, and industry-aligned experts committed to solving real-world challenges.

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Our facilities and resources

Leverage ACU’s state-of-the-art facilities, emerging technologies, and advanced learning environments to accelerate your innovation and research outcomes.

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Our mission and values

Contribute to our mission-driven research that delivers practical, ethical solutions that advance human dignity and the common good.

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Our reputation and rankings

Join a globally renowned university celebrated for its research excellence, career-ready graduates, and deep commitment to community engagement.

Learn more

Vice-Chancellor and President

Looking for something else?

Are you already a research candidate?

We’re here to help you succeed. Access everything you need to manage your candidature, tap into valuable resources, and grow as a researcher.

Visit the Student Portal

Are you interested in partnering with us?

ACU research candidates bring fresh thinking, independence, and advanced analytical skills—ready to drive innovation and deliver real value to your organisation.

Explore a collaboration

Are you a supervisor or want to become one?

ACU is committed to excellence in research supervision. Discover how to become an accredited supervisor and access tools to support your success.

Learn more about supervision

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Graduate research