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Important information for applicants

We welcome applications from both domestic candidates from Australia and New Zealand, and international candidates. Applications for PhD and MPhil programs in 2023 will close April 23rd. Fully-funded places are available.

Applicants to the PhD and MPhil programs should have research topics in one of IRCI's areas of expertise. For information on our research areas and profiles of prospective supervisors, please see the Biblical and Early Christian Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, and Religion and Theology, and ACU Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions pages.

Stipend scholarships are available to support PhD candidates affiliated with our collaborative project, ‘Religious Mobilities: Medieval and Early Modern Europe and the World.’ Learn more

Successful applicants will be fully immersed in the intellectual life of the Institute, at ACU’s St. Patrick’s Campus in Fitzroy, Melbourne, participating in seminars, conferences, and reading groups, and working collaboratively with our team of world-class scholars across our research programs.

These programs support ongoing research projects which provide a vibrant environment for research students, including the possibility of international experience at international partner institutions and a co-tutelle program.

Successful applicants may be eligible for financial support through one of the University’s competitive research scholarships. Financial support includes a stipend scholarship, a fees-offset scholarship or a tuition fee waiver (as appropriate). Full details are found in the University’s research scholarships website.

At ACU the PhD is a three-year degree, while the MPhil is a two-year degree. A PhD Thesis must make an original contribution to the field, whereas an MPhil Thesis is required to display mastery of its field. For more information about HDR/graduate degrees at ACU, consult the following links

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Before you apply:

Prior to submitting your application you should review:

• the PhD and MPhil eligibility criteria in the Higher Degree Research Regulations
• the stipend scholarship information on the ACU Scholarships page
• the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry's areas of research expertise

How to Apply:

Applicants must follow the instructions on the ACU Become a Research Candidate Page. Applications for PhD and MPhil programs in 2023 will close April 23^rd, 2023.

For further information please contact hdr.irci@acu.edu.au