How to apply - Domestic research students

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 are required to nominate two referees who can speak to your academic and research capabilities.

Referee reports are confidential and submitted directly from the referee to the university.

To complete the referee report:

• 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.

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.

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)

All successful domestic applicants are automatically granted 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.

If you would also like to be considered for a stipend scholarship (to assist with living costs), indicate this on your application form by specifying the name of the scholarship.

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

View scholarships

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

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.