Application steps

Consideration of your application can take time, so allow a minimum of 25 working days for your application to be processed.  

Prior to applying, you should:  

• clarify your research thesis topic
• confirm you meet the entry requirements of your preferred degree
• find a research supervisor
• browse and identify the perfect research scholarship for you (please note research scholarships are not all year round).  

As part of UniSQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan, an initiative exists to promote entry into the PhD by Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. Staff from the Graduate Research School (GRS) are available via email, phone or in person to assist with the application process.

Now it’s time to find and connect with your potential supervisor. Email them to introduce yourself, including a short outline (approximately 500 words) of your intended research project.

Finally, be sure to provide a draft HDR Preliminary Research Thesis Topic Proposal (DOTX 604KB) when you contact your proposed supervisor. The proposed supervisor may ask for additional information to support your application.  

Once you have found your proposed supervisor, you will need to submit the relevant online application: 

• Australian, New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents
• International Students

Make sure you include the HDR Preliminary Research Thesis Topic Proposal (DOTX 604KB) along with the following supporting documents:  

• Official academic transcripts of your Bachelors, Honours or Masters academic transcripts (with grading information) and award certificates.
• A copy of your birth certificate or relevant pages of your passport.
• Evidence of English language proficiency, as outlined in the English Language Proficiency Requirements Schedule.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV).

If you are an International applicant, please ensure that you provide a certified copy of these documents.

It can take up to 25 working days for the Graduate Research School to review your application. If you have not made contact with a potential supervisor, or have not submitted complete documentation with your application, this process may take longer.

Please note: your proposed supervisor can only make a recommendation on your admission; final decisions on admission are made by the Graduate Research School.  

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be formally notified (normally by email) of the admission decision.  

If you are successful, you will receive an enrolment letter of offer. Once you have accepted your enrolment letter of offer you will need to enrol in your relevant courses and pay tuition fees (if applicable) by the fee payment due date. Please refer to your enrolment letter of offer and the UniSQ Handbook for your recommended enrolment pattern.  

Questions about your enrolment? Email the Graduate Research School.