Step 1: Select a Masters by Research, PhD or professional doctorate

Select one of our degrees by research and become part of a team committed to innovative research that provides real benefits to the community, informs teaching and learning, and is recognised in Australia and overseas. 

• Masters by Research
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Professional doctorates

If you are applying for a professional doctorate you can go directly to Step 5 as you do not need to submit a research proposal or find a supervisor when you apply for the degree. The first year of professional doctorate programs is coursework and you develop your research proposal during this year.

Step 2: Align your research interest with VU's research strengths

We provide opportunities for specialisation and cross-disciplinary research. Align your research interests with one of our seven areas of research strength. These areas are the focus of innovative work undertaken by our Institutes and Research Centres and through faculty based research. 

We encourage applications that are aligned to our University and Faculty areas of strength.

Step 3: Prepare a research proposal

Prepare your research proposal for submission with your application. Your research proposal should be 1-2 typed A4 pages containing:

• title
• aims
• significance of the research
• methodology and research techniques
• facilities and equipment required

If you do not have an initial proposal or research question, contact a potential supervisor in your field to discuss your options. There may be an opportunity to work on a component of an existing project.

Step 4: Find a supervisor

Research supervision is central to completing a degree by research. An academic with research strengths and interests similar to yours will supervise your project and support you during your degree.  We will help you find a supervisor to meet your needs and project requirements.

The coordinators of each area of research strength and postgraduate research coordinators in the school or Faculty relevant to you can help you find a potential supervisor. Each school has a school staff list so you can identify registered supervisors, their research interests and strengths. 

Make sure you contact a potential supervisor and discuss your research proposal before submitting your application. A potential supervisor may be able to assist you by suggesting a possible project for your research.

Step 5: Submit your application

Applications for research degrees are accepted throughout the year, but the main commencement times are February-March and July-August each year.

Applications dependent on a scholarship

Please inform us if your application is dependent on you receiving a scholarship as you will need to submit your application through the scholarship application process. This process normally closes in late October each year.

International applicants

If you are an international applicant you must apply using the international student application process. Please submit your application as early as possible to allow time for it to be assessed and other arrangements finalised. 

Australian applicants

For Australian students the relevant application form can be found with the information on the degree (Masters by Research, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or professional doctorates).  To be considered for the available places in a given semester you must submit your application by the closing date.

Semester 1 closing date: 27 January 2012

Semester 2 closing date: 29 June 2012

Applications that satisfy the entry requirements will be ranked on the basis of merit and you will be informed whether there is a place available for you.

Admission with advanced candidature

Admission with advanced candidature is available so long as you:

• have been admitted for candidature at another university for the project proposed in your application to VU
• satisfy the degree entry requirements and selection criteria for VU
• are not within 12 months of the maximum duration of the degree
• will be enrolled for a minimum of six months before submitting your thesis for examination

Step 6: Enrolment and commencement

If you are offered a place in a research degree we will confirm the date for enrolment.  Enrolment and commencement generally occurs in February-March and July-August each year, although arrangements can be made to commence at other times.

If you are an Australian resident with a full-fee paying place you can apply for FEE-HELP government assistance. If you qualify for an Australian government funded place under the Research Training Scheme you will not be required to pay course fees.  Alternatively, you may be eligible for a scholarship for research students to assist with the cost of your degree. In some instances a fee waiver may be granted. This generally occurs if you have won a Faculty, University or external stipend scholarship and there is no provision for course fees.

PhD and Masters by Research

For PhD and Masters by research, students' initial admission is to the pre-candidature phase, which usually continues for the first 6 months (effective full time) of enrolment. Your candidature must be approved before you become an official candidate for the degree in which you are enrolled. Your ongoing enrolment is also provisional until your candidature is approved.

Professional doctorate 

For professional doctorate students initial admission is to the coursework component of the degree and progression to the research phase of the degree is subject to your satisfactory performance in the coursework.

International students

If you are an international student you should also see International students and contact Victoria University International as additional requirements apply.

Contact us

If you require further information please contact the Office for Postgraduate Research or the Faculty relevant to your area of study.