Apply for graduate research

How to apply for a research degree

Step 1: Select a suitable study level

We offer four research degrees with varying durations and coursework requirements (two master research degrees, PhD Integrated and PhD). Your area's research institute will decide which course is the best match for your current qualifications and discipline background. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) courses have an 'Integrated' option to pathway into PhD study.

The Institute for Health & Sport specialises in sport, medical, social and policy research:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated PhD)
• Master of Research
• Master of Applied Research.

The Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities incorporates a broad range of disciplines, including arts, business, education, engineering, law, science and economics:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated PhD)
• Master of Research
• Master of Applied Research.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

• You will need to meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission. 
• You will need to demonstrate a capacity to undertake significant research in your chosen field.
• If your previous qualifications are from an overseas institution, your application will be assessed for equivalence to Australian Higher Education Degrees.

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) eligibility

Assess your HDR eligibility with our online self-assessment tool.

Step 3: Identify a priority Field of Research (FoR) code & supervisor

Field of Research (FoR) code

You must include the FoR code in your application and research proposal (see Step 4: Prepare your research proposal) which closely aligns with your area of research.

Applications across all codes listed will be considered, however priority will be given to Priority FoR codes. You may only select one code from the following list:

Priority FoR codes:

• 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language and historical
• 4502 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education
• 4504 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing
• 4505 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society and community
• 5201 - Applied and developmental psychology
• 3801 - Applied economics
• 4901 - Applied mathematics
• 4602 - Artificial intelligence
• 3101 - Biochemistry and cell biology
• 3302 - Building
• 4004 - Chemical engineering
• 4005 - Civil engineering
• 5203 - Clinical and health psychology
• 3504 - Commercial services
• 4402 - Criminology
• 4702 - Cultural studies
• 3901 - Curriculum and Pedagogy
• 4606 - Distributed computing and systems software
• 3103 - Ecology
• 3903 - Education systems
• 4008 - Electrical engineering
• 3006 - Food sciences
• 4303 - Historical studies
• 4609 - Information systems
• 4017 - Mechanical engineering
• 3208 - Medical physiology
• 4205 - Nursing
• 3210 - Nutrition and Dietetics
• 4519 - Other Indigenous data, methodogies and global Indigenous studies
• 4407 - Policy and Administration
• 4206 - Public Health
• 5205 - Social and personality psychology
• 4410 - Sociology
• 3904 - Specialist studies in education
• 4207 - Sports science and exercise
• 3508 - Tourism

Accreditation FoR codes:

• 3501 - Accounting, Auditing and Accountability
• 4801 - Commercial Law
• 4802 - Environmental and resources law
• 4803 - International and comparative law
• 4804 - Law in context
• 4805 - Legal systems
• 4806 - Private law and civil obligations
• 4807 - Public law
• 4409 - Social Work

Emerging Priority FoR codes:

• 4603 - Computer vision and multimedia computation
• 3902 - Education, policy sociology and philosophy
• 4009 - Electronics, sensors and digital hardware
• 3204 - Immunology
• 3507 - Strategy, management and organisational behaviour
• 3509 - Transportation, logistics and supply chain

Applicants must include the FoR code in their research proposal (Step 4: Prepare your research proposal).

Identifying a supervisor

Supervisors are active researchers working within VU's institutes and research centres. They provide guidance and support throughout your research.

It is important to identify a supervisor that shares an interest in your research topic.

Refer to the 'find a researcher' search for a supervisor and their contact details.

You must contact a supervisor and receive in principle approval for your research project. In order to submit evidence of this approval, you will need to include the completed HDR prospective supervisor form when you apply for a research degree.

• HDR prospective supervisor form (PDF, 551.45 KB)

 Please note the following information before lodging your application:

• you should understand course structure requirements, including research preparatory coursework units
• if you do not submit the HDR prospective supervisor form your application will not be considered
• the Institute makes final determination and approval for appropriate supervision for the proposed research
• you must provide a Field of Research Code or your application will not be considered
• you will need to meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission - previous qualifications from overseas institutions will be assessed for equivalence to Australian higher education degrees
• you must meet the English-language requirements.

The admissions team does not provide assistance to applicants seeking a supervisor.

Step 4: Prepare your research proposal

All graduate research applicants are required to prepare a research proposal for submission. Your research proposal should be 1-2 pages (typed, A4), with the recommended word lengths:

• nominated Field of Research code
• research project title
• name and institute of your nominated principal supervisor and associate supervisor (on the title page)
• research questions, aims and field of research (200–300 words) 
• significance of the research (200 words)
• methodology and research techniques (400 words)
• an indication of how your project is informed by the literature (5–10 scholarly references; 200–300 words, plus reference list)
• facilities and equipment required.

This initial proposal gives us an understanding of your research interests. Study in the early stages of your research degree may lead to changes. In some cases, your supervisor(s) may suggest a project linked with both of your interests.

Step 5: Submit your application

Domestic applicants

Domestic applicants refers to Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand citizens.

To apply, refer to 'Step 1- Select a suitable study level' and click the relevant course link.

If the course is open for applications you will see an 'Apply' button on the course page. Use this to begin the application process.

If the 'apply' button isn't present, use the enquiry form to express interest and ask to be notified when applications open.

During the application, you'll need to include:

• academic transcripts*
• qualification certificates
• research proposal – including supervisor's name and priority FoR (as above)*
• 200-word personal statement (see following) – include your reasons for wanting to undertake this research, and your academic path or trajectory
• up-to-date CV
• two written academic references – letters from previous lecturers or supervisors, including their titles, institutions and contact details (no template available)
• signed HDR prospective supervisor form (you are required to seek in-principle support of supervision), available below*.

*These documents must be uploaded in your application.

• HDR prospective supervisor form (PDF, 551.45 KB)

• 200-word personal statement (PDF, 70.83 KB)

All domestic applicants will be considered for an Australian government-funded place under the Research Training Program (RTP). Please note, should your enrolment exceed the funded period of support, you may incur the tuition fees at the yearly rate per semester enrolment. 

If your application is successful, you will receive a formal offer via email from our Admissions team. Please proceed to Step 6.

International applicants

Submit your application through Victoria University International.

As part of our admissions guidelines for all applicants, we ask that you contact a supervisor and receive an in-principle approval from that supervisor before you submit your application.

In order to submit evidence of this approval, you will need to include the HDR prospective supervisor form (see following) when you first contact a supervisor.

You will need to supply the following when you apply:

• academic transcripts*
• qualification certificates
• research proposal – including supervisor's name and priority FoR (as above)*
• 200-word personal statement – include your reasons for wanting to undertake this research, and your academic path or trajectory
• up-to-date CV
• two written academic references – letters from previous lecturers or supervisors, including their titles, institutions and contact details (no template available)
• signed HDR prospective supervisor form (you are required to seek in-principle support of supervision), available below*.

*These documents must be uploaded in your application.

• HDR prospective supervisor form (PDF, 551.45 KB)

• 200-word personal statement (PDF, 70.83 KB)

If your application is successful, you will receive a formal Letter of Offer sent by VU International. Please proceed to Step 6.

Please be aware of the relevant deadlines for off-shore and on-shore applications.

All applicants – admission with advanced candidature

If you are currently enrolled in a higher degree by research with another institution, and would like to transfer to VU, you may be eligible for admission with advanced candidature.

Applicants must upload the advanced candidature supervisor form, completed by their prospective supervisor, as part of their application for admission. Applications will not be considered if this is incomplete or not submitted as part of the application process.

• Application for advanced candidature (PDF, 356.01 KB)

• Advanced candidature supervisor form (PDF, 195.64 KB)

Step 6: Enrolment & commencement

Research Period 1, 2025

17 February 2025

Prior to accepting the offer for the enrolling degree, ensure you view the course timetable for Research Period 1, 2025 to see class attendance dates and times:

• Research Masters – Research Period 1, 2025 Timetable (PDF, 581.09 KB)

• PhD (Integrated): Year 1 Program – Research Period 1 2025 Timetable (PDF, 768.51 KB)

• PhD Coursework Units: Research Period 1, 2025 (PDF, 212.75 KB)

Research Period 2, 2025

28 July 2025

Prior to accepting the offer for the enrolling degree, ensure you view the course timetable for Research Period 2, 2025 to see class attendance dates and times:

• Research Masters – Research Period 2, 2025 Timetable (PDF, 581.05 KB)

• PhD (Integrated): Year 1 Program – Research Period 2, 2025 Timetable (PDF, 760.59 KB)

• PhD Coursework Units: Research Period 2, 2025 (PDF, 217.13 KB)

Applicants who are made an offer and accept must present in Melbourne by the stipulated enrolment date (in the letter of offer).

VU Research will not normally accept a deferral of an offer to the next Research Period.

Students are enrolled for 365 days of the year.

Once enrolled, talk to your supervisor about the VU Doctoral Internship Program.