Apply for graduate research

How to apply for a research degree

Step 1: Select a suitable study level

We offer five research degrees with varying durations and coursework requirements (three 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
• Master of Research Practice.

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
• Master of Research Practice.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

You will need to meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission. You will also 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

Before you submit your application, you are required to nominate a FoR which most 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 ‘Prospective Supervisor’ (PDF, 62.27 KB) form when you apply for a research degree. Please note the following information before lodging your application:

• if you do not submit the 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), and include the:

• nominated Field of Research code
• title of your research proposal
• name and institute of your nominated principal supervisor and associate supervisor (on the title page)
• aims and field of research
• significance of the research
• methodology and research techniques
• 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

Australian residents

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 (PDF, 70.83 KB) – 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 Prospective Supervisor form*.

*You are required to seek in-principle support of supervision. The signed Prospective Supervisor form (PDF, 62.27 KB) must be uploaded in your application.

All domestic research 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. 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 ‘Prospective Supervisor’ form (PDF, 62.27 KB) when you first contact a supervisor.

You will also 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 (PDF, 70.83 KB) – 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)
• evidence of correspondence with VU registered academics – in which you seek in-principle support of supervision (include any responses).

If your application is successful, you will receive a formal Letter of Offer sent by VU International. Please then 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. See more information on applying for advanced candidature (PDF, 356.01 KB).

Applicants must upload the advanced candidature supervisor form (PDF, 195.64 KB), 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.

Step 6: Enrolment & commencement

Research Period 1, 2024 enrolment dates

• Master degrees and PhD (Integrated): 5 February 2024
• PhD: 19 February 2024

All applicants who are made an offer and accept must present in Melbourne by the stipulated enrolment date.

Please note, VU Research will not accept a deferral of an offer for Research Period 2, 2024. If successful, you must enrol for Research Period 1, 2024 or reapply for the Research Period 2, 2024 intake.

Master Research degrees

For domestic master by research degree applicants, initial admission is to the pre-candidature phase, which usually continues for the first 6 months effective full-time (EFT) enrolment.

Timely duration for:

• Master of Research Practice is 1 year (EFT)
• Master of Research is 1.5 years (EFT)
• Master of Applied Research is 2 years (EFT).

Your candidature must be approved before you become an official candidate for the degree. Your ongoing enrolment is also provisional until your candidature is approved.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

For PhD applicants, initial admission is to the pre-candidature phase, which usually continues for 6–9 months effective full-time (EFT) enrolment. Timely duration for a Doctor of Philosophy is 4 years EFT.

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.

You will be required to enrol in and complete two (2) core coursework units in the first semester (effective full-time). Find out more about our PhD coursework units.

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)

For PhD (Integrated) applicants, initial admission is to the Year 1 program of intensive research training with minor thesis. If you meet the requirements to progress to Years 2–4, at the conclusion of Year 1 you will proceed to the pre-candidature phase of the PhD with a fast track to candidature confirmation. This includes intensive mode delivery of the core PhD coursework unit, Conceptualising and Contextualising Research early in Year 2.

Timely duration of the PhD (Integrated) is 4 years EFT. Your PhD project and thesis should incorporate the initial research work undertaken in Year 1. Your candidature must be approved before you become an official candidate in your degree. Your ongoing enrolment is also provisional on approval of candidature.

If you entered the PhD (Integrated) via the alternative pathway, you will be eligible to exit early with a Master of Research Practice after Year One if you:

• achieve a pass mark of 50% or above in all Year 1 units, but do not fulfill the hurdle requirement (70% average across the coursework units and 70% in the Year 1 thesis); or
• do not wish to proceed to Years 2–4.