Apply for graduate research

Find a supervisor

You need to contact a supervisor for in-principle approval before you submit your application.

Our world-leading researchers are available to supervise graduates on their way to becoming the next generation of research-qualified professionals.

Undertaking a research degree at VU will enhance your career with advanced skills in research, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Our completion rates are among the highest in Australia – with students benefitting from expert supervision and training to graduate as successful, qualified researchers.

How to apply for a research degree

You must contact a supervisor and receive an in-principle approval from that supervisor before you submit your application.

The signed Prospective Supervisor form (PDF,62.27 KB)  must be uploaded in your application.

Step 3 has more details on the process of contacting a prospective supervisor.

Important dates

Find information on when to submit your application, depending on whether you are a domestic or international applicant, and discover dates that relate to both.

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

Application dates

Research Training Program Applications for Research Period 2, 2024 are now open.

Enrolment dates (all students)

Applicants who are made an offer and accept must present in Melbourne by the stipulated enrolment date: 

  • Master degrees and PhD (Integrated): 15 July 2024
  • PhD: 22 July 2024.

Coursework start dates (all students)

Commencing students are required to complete compulsory coursework units aligned to the enrolled degree, unless Advanced Standing has been approved prior to enrolment.

Coursework units start dates:

  • Master degrees and PhD (Integrated): 29 July 2024
  • PhD: 12 August 2024.

Master and PhD (Integrated) coursework units are delivered in person at Footscray Park Campus (Melbourne). Classes are normally taught during business hours – refer to New HDR candidate information to view a sample copy of a coursework timetable.

PhD coursework units are taught in hybrid delivery mode to optimise flexibility and involve a weekend intensive on campus (Footscray Park) burst learning session. Several classes will be delivered in real-time online; both units conclude with an on campus PhD Coursework Conference.

Coursework units are delivered from 29 July – 16 October 2024.

Find a researcher