Master of Arts

What will I study

How to apply

Applicants are required to complete the following four steps. Please also refer to additional information.

• Step 1. Consider entry requirements
• Step 2. Find a supervisor
• Step 3. Prepare supporting documentation
• Step 4. Complete and submit application form
• Additional information

Step 1: Consider entry requirements

There are two sets of requirements to consider, the general HDR entry requirements laid out in the Higher Degrees by Research Candidature – Procedures and additional specific program requirements which can be found here.

Entry is highly competitive and depends on:

• your academic background
• your English language proficiency (if English is not your first language, see step 4)
• the submission of a suitable research proposal
• the availability of a registered supervisor
• the availability of resources to support your proposed research topic

Step 2: Find a supervisor

Use the Research Supervisor Search to find a potential supervisor in your area of research. Contact the researcher to discuss your proposal and their availability to supervise you.

Step 3: Prepare supporting documentation

• Research Proposal. Download the Research proposal template (Word 13KB)
• Evidence of academic background  
  • Academic transcripts and completion certificates (transcripts must include a Key to Grading) - Please note, for studies completed outside of Australia you must provide certified copies of documents in the original language and an official English translation.
  • Formal notification from the qualifying university stating the allocation of marks to research component of a degree where not evident on the transcript
  • If transferring from another Australian university, a statement from your current/former university stating HDR candidature consumed to date, probationary or confirmed status, and tuition fee type
• Evidence of research publications/experience
  • For example - Abstract (in English), details of publication, copy of the front page of the article/paper, link to article's location
• Evidence of citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency
  • Birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate, or visa
• Evidence of English language proficiency (required for applicants who are not from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America)
  • Review USC’s English language requirements. Some disciplines may require a higher level of English language proficiency, as provided in the Higher Degree by Research Admission and Enrolment – Guidelines.
  • Please note that Language of Instruction will only be accepted from the countries listed above.
  • Where original documents are not provided by the test provider, applicants must be able to verify results online.

Step 4: Complete and submit an application form

Domestic applicants (Australian and New Zealand Citizens and Australian permanent residents)

• Domestic applicants apply online. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents to this system. If you need to provide the original or certified copies of documents, you can provide a copy via the online system in the first instance, however, you must also provide hard-copies to the below mailing address.

International applicants

• International applicants apply using the Application for Admission HDR (PDF 238KB) form, which must be submitted electronically. Original or certified documents must be provided as an electronic copy and then certified copies of supporting documents posted to the address below.
• The application form and supporting documentation should be submitted electronically via information@usc.edu.au. 

Graduate Research Studies Management
Office of Research – ML 26
University of the Sunshine Coast
Locked Bag 4
Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia

Additional information

HDR Program admission deadlines to be eligible to be considered in the Current Research Training Program Scholarship round can be found under Additional information for HDR Applicants. Only complete applications will be considered (including original or certified copies of supporting documents for international applicants).

Complete applications take approximately 6-8 weeks to be processed (this may vary during peak periods). Applications can be accepted at any time, however applications must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the nominated commencement date. International applicants should be mindful of extra time required to organise a visa when nominating a commencement date, and should allow an additional 3 months).

• Submit your Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship application by the scholarship closing date.

  *One of the eligibility criteria is that applicants must have been accepted to enrol in a HDR program at USC. Therefore, below are recommended deadlines for submitting Admissions Applications:

  • International applicants - Sunday, 28 July 2019
  • Domestic applicants - Sunday, 15th September 2019

    If you do not submit your Admission Application by the above date and you do not receive an Offer for Admission before 13 October, you will be ineligible for the RTP Scholarship and your application will not be considered.

• Additional information is available for International students.
• Only complete applications will be considered (including original or certified copies of supporting documents for international applicants).
• Complete applications take approximately 6-8 weeks to be processed (this may vary during peak periods).
• Applications can be accepted at any time, however applications must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the nominated commencement date. International applicants should be mindful of extra time required to organise a visa when nominating a commencement date.

Admission process

•  The Office of Research receives the complete application:
  • Domestic applications
    1. Are sent to the enrolling School for their assessment and admission decision
    2. The School returns their admission decision to the Office of Research which advises the student if they have been accepted for admission(by issuing a Letter of Offer and a Description of Candidature), or if they have been unsuccessful
    3. Successful applicants provide the Office of Research with their Acceptance of Offer
    4. The Office of Research advises Student Services and Engagement to enrol the student
    5. Student Services and Engagement provides the student with their enrolment and system access details
  • International applications
    1. Are sent to USC International for assessment of international qualifications and English language proficiency
    2. Forwarded to the enrolling School for an assessment and admission decision.
    3. The School returns their admission decision to the Office of Research, which then liaises with USC International to issue an offer to successful applicants, or
    4. the Office of Research advises unsuccessful applicants.
    5. Successful applicants advise USC International if they accept the offer
    6. The Office of Research enrols the student through Student Services and Engagement
    7. Student Services and Engagement advises the student of their enrolment and provides system access details

Need help?

• Visit Student Central  to find instant answers to frequently asked questions, or to lodge a more specific question
• Email information@usc.edu.au for other enquiries