This page outlines how to apply for a higher degree by research program.
You may also wish to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships are applied for separately.
How to apply
Get ready to submit your application for an HDR program
- Select a program, review the entry requirements and Higher Degree by Research Fee Information
- Review the Higher Degree by Research Admission and Enrolment - Guidelines.
- Speak with a potential HDR supervisor and seek their support for your project.
- Review the Intellectual property - Academic Policy and Intellectual Property: Student IP – Procedures to understand that the University owns IP created by Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students during their studies as a condition of their enrolment
- Develop a Research Proposal in collaboration with your HDR supervisor. A good proposal shows you have a clear vision of the research topic and frames your project.
- Apply for your chosen program.
Apply
Am I a domestic applicant?
You are a Domestic applicant if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Australian citizen; or
- New Zealand citizen; or
- Australian permanent residency visa holder; or
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
Domestic applicants will be assessed for a tuition fee offset scholarship as part of their application to program.
Step 1: Prepare supporting documentation
1a) Research Proposal
- Prepare using the template provided above and in collaboration with your HDR supervisor
1b) Evidence of all academic qualifications
- Official academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Transcripts must include a key to grading
- If you are including academic qualifications from universities outside of Australia the documents must be provided both original language (if not English) and an official English translation must be provided. UniSC reserves the right to request a Certified copy(s) of these documents if deemed required.
1c) Evidence of research publications
- Abstract (in English)
- Copy of the front page of the published article
- Link to the article's location
1d) Evidence of Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency
- Birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate, or visa
Step 2: Submit your application
- Attach supporting documents to the online application when prompted
Timeline
Please see section 4.2 of the Higher Degrees by Research Admission and Enrolment – Guidelines
Questions?
If you have any questions after submitting your application please contact the Graduate Research School.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 5456 5595
Am I am International applicant?
You are an International applicant, if you do not fall into any of the following categories:
- Australian citizen; or
- New Zealand citizen; or
- Australian permanent residency visa holder; or
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
Step 1: Prepare supporting documentation
1a) Research Proposal
- Prepare using the template provided above and in collaboration with your HDR supervisor
1b) Evidence of all academic qualifications
- Official academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Transcripts must include a key to grading
- If you are including academic qualifications from universities outside of Australia the documents must be provided both original language (if not English) and an official English translation must be provided. UniSC reserves the right to request a Certified copy(s) of these documents if deemed required.
1c) Evidence of research publications
- Abstract (in English)
- Copy of the front page of the published article
- Link to the article's location
1d) Evidence of Citizenship
- Birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate, or visa
1e) Evidence of English Language Proficiency
- A list of tests / preparations that are accepted by UniSC are listed on the English Language Requirements webpage (see "HDR" column on tables 1 and 3)
- Evidence of meeting ELP must be valid for application submission as well as proposed Start Date (if proof of ELP expires prior to Start Date the applicant will be required to re-take test/preparation, etc)
- Applications that do not include evidence of meeting UniSC's ELP Requirement will not be progressed.
Step 2: Review International tuition fees
International applicants must be aware of International HDR tuition costs, review on 2026 International student tuition fees
Step 3: Submit your application
- Attach supporting documents to the online application when prompted
Timeline
Please see section 4.2 of the Higher Degrees by Research Admission and Enrolment – Guidelines
Questions
If you have any questions after submitting your application, please contact the Graduate Research School
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 5456 5595
When a complete application is received by the Graduate Research School it is recorded and then sent to the proposed School/Enrolling Unit for assessment. The Dean, Graduate Research School will make all final admission decisions.
Successful applicants will receive an Offer for Admission. If all information is acceptable, the applicant will Accept their Offer.
Following acceptance of the offer, the Graduate Research School will notify Student Services who will organise enrolment. New students will receive an email from Student Services with enrolment details. For more information on the program after your acceptance of offer, please visit Graduate Research at UniSC.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive advice from the Graduate Research School following complete assessment of their application.
HDR Scholarship Opportunities
Explore Scholarship Opportunities to support support you during your HDR program. UniSC offers living stipend, tuition fee offset and top up scholarships. Prior to submitting your HDR program application, ensure you are familiar with the scholarship application due date and requirements.
Please note that Program applications and Scholarship applications are completed separately.
Contact the Graduate Research School
Tel: +61 7 5456 5595
Email: [email protected] (current students) or [email protected] (future students)
Visit the Graduate Research School office on the ground floor of the Innovation Centre (Room 72) on the Sunshine Coast campus.
School specific contacts