You can apply for a research degree via our online application form.
First you'll need to:
- make sure you meet the entry and English language requirements
- find a supervisor
- prepare your supporting documents
- complete your research proposal.
Then you can submit your expression of interest (EOI) via the online form. If successful, you'll receive an invitation to submit your final application. It usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks from submitting your EOI until you receive your admission outcome.
If you're applying in the annual scholarship round, it may take longer to receive your outcome. Make sure you check the eligibility and dates for applying for a research scholarship.
For an assessment of your eligibility for a research course, including your English proficiency, submit your EOI. General eligibility requirements are below.
Already submitted your expression of interest and application? Find out what happens next, including important information for international students.
Academic entry requirements
You'll need to show that you are prepared for research studies. You can do this by providing evidence of:
- your research experience
- your university degree
- meeting the English language requirements.
Use our research degree eligibility check tool to find out if you're likely to meet the requirements for your chosen course.
Check your academic eligibility
Find all course entry requirements, including English language requirements, detailed under each of our research courses:
Do I need to meet English language requirements?
Students should check the course entry requirements, where you'll find a specialised guide to countries and qualifications which meet the requirements. The guide will help you decide if you need to take an English language proficiency test.
You'll need to meet the English language requirements prior to submitting your expression of interest. We recommend booking a test as soon as possible.
We accept test results from:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-based)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
If you are registering for a TOEFL test, you can organise to send your results directly to us. Our TOEFL institution code is 9778.
| English test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. | 176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| IELTS Academic / IELTS One Skills Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT / Paper | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Do I need to use a QUT representative to apply?
We assess the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements for all international applicants as part of the Australian Government's simplified student visa framework (SSVF). This places greater responsibility on the University to ensure student visa applicants are genuine students and have access to sufficient funds to cover their study and living expenses for the duration of their stay in Australia.
The QUT Application Portal is configured to determine if you must apply through an approved QUT representative in your country of residence. If you do need to, you will not be able to continue with your application in the QUT Application Portal.
If you are self-funded, we may request additional information to help assess your eligibility.
If your country of citizenship is listed below, you will need to use a QUT official representative to lodge your application. Some agents may charge a fee.
You can find a representative near you. If there is no QUT representative in your country of residence, you will need to select the closest one to you.
Africa
All countries
Middle East
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Yemen
Asia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- North Korea (DPRK)
- Mongolia
- Myanmar (Burma)
Europe
- Russia
- Ukraine
North America
- Nicaragua
This list is subject to change. Australian sanction laws enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Australian Autonomous sanctions regimes. Up to date details on country specific sanctions can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Find a supervisor in your research area
Start by exploring our research strengths and our experts to find research areas aligned to your skills and interests.
Explore all areas of focus and research strengths
Contact your proposed supervisor
Once you're identified your research area, contact a QUT researcher with relevant experience and ask if they are willing to supervise your project.
Not all academics at QUT are available to supervise research students, so contact your preferred potential supervisor early to check their availability. You'll need your proposed supervisor's written support before you can submit your expression of interest.
Your supervisory team are the most important people you'll work with while you're researching. You'll meet with them regularly, and they'll provide support and guidance throughout your project.
Find a research topic
As part of your application, you must propose a research topic and develop a research proposal.
You can search our student topics database for available research projects or propose your own research topic.
Your research proposal
Your research proposal must be uploaded with your expression of interest. It is a key requirement of your application. Writing a research proposal is an essential step in defining and conveying your research interests and goals.
We recommend that you align your research project and proposal to one of your key research areas.
Once you have your proposed supervisor's written agreement to support your project, work with them to develop your research proposal.
Preparing your proposal
Each of our research areas has individual criteria for a research proposal.
Find the template for your research area.
Business
You must use the Faculty of Business and Law research proposal template (DOCX file, 96.3 KB) if your research relates to:
- accountancy
- advertising, marketing and public relations
- economics and finance
- management.
Consult your supervisor for advice and write your own research proposal using this template.
Creative industries
You must use the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice research proposal template (DOCX file, 99.7 KB) if your research will be hosted by the:
- School of Communication
- School of Creative Arts
- School of Design.
Education
You must use the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice research proposal template (DOCX file, 99.7 KB) if your research will be hosted by the:
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education
- School of Teacher Education and Leadership.
Engineering
Use the Faculty of Engineering research proposal template (DOCX file, 193.3 KB) if your research relates to:
- architecture, including landscape architecture and interior design
- built environment
- engineering (civil, electrical, environmental, mechanical, medical and process)
- robotics.
Work with your supervisor to align your proposal with our engineering discipline requirements.
Health
You must use the Faculty of Health research proposal template (DOCX file, 87.5 KB) if your research will be hosted by the:
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
- School of Clinical Sciences (including Optometry and Vision Sciences)
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- School of Nursing
- School of Public Health and Social Work.
You must use the School of Psychology and Counselling research proposal template (DOCX file, 754.4 KB) if your research will be hosted within this school including MAIC-QUT/AVR3.
Justice
You must use the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice research proposal template (DOCX file, 99.7 KB) if your research will be hosted by the School of Justice.
Law
You must use the Faculty of Business and Law research proposal template (DOCX file, 96.3 KB) if your research will be hosted by the School of Law.
Write your own research proposal using the template.
Science
You must use the Faculty of Science research proposal template (DOCX file, 96.1 KB) if your research relates to:
- biology
- chemistry and physics
- computer science
- earth and atmospheric sciences
- environmental science
- information systems
- mathematical sciences.
Work with your supervisor to align your proposal with our science discipline requirements.
Your expression of interest
In your expression of interest, you need to:
- provide all your personal and academic information
- upload evidence of support from your proposed supervisor
- provide your English language certification (check your course requirements)
- write a summary of your research project explaining (in maximum 500 characters per item):
- project objectives
- overview of research topic
- proposed methods
- potential for industry engagement (if relevant)
- previous research experience.
- upload your academic records
- upload your CV
- upload proof of your citizenship or residence
- upload your research proposal.
Required documentation
Academic records
If you have undertaken study at QUT or any other Australian university listed as a QualSearch participating institution you don't need to submit these academic records, as we can verify them online.
If you have studied at other institutions, either international or not listed on the Australian QualSearch participating institutions, you must submit at the expression of interest:
- a high-resolution copy of your academic transcripts, award certificate, or other evidence of completion
- the grading scale of your university (this may be on the back page of your transcript)
- if the documents are in a language other than English, you must also provide an official English translation.
English language certification
If you've completed any English language course or test to meet the English language requirements for your course, you must provide evidence. If you’re applying for a QUT scholarship, you’ll need to provide the evidence with your expression of interest.
CV (curriculum vitae) or resume
Your resume should outline your relevant research activities, including:
- research-related employment
- research publications
- other research achievements.
Include any documents that demonstrate proof of your research activities and abilities.
You can follow our guide to formatting a curriculum vitae (PDF file, 156.58 KB).
Employment experience
If professional experience is an entry requirement for your course, or you believe it will add to your application, you must provide statements from your employers.
These statements should be on company letterhead, be signed and dated, and include:
- your position title and duties
- whether you were employed full time, or the full-time equivalent you worked
- the dates you were employed.
Proof of residence or citizenship
Provide a certified copy of either:
- the relevant pages of your passport
- your birth certificate
- your certificate of citizenship.
Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
If you're applying for a scholarship for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, you'll need to provide confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent before your scholarship can start. Find out more about confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent via the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies website.
I’ve changed my name
You must provide evidence of your name change, such as your marriage certificate or deed poll, if:
- the name you provide on your application form is different to the name on any supporting official documents
- you have official documents issued in more than one name.
Different study arrangements
Depending on the circumstances of your proposed research degree, you may need to provide further documentation to help us process your application.
I've organised to do a PhD or masters as part of an international partner agreement
Your application may be linked to an existing international agreement that will allow you to study jointly at QUT and another leading university overseas.
You should discuss this agreement with your potential supervisor and get their help to complete an individual student agreement. If you need a copy of this agreement, email hdrpartners@qut.edu.au
Read the collaborative Higher Degree Research programs student guide (PDF file, 232KB) for more information.
I’m being supported by an external organisation
If your research is being supported by an organisation external to QUT, a person authorised by the organisation needs to supply a statement indicating the support the organisation will provide.
I want to transfer to QUT from another university
If you want to transfer to research at QUT, you still need to complete a full application. You'll also need to provide an official letter from your university that includes:
- degree or course type
- thesis topic
- milestone dates
- start date of candidature and consumed load
- maximum candidature date
- if domestic, your Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset entitlements
- scholarship commencement, if you hold a scholarship
- approved leave of absence dates
- withdrawal date
- completion date of confirmation process
- confirmation that there are no encumbrances to the intellectual property the student will be utilising in the QUT project
You must also supply:
- the name of your former principal supervisor
- the reason you're transferring
- your most recent progress report
- ethics approval, if applicable. Either attach your prior ethics approval, or details of any QUT ethics approval applications in progress.
When should I apply?
Usually you receive your outcome 6-8 weeks after you've submitted your expression of interest. If you apply during the scholarship round, it may take longer.
If you have to apply for an Australian visa to study, you will need an offer of admission first. We recommend you submit your application at least 6-7 months before you intend to start the degree.
When should I apply for a scholarship?
Check the opening and closing dates for the scholarships you are interested in and follow the advice about applying for a research scholarship.
I want to research in creative industries or education
Creative industries and education have specific dates when you can submit your expression of interest. These dates relate to admission only. If you want to apply for a scholarship, follow the advice about applying for a research scholarship and check the relevant scholarship application dates so you apply at the right time.
Creative industries
PhD and Master of Philosophy
You'll start your research degree at the beginning of either Semester 1 or Semester 2 so that you can complete compulsory coursework.
Submit your expression of interest:
- between 14 June and 31 October to start in Semester 1 of the following year
- between 1 February and 31 May to start in Semester 2 of the same year.
Education
PhD
We recommend you submit your expression of interest 6-7 months before your proposed start date.
Master of Philosophy
You'll start your research degree in January so that you can complete compulsory coursework.
Submit your expression of interest between 14 June and 31 October to start in January of the following year.
Doctor of Education
You'll start your research degree in January. Submit your expression of interest between 14 June and 31 October to start studying next year.
Scholarships
If you want to apply for a QUT scholarship, check your eligibility and the deadlines for applying.
Applying for a research scholarship
Explore our research scholarships
International students
International students can find out about the costs of studying a research degree below. When you apply for a visa, you may need to provide evidence to the Australian government of your financial capacity for paying to live and study in Australia. We will ask you about this in your online application.
Tuition for your research degree
Find out more about how much your research degree will cost, including types of funding available, tuition details and study-related costs.
FAQs
What does an 'external study mode' mean?
Higher Degree Research (HDR) students can request approval to study externally if they are:
- supervised or supported in their research using facilities which are not QUT campuses; and/or
- located away from Brisbane (normally more than 100km distance), this includes residence interstate and overseas.
By contrast, Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are internal when they regularly meet with their supervisory team face-to-face on campus and they live in the greater Brisbane metropolitan area.
External students must be supported by an external supervisor and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between QUT and the external supervisor is required.
International students on a Student Visa studying in Australia are not permitted to be enrolled externally. External students are not eligible for some Higher Degree Research scholarships.
Do applicants need to provide evidence of meeting English language requirements?
Evidence of meeting English language requirements is required for admission into QUT's higher degree research courses.
QUT is unable to provide a preliminary assessment of English language proficiency, it will be assessed at the same time as your Expression of Interest. If you are applying for a scholarship in the QUT Scholarship Round, you must submit your Expression of Interest and evidence of meeting QUT's English language requirements before the submission deadline.
If you are applying for admission only (no Scholarship), you may provide evidence of English language requirements after you submit your Expression of Interest, but this needs to be provided at the time of acceptance of the admission offer.
Where can I locate information about Higher Degree Research (HDR) international agreements and Joint PhDs?
A joint award is where the student is enrolled at QUT and simultaneously enrolled in the same program (eg. PhD) at an overseas institution. The student completes only one thesis that is examined at both institutions. A minimum of one year (for doctorates) is spent at each institution. There is usually an established relationship between universities and it is expected that a cohort of students will be sourced from the overseas institution. As a general rule, QUT will not establish a Joint PhD/Masters for only one student. Information is available for staff: https://qutvirtual4.qut.edu.au/group/staff/research/higher-degree-research/admissions-enrolment-fees/collaborative-hdr-programs-exchange. If you do not have a QUT staff account speak to your supervisor/prosective supervisor if you are interested in a joint award.
Most Joint PhDs take between 3-4 years to complete. However, some overseas institutions expect students to undertake coursework subjects (units) as part of their award. The coursework undertaken overseas does not normally count towards the time for completion of the Joint award.
All Joint PhD and Joint Masters students must be in constant contact with their supervisory team at QUT irrespective of where they are located. When they have completed their research at QUT, and are ready to go to the partner university, they must advise QUT formally via email to hdr@qut.edu.au and provide details of their movements e.g. date they will leave Australia, date of return (if any). For international students at QUT, they must also complete the QUT Travel Registration and Approval form.
Currently enrolled students must not have completed more than 1 year (full time equivalent) for doctorates or 9 months for Masters to be considered for admission into the joint award.The first point of contact for any queries is hdrpartners@qut.edu.au where staff can assist students and staff in determining which agreements are in place, advise on the contact details of the faculty champion/s and direct you to sources of further information.
Potential Joint PhD/Masters students must first discuss this option with their supervisor. Individual Student Agreements (Part B) must be completed by applicants and attached to any application for admission. Part Bs can be obtained from hdrpartners@qut.edu.au. All Joint PhDs/Masters must be approved prior to the admission of the student into the program. Note that QUT does not have joint PhDs/Masters with any other Australian university.
How do applicants apply for admission to a PhD that is part of a pre-existing International Partner Agreement?
Applicants need to include a completed Individual Student Agreement (Part B) with their application for admission. This needs to be signed off by a nominee from the overseas university or institution. To obtain an Individual Student Agreement (Part B) please email hdrpartners@qut.edu.au.
Note: International Partner Agreements are established agreements between QUT and an overseas university or institution for applicants applying for Joint, split, double and other higher degree research awards (Further information is available via: https://qutvirtual4.qut.edu.au/group/staff/research/higher-degree-research/admissions-enrolment-fees/collaborative-hdr-programs-exchange - QUT staff access only).
Do I need to speak another language to undertake a Joint PhD?
It is advisable to check with the overseas institution regarding their language requirements. However, in many areas (especially in business and science) research groups conduct discussions in English.
QUT has an English language requirement for admission to higher degree research courses. For non English speakers, QUT offers English preparation programs for potential international applicants and also provides continuing international students with English language writing support.
When should I begin my research studies?
Although an Higher Degree Research (HDR) student can begin their studies at any time, your start date is often determined by the discipline-specific coursework units you are required to enrol in. Discuss your proposed start date with your supervisor and faculty to agree on the most suitable date.
Can I apply for a Higher Degree Research course if I haven’t yet finished my current degree?
You may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a research course before completing your current degree, in these circumstances:
- If you are currently enrolled in a research degree (for example a Master of Philosophy) we suggest you wait to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) until you have lodged your thesis for examination.
- If you are currently enrolled in a coursework degree you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) once you are in your final semester of study.
However, if you want to be considered in QUT's Annual Scholarship Round, you need to meet the advertised deadlines, available on the applying for a research scholarship page.
If you are successful in receiving an offer of admission, it will be conditional on you completing your current degree.
Who owns my Intellectual Property?
In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, QUT recognises that students personally own intellectual property (IP) that they generate in the course of their studies and research.
The ownership of student IP is set out in the MOPP Intellectual Property Policy.
Further information for enrolled students is available via: https://qutvirtual4.qut.edu.au/group/research-students/conducting-research/copyright-and-intellectual-property
If students have questions around the assignment of IP, ownership of IP or agreements related to IP, they should speak with their supervisor.
Can prospective Higher Degree Research (HDR) students submit multiple Expressions of Interest for admission?
Prospective Higher Degree Research (HDR) students can only submit one Expression of Interest (EOI) at a time for a QUT research degree and must wait for the outcome before they submit another EOI, however, we do not encourage more than one application for QUT research in a year.
Applicants wanting to be considered for multiple projects can upload a document detailing which projects they are interested in. This should be uploaded in the EOI in the Research Project Summary section.
What should I do if I receive an error message when trying to submit my Expression of Interest for a Higher Degree Research (HDR) course?
If the message states you must apply via an agent, then you must apply via a QUT Representative.
If it is a technical issue then please contact support@studylink.com.
Submit your expression of interest
If you've prepared your expression of interest information and collated your documents, you're ready to submit.
What happens next?
Already submitted your online expression of interest and application? Find out what happens next, including important information for international students.