Ready to apply?
Ready to apply?
If you've completed all of the steps in the application process, you're ready to submit your application.
How to submit your applicationNext steps
Already submitted your application? Find out what happens next, including important information for international students.
What happens next?Step 1: Entry requirements
Course entry requirements
Check your course information for full entry requirement details:
I don't meet the PhD requirements
If you don't meet the entry requirements but still want to study a PhD, you can:
- apply for a Master of Philosophy after discussing with your potential supervisor or faculty
- discuss your previous experience and qualifications with your potential supervisor.
English language requirements
Depending on your previous experience and qualifications, you may need to meet English language requirements. You can find your English language requirements in your course information.
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)
| English test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
| Pearson PTE (Academic) | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) | C1 | - | - | - | - |
You must take your test no more than 2 years before the start of your course.
QUT IELTS Test Centre
If you are in Australia, you can complete the IELTS proficiency exam at our IELTS test centre.
If you are registering for a TOEFL test, you can organise to send your results directly to us. Our TOEFL institution code is 9778.
International students
We now assess the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements for all international applicants as part of the Australian Government's simplified student visa framework (SSVF).
If you are self-funded, we may request additional information to help assess your eligibility.
Check if you need to use a QUT official representative (PDF file, 71.07 KB) to lodge your application. You can find a representative or agent online. Some agents may charge a fee.
Step 2: Research areas
You probably have a clear idea where your research interests lie.
Our research is conducted through our six faculties. Your proposed research project should align with one of their research focus areas.
Business
Collaborate with government and industry to find innovative solutions that benefit business and community at a local, national and global level.
Explore areas like:
- accountability, regulation and governance
- consumers, markets and stakeholders
- economics and finance
- entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy
- non-profit and social enterprise
- organisation and work.
Creative industries
Join our progressive and collaborative postgraduate community and make an original contribution to media, design or creative arts research. We believe in fostering a supportive intellectual environment that encourages our researchers to address real world problems in areas like:
- digital media, communication and culture
- innovation in the performing and digital arts
- sustainability and innovation in design.
Learn more about research in our Faculty of Creative Industries
Education
Recognised internationally as a leader in education research with a global outlook, we provide the right environment for our researchers and research students to make real progress and generate real world impact. Our research is leading the way in areas like:
- childhood in changing contexts
- teacher education and professional learning
- literacies, language, texts and technologies
- STEM education
- student engagement, learning and behaviour.
Health
Get hands-on experience with patients and students, and collaborate with government, community groups, hospitals and institutions from around the world. Your work has the potential to advance healthcare in areas including:
- behavioural neuroscience and mental health
- chronic conditions, including cancer
- healthy lifestyles, ageing and environments
- emergency care and health services
- infection and injury prevention.
Law
As our commercial, social and digital worlds continue to evolve, our laws and justice system must progress with them. Our research is helping to shape the law and guide policy reform in areas like:
- commercial and property law
- crime and justice
- health law
- intellectual property and innovation law
- international law and global governance.
Science and engineering
From robotics to biomedical engineering, we are leading the way with research that will contribute significantly to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of people across the globe. It’s exciting, world-changing work happening in areas like:
- chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering
- civil engineering and built environment
- earth environmental and biological sciences
- electrical engineering and computer science
- information systems
- mathematical sciences.
Learn more about research in our Science and Engineering Faculty
Step 3: Supervision and topics
Find a supervisor
Each faculty has a specific process for finding a supervisor. Some faculties want to know more about your proposed research topic before you apply for your degree.
Creative Industries Faculty
Explore the Creative Industries Faculty's research to identify an area of research and a potential supervisor. Connect with a supervisor by email to see if they're able to supervise you.
For more information, email ci.hdr@qut.edu.au or phone 3138 3716.
School of Communication
If you're applying to the School of Communication, contact their Research Training Coordinator, Peta Mitchell, or complete an expression of interest form online.
When you complete the expression of interest, you'll also need to provide:
- your CV
- a two-page research proposal
- a writing sample (for example, a thesis, any published material, or a conference paper).
The school will complete an initial review of your expression of interest. Based on this, they'll see if there is a suitable supervisor with the capacity to support your project. The school will recommend whether you should submit a formal application or not.
Faculty of Education
Explore the Faculty of Education's research to identify an area of research that you're interested in. To find out more about available supervisors, submit an enquiry form, and provide your CV and preferred research topic.
You'll be matched with a supervisor if your research degree application is successful.
For more information, email edn.research@qut.edu.au or call 3138 3041.
Faculty of Law
Contact the Faculty of Law at law.research@qut.edu.au and request to be matched with a supervisor.
They'll send you a form where you can outline your research interests and experience. You'll also need to submit:
- your CV
- any academic transcripts
- a two-page research proposal.
The faculty will complete an initial review of your expression of interest. Based on this, they'll see if there is a suitable supervisor with the capacity to support your project. The faculty will recommend whether you should submit a formal application or not.
For more information, email law.research@qut.edu.au or call 3138 2712.
Faculty of Health
Explore the Faculty of Health's research to identify an area of research and a potential supervisor. They prefer you to identify a potential supervisor before you apply for your research degree.
If you're having trouble finding a suitable supervisor, email health.research@qut.edu.au to request an expression of interest form. The expression of interest will help the faculty find you a suitable supervisor who can help you develop your research proposal before you apply. You'll also need to submit:
- your CV
- any academic transcripts.
For more information, email health.research@qut.edu.au or call 3138 8290.
QUT Business School
Explore the Business School's research to identify an area of research area that you're interested in. You should align your research project and proposal to one of the faculty's key research areas.
We recommend that you explore the faculty's research projects and academic staff to find at least one potential supervisor for your research degree.
If you can't find a supervisor, the faculty will attempt to find one for you if your research degree application is successful.
For more information, email bus.research@qut.edu.au or call 3138 1407.
Science and Engineering Faculty
Explore the Science and Engineering Faculty's research to identify an area of research and a potential supervisor. You'll need to name a potential supervisor on your degree application.
If you're having trouble finding a suitable supervisor, email sef.research@qut.edu.au and let them know about your research interests, academic results and research experience, and they'll attempt to find a supervisor for you.
For more information, email sef.research@qut.edu.au or call 3138 4783.
I want to work with a supervisor from another institution
To include a supervisor who is not a QUT staff member on your supervisory team, you must have approval from QUT.
Submit an external supervisor memorandum with your application.
Your supervisor's role
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.
Our supervisor accreditation scheme ensures that your supervisor will be prepared to give you the highest quality support.
Choosing your research topic
Discussing your research interests early in the application process will make completing your application and research proposal much easier.
You'll need to propose a thesis title and include it in your application. This title may be tentative only; we understand that it may change as your research progresses.
Scoping your research project
Some research is more expensive to conduct or may require resources or time that's beyond the scope of your degree. It's important to consider:
- how your proposed project will be funded (for example, funding for fieldwork or lab equipment)
- use of infrastructure at QUT or preferred partners
- your degree timeframe.
Find out more about the support and infrastructure we offer.
Contact your faculty if you want to discuss the scope of your research.
- QUT Business School
- bus.research@qut.edu.au
- Creative Industries Faculty
- ci.grants@qut.edu.au
- Faculty of Education
- edn.research@qut.edu.au
- Faculty of Health
- health.research@qut.edu.au
- Faculty of Law
- law.research@qut.edu.au
- Science and Engineering Faculty
- sef.research@qut.edu.au
Explore available topics
Some faculties offer a range of available topics for research students.
Step 4: Costs and scholarships
Covering tuition costs
Australian and New Zealand students
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, you won't have to pay tuition fees if you complete your degree within:
- 4 years full-time (or equivalent) for doctoral students (PhD and professional doctorate)
- 2 years full-time (or equivalent) for masters students.
You may also be eligible for scholarships to help you with living expenses.
International students
You may be able to apply for scholarships that cover tuition fees for all or part of your degree. If you don't receive a scholarship, you must pay full fees directly to QUT.
Information about course fees is available on your course information.
You may also be eligible for scholarships to help you with living expenses.
Scholarships you can apply for
You can apply for scholarships to help support your living expenses while you're researching, or cover your tuition costs if you're an international student.
Make sure you look closely at the scholarship's applying instructions, and include any supporting documents with your application.
Annual scholarship round
You can apply for our research scholarships during our annual scholarship round, closing in September each year. You can still apply for admission to a research degree at any time throughout the year.
Applying outside the annual round
There's a variety of scholarships you can apply for throughout the year and outside of the annual round. Check the application dates for each scholarship to find out when you should apply.
You can also search the Good Universities Guide scholarship collection.
Funding your research degree
For more information about funding your research degree, including tuition details and study-related costs.
Step 5: Research proposal
Prepare a research proposal
A research proposal is a key requirement for your research degree application. Writing a research proposal is an essential step in defining and conveying your research interests and goals.
All faculties have specific guidelines for developing a research proposal. Refer to the instructions for the faculty relevant to your proposal.
QUT Business School
It is recommended that you align your research project and proposal to one of the faculty's key research areas.
The Business School provides a research proposal template that may be used as a suggested format for your research proposal. You do not have to use this template, however it is recommended that you structure your research proposal according to the suggested headings.
You are required to write your own research proposal using these guidelines. The proposal is used to assess your level of writing and current understanding of the gaps in research.
Business School research proposal template (DOCX file, 90.86 KB)
- Overall word limit
- No set word limit, however 5 to 6 pages is recommended
Creative Industries Faculty
The Creative Industries Faculty conducts research via our three schools / research centres. It is recommended that you align your proposed research project and proposal with one of these research centres.
Each school and research centre provides a guide that should be used to prepare your research proposal. You are encouraged to develop your own research proposal using these guides.
School of Creative Practice research proposal guide (DOCX file, 96.38 KB)
School of Design Research proposal guide (DOCX file, 96.71 KB)
School of Communications and DMRC research proposal guide (DOCX file, 96.25 KB)
- Overall word limit
- The research proposal should be no more than 800 words (approximately 2 pages), not including references.
Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education provides guidelines to assist you in structuring you research proposal.
You are encouraged to write your own research proposal using these guidelines. As this proposal may be used to identify supervisors with expertise relevant to the applicant’s project, please be clear and precise within the limits of your current knowledge of:
- research methods
- your proposed area of study.
Faculty of Education research proposal guide (DOCX file, 89.5 KB)
- Overall word limit
- No more than 3 pages.
Faculty of Health
Your research proposal should include appropriate headings and sections addressing:
- your area of research (including the faculty, centre or school you'll be studying in)
- a clear statement of your research topic
- a brief overview of previous relevant research
- the objectives of the program of research and investigation
- your research methods and plan, including references to key literature sources
- your proposed QUT principal supervisor, QUT associate supervisor or supervisors and any non-QUT associate aupervisors (if known)
- coursework requirements.
Contact your proposed supervisor for advice about additional discipline-specific requirements for your research proposal.
- Overall word limit
- No set word limit, however 2 pages is recommended.
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law provides a research proposal guide that your are encouraged to use in preparing your research proposal for formal application.
You are encouraged to write your own research proposal using the guide.
Faculty of Law Research proposal guide (DOCX file, 88.06 KB)
- Overall word limit
- Proposals that are 6 pages in length are preferred.
Science and Engineering Faculty
The Science and Engineering Faculty (SEF) requires you to find a supervisor before applying.
Once you have identified a supervisor in your research area who is willing to supervise your project, you should work with them to develop your research proposal.
You should download the SEF research proposal template and work with your nominated supervisor to align your proposal with the established discipline requirements.
SEF research proposal guide (DOCX file, 86.58 KB)
- Overall word limit
- Your research proposal should be 2 to 3 pages in length.
Step 6: Supporting documents
You can submit electronic copies of documents with your application. But you must submit certified copies of your documents, via post or in person, before you start your degree.
I previously studied overseas
You must provide:
- a certified copy of your academic transcripts, award certificate or other evidence of completion
- the grading scale of your university
- an official translation, if the documents are in a language other than English.
How to have your documents certified
To have your documents certified, take originals and copies to:
- a Justice of the Peace or appropriate certifying authority
- our Research Students Centre or other QUT student centre
- an authorised QUT representative or agent.
If the documents are in a language other than English, you must also provide an official English translation.
Required documentation
Academic records
You don't need to submit academic records for any study you've completed at QUT, or, if you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, at other Australian universities listed as QualSearch participating institutions.
If you've studied at other institutions, you must submit:
- certified copies 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)
- an official English translation, if needed
- a copy of your AEI-NOOSR (Australian Education International-National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition) assessment, if you have one.
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.
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:
- your birth certificate
- your certificate of citizenship
- the relevant pages of your passport.
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 want to study externally
If you want to complete your research degree with QUT while based at another institution, or with an external supervisor, you must have approval from QUT. You’ll apply for approval as part of your research degree application. You must submit:
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 stuent agreement. If you need a copy of this agreement, email hdrpartners@qut.edu.au
Read the joint PhD guidelines (PDF file, 115.5 KB) 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
- milestone dates
- start of candidature
- maximum candidature date
- Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset (Domestic) entitlements (previously Research Training Scheme)
- scholarship commencement, if you hold a scholarship
- approved leave of absence dates
- date withdrawn
- completion of confirmation process
- completion date of confirmation process.
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.
Submit your application
Australian and New Zealand students
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, you can apply online. You can save your application and return to it at any time.
International students
If you're an international student, you need to download the application form and email a completed copy to qut.intadmission@qut.edu.au.
What happens next?
Find out what to do once you've sent in your application, including important information for international students.
Contact us
If you've got any questions about how to apply, contact us today.