Application dates

The Faculty of Arts accepts applications for Graduate Research degrees commencing in Semester One each year. There is no mid-year intake.

Applications are considered in two rounds each year. To be considered for admission and scholarships, you must submit your complete application by the relevant closing date. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

We recommend submitting your application well before the closing date to allow time for referees to submit their online reports.

Applications from	Closing dates	Outcome notified by
International applicants*	15 August	Mid-October
Domestic applicants	15 October	Mid-December

*International applicants

To be considered for the Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships you should submit a complete application by 15 August;
Evidence that you meet the University of Melbourne English Language requirements must be provided by the application closing date.

Important information

Applicants who submit their application by the relevant closing date will be automatically considered for the Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships. For all other University of Melbourne research scholarship opportunities please refer to the scholarships directory.
Applicants for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) - Melbourne PhD Scholarship must apply by 31 January each year for commencement in the following year.
Sponsored applicants may apply for admission at any time of the year. To allow enough time for application processing, submit your application at least three months before the sponsorship/external funding application deadline.
If you receive an offer, you must commence your course by the first day of Semester 1 of the academic year you have been made an offer for.

Application process

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Please familiarise yourself with these courses before deciding on the course most suitable to you.

Please check you meet our entry requirements before proceeding further.

Please also check that you meet the University’s English Language requirements.

Step 2: Identify a research opportunity

You can identify a research opportunity in one of the following ways:

1. Apply to an advertised PhD opportunity

Browse the Research Degree Opportunities page to view projects and research areas currently recruiting students.

Some opportunities invite applicants to propose a research project aligned with specific research areas. Each advertisement provides details on the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

Application processes may vary depending on the opportunity. Please follow the instructions provided in the relevant project advertisement.

2. Contact a potential supervisor

You may identify a potential supervisor using the Find an Expert directory.

If a supervisor's research aligns with your proposed project, you can contact them to discuss your research proposal. If they are willing to support your project, they will advise you on the next steps in the application process.

Applicants invited to proceed to formal application will be required to confirm supervisory support before submitting a formal application.

When contacting a potential supervisor, you will need to provide:

a CV highlighting your academic background and relevant experience
academic transcripts (including grading scale)
a draft research proposal outlining your proposed project
a sample of academic writing

About the research proposal
Your research proposal should:

define a clear research question
outline methods and relevant literature
demonstrate originality and feasibility

Step 3: Submit an application

To submit an application, please visit the online application portal:

Search for the course code to start an application:

'DR-PHILART' for Doctor of Philosophy – Arts

Please also note the following study package mode:

Liability category:
- International applicants - select ‘PG Overseas Fee Paying’
- Domestic applicants - select ‘RTP / RTS / CTS’
Attendance mode: select 'On Campus'
Study mode: select 'Standard'.

To be considered for entry, you must submit a complete application by the relevant closing date.

Only applications that include all required documentation and meet the eligibility requirements will be accepted.

Your application must include:

Evidence of supervisor endorsement	Confirmation of support from an eligible Principal Supervisor and at least one Co Supervisor. Applications without confirmation supervision will not be considered.
CV (resume)	Use this template here.
Academic transcripts	Transcripts for all teriary study completed or in progress, including grading scales. If your last qualification completed (overall or thesis component) is marked on a pass/fail basis, provide a copy of the examiner's report and complete the Academic Report of Ungraded Thesis Form. If you are still studying, you can apply now before completing your degree by including current transcripts of at least up to the first semester of your final year studies. Students apply from a University of Melbourne Honours or Master program do not need to submit transcripts.
Research proposal	Your proposal should present a clearly defined research question, demonstrate the significance of the project, and outline an appropriate methodology. It should also show how the project aligns with the proposed supervisors' expertise and can be completed within the expected timeframe of the degree.
Writing sample	A sample of your academic writing (e.g. thesis chapter or research paper) that demonstrates your ability to undertake independent research and communicate effectively.
English language proficiency	Evidence of meeting the University's English language requirements.

More information please refer to the Faculty of Arts Graduate Research.

Doctor of Philosophy - Arts

How to apply

How to apply