How to apply
All graduate research applications are submitted directly to the University through our online application portal. Review this page for specific information about applying for graduate research as a domestic student, then follow the step-by-step process for preparing and submitting your application via the portal.
Key application dates
Application closing dates and intake start dates can be found on the How to apply tab of each course page. Some faculties consider applications at any time, while others only assess applications at fixed times of the year.
Scholarship closing dates
All applicants will be considered automatically for eligible Graduate Research Scholarships.
Applications may be required for other scholarships, it's important to check each scholarship's closing date.
The University of Melbourne also supports applicants who receive scholarship support from external funders. If you're applying for an external scholarship then this should be detailed in your application.
Before applying
Check the entry requirements
Depending on your goals and preferred study length, you can choose from a Masters by Research, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctorate by Research.
You must meet the minimum entry requirements for the graduate research course(s) you want to apply for. Every course has different requirements, which can include prior study or professional experience, subject prerequisites, selection tasks and English language requirements.
You'll need to supply supporting documentation about your previous study and any other requirements outlined on the Entry requirements tab of the course page. At a minimum, you'll need to provide academic transcripts and a CV with your application. If you’re currently studying, you'll also need to provide a transcript of your final results and evidence of completion as soon as they’re available.
Understand your fees
Domestic fees for graduate research courses will vary depending on the type of enrolment or place you're offered. Most domestic students are exempt from paying tuition fees through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).
If fee-paying places are available, tuition fees are based on the course you take and your study load. You can find fee estimates on each course page.
For more information, see Fees and payments.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
If you're an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant, you can be considered for Indigenous Australian targeted places and scholarships.
What to prepare for your application
All applications require accompanying documentation. You need to check the relevant course page to find out exactly what documentation is required.
Your graduate research study will be guided by at least two academic supervisors. The principle supervisor will be an expert in the area you're proposing to study. They'll guide and support you through all stages of candidature and ensure you have access to the necessary resources and facilities to complete your research project.
For most graduate research courses, you'll need to find an appropriate supervisor and provide evidence of their support as part of your application process. Some supervisors advertise available projects, otherwise they can be contacted directly for supervision enquiries via Find an Expert.
If your course requires evidence of supervisor support at the time of application, you can either upload an email from them stating that they're providing in-principle support for your application, or complete this form and upload it to your application after the supervisor has signed it.
Most graduate research courses will require a research proposal as part of your application. To develop a successful proposal, you need to be familiar with current research in the disciplinary area.
Your proposal needs to meet the course-specific requirements. Information should include, but is not limited to: outlining problems to be explored, research objectives or hypotheses, significance of the research and proposed research method.
You can also apply for projects that are advertised by supervisors in appropriate disciplinary areas of your expertise.
You will need to provide the name and contact details of two referees.
- If it's less than five years since you completed your last course, they should be academic referees.
- If it's more than five years since you completed your last course, they may be professional referees.
Once you submit your application, your referees will be emailed a link to provide their reference online.
If your referee does not receive the email with the link, check that you've entered their email address correctly, then contact Stop 1 to confirm that the reference form has been sent to them.
It's important to contact your referees well before submitting an application. This ensures they will be expecting the request for a reference.
You must include details of your research publications in your application, and follow the formatting conventions below.
Relevant publications include refereed journal articles, refereed conference papers, book chapters or books that have been published or are forthcoming.
Begin with the most recent publication first:
- Journal articles: author(s), title of article, journal title and issue/number, year of publication, page references
- Book chapters: author(s), chapter title, book editors, title of book, page references, place of publication, publisher and year of publication
- Books: author(s), book title, place of publication, publisher and year of publication
- Refereed conference papers: author(s), paper title, title of conference, date(s) of conference.
Include articles or other works that are in preparation but have not yet been accepted for publication and note them as "(in preparation)."
Depending on the course, you may also have to provide a folio of creative works, writing samples or other requirements as detailed in the course entry requirements.
What happens next?
After you apply, we’ll keep you updated on your application progress and next steps.
After you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your student ID and application reference number. All communication, including requests for additional information and your application outcome, will be sent to the email address you used to apply.
To find out when you're likely to receive an application outcome, see Indicative turnaround times. You can track the progress of your application at any time through the online application portal.
Providing additional information
If additional documents or information are required, you’ll be asked to upload them by a specified date. Providing this information promptly helps avoid delays and ensures your application is assessed in time for your chosen intake.
Application outcome
Graduate research applications may be assessed in selection rounds on specific dates or continually throughout the year. You'll receive an application outcome by email. If your application is successful, you’ll receive an offer with information on how to accept.
If you’re still completing your studies or have outstanding documents, you may receive a conditional offer. You’ll need to meet the conditions before accepting your offer and enrolling.
Learn more about Offers and enrolment.
Applying for financial support and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Applications are submitted directly to the University through the online application portal, along with all required documentation. Learn more at Your online application.
You’ll usually need academic transcripts, a research proposal, evidence of supervisor support, and a CV. Some faculties require additional documents, so always check the course entry requirements.
Graduate research applications are accepted throughout the year, but deadlines apply for specific intakes and scholarship rounds. Check your course page for dates and further details.
Yes. Most domestic applicants are automatically considered for relevant graduate research scholarships when they apply by the scholarship deadline.
You can apply for other scholarships according to their individual deadlines. Search for scholarships.
Yes, but each application must meet the specific entry requirements and have appropriate supervisor support.
If you're applying for an externally funded scholarship, this should be detailed in your application. The University supports applicants who receive scholarship support from other funders.