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.
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, completed no more than 10 years ago
- 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).
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.
Africa
All countries
Middle East
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Yemen
Asia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- North Korea (DPRK)
- Myanmar (Burma)
Europe
- Russia
- Ukraine
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.
Business
Our high-quality research and research training are undertaken in collaboration with end users and deliver tangible economic, environmental and societal benefits to corporate, government and community partners.
Explore areas like:
- accounting, governance and social enterprise
- business innovation
- organisational behaviour
- employment and labour markets
- behavioural economics
- entrepreneurship
- econometrics
- consumers, stakeholders and markets.
Creative industries, education and social justice
We aim to achieve real and positive sustainable impacts by leading the world in rigorous discipline-based and interdisciplinary research that engages authentically with communities, professions and industry.
Explore areas from:
- Creative Industries
- Design
- Communication
- Education
- Justice
Doctor of Philosophy (Hosted by Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice Faculty)
Engineering
Our research tackles significant real-world problems and delivers innovations that respond to existing and emerging economic, societal, spatial, management and technological challenges. Our research outputs are wide ranging, covering areas such as:
- architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture
- construction management, project management, and quantity surveying
- urban and regional planning, development and governance
- civil, infrastructure, transport, structural, geotechnical and construction engineering
- environmental engineering, and integrated water resources management
- electrical, electronics and communications engineering
- robotics, autonomous systems, computer vision, and image and signal processing
- mechanical and materials engineering, computational modelling, and asset management
- biomedical engineering and technologies
- process engineering, sustainable industrial biotechnology, and bioprocessing.
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 health care 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
- genomics and personalised health
- vision and eye impairment and treatment
- childhood nutrition and adversity
- air quality, allergies and respiratory illnesses
- tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and wound care
- road safety and connected vehicle technologies.
Law
As our commercial, social and digital worlds, and ecological footprint continue to shift and change, our laws and regulatory governance systems at the national and international level must progress with them. Our research is helping to shape the law and guide policy reform in areas like:
- health law
- environmental law
- commercial and property law
- international law and global governance
- intellectual property law
- technology, data and automation, innovation and the law.
Science
Our world-class and internationally recognised scientists explore the frontiers of biological, physical, and digital worlds to drive innovation and develop solutions to complex, real-world challenges. Strong connections and long-standing partnerships enable us to meet industry and societal demands for scientific, data-driven and technological solutions that will transform the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of people across the globe. Join us to explore research in:
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
Use the Faculty of Business and Law research proposal template (DOCX file, 90.7 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, 86.9 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, 86.9 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, 191.2 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, 85.4 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, 752.9 KB) if your research will be hosted within this school including CARRS-Q.
Justice
You must use the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice research proposal template (DOCX file, 86.9 KB) if your research will be hosted by the School of Justice.
Law
Use the Faculty of Business and Law research proposal template (DOCX file, 90.7 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
- if you receive an offer of admission you may need to provide certified copies of your documentation.
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 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.
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.
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.