HDR Application Process

Students sitting on steps talking

How to apply

Ready to apply for a research higher degree program at UNSW? The information below outlines the steps you need to follow, including where to find the application form for admission and scholarship, the supporting documents you need to provide.

  • There are a number of eligibility requirements you need to meet before applying for a Higher Degree Research program:

    • English requirements: All applicants, whether domestic or international, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum UNSW English Language Requirements. See the section below on English language requirements for more information.

    As an applicant to UNSW, you must demonstrate that you have the ability to financially support yourself (and any dependants) for the duration of your studies and, if an international applicant, that you are a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). This may be through applying for a UNSW Research Scholarship, an alternative scholarship or sponsorship (provided by a source external to UNSW), or through self-funding. 

    • Other: Specific Faculties or programs may have additional requirements, please see your Faculty’s website for further details

  • Finding a supervisor with compatible research interests and working styles is critical to your success as a Higher Degree Research candidate.

    The Faculties listed below require applicants to complete an expression of interest. Please visit the Faculty website for details.

    Most Faculties require applicants to contact potential supervisors before applying. Search for supervisors and research projects in your area. 

    Once you have found a supervisor, you will have a pre-admission interview to discuss your proposed research project and whether appropriate resources will be available.

    You will then need to develop a research description and fulfil any additional Faculty requirements before submitting an application for admission. Requirements of a research description differ between Faculties and their research degree types. You should check the 'Additional Faculty requirements' section below before submitting your application.

    As a general guide, your research description should include the following:

    • Title of your research project
    • Statement of the research problem and its significance
    • Outline of how you plan to address this problem
    • Details of any previous research and/or publications you’ve undertaken in your area of interest (if available)

    If you have any further questions regarding your research description, we recommend discussing this with your prospective supervisor.

  • Before you apply, prepare the supporting documentation outlined in the Document Submission Guidelines.

    Specific scholarship schemes, research programs, or Faculties may require additional documents, and these may be requested after the initial application. Visit your Faculty website below for guidance.

    You may submit scanned copies of your documents with your application. Documents may be verified at a later date, either with your home institution, or by sighting original documentation. You must be prepared to present your original documents to UNSW for inspection prior to enrolment if requested, so you will need to bring your original documents with you.

  • Documents that are in a language other than English must be translated by an accredited translator before they are submitted to UNSW.

    • NAATI (the National Standards and Accreditation body for Translators and Interpreters), or
    • A registered translator in an overseas country considered acceptable by the Australian diplomatic mission.

    Each translation must include the following:

    • Translator’s signature and printed name
    • Proof of accreditation, including name and membership number
    • Date that the statement is made
    • The text “The translated text in this document is an accurate and complete translation of the original document”

  • Whether you are a domestic or international applicant, you must meet the UNSW English language requirements before submitting an application. If you are applying for a scholarship, you must demonstrate that you meet these requirements before the scholarship deadline.

    You can demonstrate that you meet the requirements through one of the following:

    • English Language Tests and University English Courses. You must confirm with your testing authority (e.g. Pearson's) that UNSW has permission to view and verify your test results.
    • Prior study in the medium of English
    • Other qualifications

  • Once you have found supervisor, held your interview, developed a research description, and prepared your supporting documents, you are ready to lodge your application via UNSW Apply Online. Only full applications (i.e. with all required documents) will be taken to the next stage.

    If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, simply indicate this on the application form and select the scholarship round for your preferred term start date. You can search for a scholarship here.

    Your program needs to be within the same school as your supervisor. You should confirm the correct program code with your supervisor or by referring to the UNSW Handbook.

    Please submit only one application at a time.

Fees and costs

All fees and costs related to HDR candidates, international and domestic as well as examples of costs.

Scholarships

Search scholarships that you may be eligible including application deadlines.

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Supervisors

Search for our Higher Degree Research supervisors.

Doctor of Philosophy

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you’ll complete a substantial program of independent and original research in your chosen field of study. A PhD prepares you for a range of careers - from academic to industry and is the highest degree qualification available.

Masters of Research

The Master by Research can be your entry into a research career or an opportunity to build in-depth knowledge that you can apply in the world beyond academia. While shorter than a PhD, this program is still focused on the completion of independent and original research.

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Master of Philosophy

Combining coursework and a thesis, this program will prepare you for multiple professional pathways. It’s also an ideal choice if you have limited research experience and are seeking a pathway into a PhD. 

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Professional Doctorate Program

Undertake a unique doctoral program that combines research with professional practice. A professional doctorate can enhance a a career in research or industry.

Next steps

I've submitted my application. What's next?

Once your appliication has been processed after you submit it. Once processed, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a UNSW Student ID. If you have any outstanding documentation, these will also be listed in your confirmation email.

Once you’ve received your confirmation email, you can upload any outstanding documents through your UNSW Apply Online account. You will be notified of any rejected or outstanding documents within this account so you will need to log in periodically to view. Please allow a week for additional submitted documents to be checked and updated.

  • Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a UNSW Student ID. If you have any outstanding documentation, these will also be listed in your confirmation email.

    Once you’ve received your confirmation email, you can upload any outstanding documents through your UNSW Apply Online account. You will be notified of any rejected or outstanding documents within this account so you will need to log in periodically to view. Please allow a week for additional submitted documents to be checked and updated. 

    Tracking Progress of your Application

    If you have applied for Admission and Scholarship, both outcomes will be released after the date outlined on this page. If you have alternative funding, and have applied for admission only, the outcome would typically take 6-8 weeks to be processed.

    You can track the progress of your application through your UNSW Apply Online account.

    In addition to updating the overall status of your application, the Graduate Research School will update the status of each document once it has been checked. We recommend that you check this document tracking to ensure that you have submitted all required documentation.

    Making Changes to your Application

    If you wish to make any changes after submitting your application, simply send us an email and we’ll make the changes for you!

    You don’t need to submit a new application. If you want to defer your start term, change programs or be included in the next scholarship round, we can update your existing application. 

    Or if you wish to provide outstanding documents to your submitted application, please upload them through your UNSW Apply Online account.

  • If you have met the requirements, you will receive a letter of offer to study at UNSW.

    There are two types of offer letters:

    Conditional Offer

    You have met some, but not all, requirements. The conditions that you need to meet will be outlined in your offer letter. You will not be able to accept a conditional offer, but are required to upload your remaining documents through Apply Online for unconditional consideration.

    New candidates are expected to enrol by the term Start Date, therefore you must ensure you submit your documents early enough to allow time to arrive by that date.

    Unconditional Offer

    You have met the admission requirements and conditions for entry. You may still be required to meet certain conditions prior to enrolment, and these conditions will be outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter will outline how to accept the offer and pay any fees required before you can enrol. 

  • New candidates are expected to enrol by the term Start Date, therefore you must ensure you respond to your offer early to allow enough time to arrive by that date.

    Deferral

    Higher Degree Research (HDR) applicants can request to defer for up to one year after the initial offer term. UNSW HDR Scholarship offers may be able to be deferred on a case by case basis (check your scholarship letter for details). Deferrals are only approved where conditions are met, including continuing to meet UNSW entry requirements, and availability of supervision and resources. 

    How do I defer?

    Please ensure you have already submitted any extra required documentation prior to requesting deferral.

    Acceptance

    Conditional offers: Conditional admission and/or scholarship offers cannot be accepted through Apply Online. Outstanding documentation must be provided prior to a full offer being issued.

    Sponsored applicants: Sponsored applicants must accept their offer by completing and emailing the admission offer reply forms, International Sponsored Student Agreement form, and financial guarantee from your sponsor as per your offer letter.

    Unconditional Offers - Accept Online

    Accepting online is a 2 part-process

    Part I: Accept or defer your offer of admission and scholarship (if applicable) in Accept Online to ensure your place in the program. As part of this process, unless accepting an unconditional UNSW tuition paying scholarship, international applicants will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit.

    Part II: Confirm your personal details, complete the Financial and Student Declaration sections. Part II must only be completed once you are ready to arrive and enrol (including for International applicants, being granted the student visa and arriving in Australia).
    Acceptance deadlines and procedures vary.

    Deadline

    Scholarship recipients must accept or defer within 2 weeks of receiving their unconditional offers, admission only recipients must accept or defer within 1 month of receiving the unconditional offer.

    If you do not accept or defer by the deadline date your offer may lapse.

    After acceptance

    Once you have provided all requirements for acceptance, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued to you within the following fortnight. You will need to use this to apply for a visa. 

    Before proceeding with the next steps, you must arrive at your study location, and if you are International, must hold on an appropriate visa for the full length of study. If you are not able to meet these requirements prior to the Term Start Date, you should defer your offer (see “Deferral” above).

  • Planning your relocation to Australia? UNSW's international travel concierge service can help you plan your trip, including:

    • booking your flights

    • organising transport from the airport

    • arranging accommodation

    • keeping up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 measures

    Click here for more information.

HDR Academic Calendar 

The HDR Academic Calendar comprises four terms, which provide flexibility for HDR candidates to reflect the ongoing nature of a research candidature.

Below are the HDR Academic Calendar dates for this year.

Are you already enrolled in a UNSW HDR program? Visit the HDR Hub for the latest information on candidatures, scholarships, events and resources for HDR candidates.

  • Term

    New Enrolments Commence

    Term Start Date

    Term Census Date

    Term End Date

    Summer Term

    31 October 2022

    12 December 2022

    15 January 2023

    12 February 2023

    Term 1

    2 January 2023

    13 February 2023

    12 March 2023

    28 May 2023

    Term 2

    17 April 2023

    29 May 2023

    25 June 2023

    10 September 2023

    Term 3

    31 July 2023

    11 September 2023

    8 October 2023

    10 December 2023

  • Term

    New Enrolments Commence

    Term Start Date

    Term Census Date

    Term End Date

    Summer Term

    13 November 2023

    11 December 2023

    14 January 2024

    11 February 2024

    Term 1

    1 January 2024

    12 February 2024

    10 March 2024

    26 May 2024

    Term 2

    15 April 2024

    27 May 2024

    23 June 2024

    8 September 2024

    Term 3

    29 July 2024

    9 September 2024

    6 October 2024

    8 December 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All new candidates should enrol in their degree by the term start date. The start date is the first day of the term.

  • Yes! New candidates may enrol up to one month before the term start date.

  • If you are unable to commence by the term start date, you may enrol by the term census date. Your candidature ‘clock’ starts ticking from the term start date. If you enrol after the term start date, you have effectively lost time towards completion of your degree. The later you start, the greater this disadvantage. As required coursework begins at the start of the term, you must consider deferral to the next term if you are unable to commence on-time, as this may affect your ability to complete any coursework.

    You cannot enrol after the census date has passed. If you are unable to enrol by the census date, you can request deferral to the following term. Scholarship holders need to check their award conditions to determine whether the scholarship can be deferred, or whether you need to reapply.

  • If you have been advised that you are required to complete coursework during your first term, you should arrive and enrol by the start of classes for that term. For more information, please contact your Faculty or School.

  • The start date is the first day of the term. Your candidature ‘clock’ starts ticking from the term start date.

    The census date is set by UNSW for each term in accordance with Commonwealth legislation. It is the deadline for the following:

    • Change of study load (full time / part time)
    • Taking program leave
    • Withdrawal from a course without financial or academic penalty
    • Change of Residency status
    • Enrolment

  • Under the HDR Academic Calendar, the thesis submission date is the Term End Date. You can view your thesis submission date in the Graduate Research Information System (GRIS) once you have enrolled in your program.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by the application deadline for the intended study period (Term), to ensure the acceptance and enrolment processes are completed by the Term Start Dates. Please use the toggles below to find out more about key dates for admission and scholarships.

All mandatory supporting documents listed in the Document Submission Guidelines are required by the application deadline, including satisfactory evidence of having met the UNSW English language requirements.

  • UNSW has three scholarship application rounds per year. Applicants need to allow adequate time between the receipt of their offer and Term Start Date for pre-departure preparations such as the acceptance process, visa processing, travel, and enrolment.

    Applicants who have funding from an alternative source (not UNSW scholarship) must submit their application (and all required documentation) at least eight (8) weeks before an offer of admission is required, due to the assessment processing timeframe. 

    Applicants who are applying for a scholarship through UNSW should submit their application (and all required documentation) by the following deadlines:

    2023 March Release

    You should apply for a scholarship during this round if you wish to start your studies in Term 3 2023

    Now Closed

    Offers to be released from 23 March

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

    2023 June Release

    You should apply for a scholarship during this round if you wish to start your studies in Term 1 2024

    Closes 05 May, midnight Australian time

    Offers to be released from 30 June

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

    2023 November Release

    You should apply for a scholarship during this round if you wish to start your studies in Term 2 or 3 2024

    Closes 22 September, midnight Australian time

    Offers to be released from 17 November

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

    2023 China Scholarship Council (CSC)/UNSW scholarships

    Only available for Chinese nationals for consideration of the China Scholarship Council joint scholarship for Term 3 2024 start.


    Applicants will also be considered for main round scholarships.

    Closes 22  September, midnight Australian time

    Offers to be released from 17 November

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

     

    Offers will be released no later than the Term Start Date. Unaccepted offers expire 1 month after release, or 1 week after Term Start Date (whichever is earlier). 

    It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their application is submitted in full by the scholarship closing date. All correct and satisfactory documents must be fully submitted with the application, including English translations, Financial Declaration and proof of English. Additional documents can’t be added to an application until after the application has been reviewed, which may not occur before the application deadline. 

    Please refer to the application instructions and Document Submission Guidelines to ensure you have the correct documents before submission. 

     

  • If you are not eligible or are not applying for a scholarship stipend, you must submit your application (and all required documentation) at least eight (8) weeks before an offer of admission is required, due to time required for assessment. Applications received after this date may be assessed for a later Term.

    Applicants who are applying for a scholarship stipend through UNSW must submit their application (and all required documentation) by the following deadlines:

    2023 March Release

    You should apply for a scholarship during this round if you wish to start your studies in Term 2 2023

    Now Closed

    Offers to be released from 23 March

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

    2023 June Release

    You should apply for a scholarship during this round if you wish to start your studies in Term 3 2023

    Closes 5 May, midnight Australian time

    Offers to be released from 30 June 

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

    2023 November Release

    You should apply for a scholarship during this round if you wish to start your studies in Term 1 2024

    Closes 22 September, midnight Australian time

    Offers to be released from 17 November

    Initial release may take 2 weeks.  Further offers will continue to be made after 2 weeks

     

    Offers will be released no later than the Term Census Date. Unaccepted offers expire 1 month after release, or Term Census Date (whichever is earlier). 

    It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their application is submitted in full by the scholarship closing date. All correct and satisfactory documents must be fully submitted with the application, including English translations, Financial Declaration and proof of English. Additional documents can’t be added to an application until after the application has been reviewed, which may not occur before the application deadline. 

    Please refer to the application instructions and Document Submission Guidelines to ensure you have the correct documents before submission. 

Enrolment dates

The UNSW HDR Academic Calendar provides a level of flexibility for HDR candidates that reflects the ongoing nature of a research candidature.

The HDR Academic Calendar consists of four terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Summer Term) of approximately three months each. New candidates are expected to enrol by the Term Start Date.

For information on the HDR Academic Calendar, please visit this page.

Have questions? Contact us