Get ready to submit your application
- Review our HDR programs and make sure you meet the entry requirements.
- Talk with a supervisor who can support your project.
You'll need to read our:
- Higher Degree by Research Fee Information
- Intellectual property - Academic Policy
- Higher Degree by Research Admission and Enrolment - Guidelines.
- Intellectual Property: Student IP – Procedures
*Our intellectual property policy and procedures states that the University owns IP created by Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students during their studies as a condition of their enrolment.
- Develop your research proposal with support from your supervisor. It must show that you have a clear vision of your research topic and frames your topic. You’ll need to use UniSC’s template when submitting. Research proposal template (Word 143KB)
- Apply for your chosen HDR program.
How to apply
Am I a domestic applicant?
You are a Domestic applicant if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Australian citizen; or
- New Zealand citizen; or
- Australian permanent residency visa holder; or
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
Domestic applicants will be assessed for a tuition fee offset scholarship as part of their application to program.
Step 1: Prepare supporting documentation
1a) Research Proposal
- Prepare using the template provided above and in collaboration with your HDR supervisor
1b) Evidence of all academic qualifications
- Official academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Transcripts must include a key to grading
- If you are including academic qualifications from universities outside of Australia the documents must be provided both original language (if not English) and an official English translation must be provided. UniSC reserves the right to request a Certified copy(s) of these documents if deemed required.
1c) Evidence of research publications
- Abstract (in English)
- Copy of the front page of the published article
- Link to the article's location
1d) Evidence of Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency
- Birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate, or visa
Step 2: Submit your application
- Attach supporting documents to the online application when prompted
Timeline
Please see section 4.2 of the Higher Degrees by Research Admission and Enrolment – Guidelines
Questions?
If you have any questions after submitting your application please contact the Graduate Research School.
Email: researchtraining@usc.edu.au
Tel: 07 5456 5595
Am I am International applicant?
You are an International applicant, if you do not fall into any of the following categories:
- Australian citizen; or
- New Zealand citizen; or
- Australian permanent residency visa holder; or
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
Step 1: Prepare supporting documentation
1a) Research Proposal
- Prepare using the template provided above and in collaboration with your HDR supervisor
1b) Evidence of all academic qualifications
- Official academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Transcripts must include a key to grading
- If you are including academic qualifications from universities outside of Australia the documents must be provided both original language (if not English) and an official English translation must be provided. UniSC reserves the right to request a Certified copy(s) of these documents if deemed required.
1c) Evidence of research publications
- Abstract (in English)
- Copy of the front page of the published article
- Link to the article's location
1d) Evidence of Citizenship
- Birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate, or visa
1e) Evidence of English Language Proficiency
- A list of tests / preparations that are accepted by UniSC are listed on the English Language Requirements webpage (see "HDR" column on tables 1 and 3)
- Evidence of meeting ELP must be valid for application submission as well as proposed Start Date (if proof of ELP expires prior to Start Date the applicant will be required to re-take test/preparation, etc)
- Applications that do not include evidence of meeting UniSC's ELP Requirement will not be progressed.
Step 2: Review International tuition fees
International applicants must be aware of International HDR tuition costs, review on 2026 International student tuition fees
Step 3: Submit your application
- Attach supporting documents to the online application when prompted
Timeline
Please see section 4.2 of the Higher Degrees by Research Admission and Enrolment – Guidelines
Questions
If you have any questions after submitting your application, please contact the Graduate Research School
Email: researchtraining@usc.edu.au
Phone: 07 5456 5595
After you've applied
When a complete application is received by the Graduate Research School it is recorded and then sent to the proposed School/Enrolling Unit for assessment. The Dean, Graduate Research School will make all final admission decisions.
Successful applicants will receive an Offer for Admission. If all information is acceptable, the applicant will Accept their Offer.
Following acceptance of the offer, the Graduate Research School will notify Student Services who will organise enrolment. New students will receive an email from Student Services with enrolment details. For more information on the program after your acceptance of offer, please visit Your HDR experience.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive advice from the Graduate Research School following complete assessment of their application.
HDR scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to support you during your HDR program. UniSC offers living stipend, tuition fee offset and top up scholarships. Prior to submitting your HDR program application, ensure you are familiar with the scholarship application due date and requirements.
Please note: HDR program applications and Scholarship applications are completed separately.