Overview

• Key application dates
• How to apply
• After you apply

Key application dates

This course has two application and selection 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.

The Faculty of Arts accepts applications for Graduate Research degrees commencing in Semester 1 (start-year intake) each year. There is no mid-year intake.

Applicants seeking external funding (for example, government-sponsored scholarships or another organisation) may apply outside the standard rounds if an earlier outcome is needed for their non-UoM scholarship application. We recommend submitting your application at least 2-3 months before the external funding deadline to allow sufficient time for assessment and offer processing.

Application dates

Important notes on applications

• International applicants must submit a complete application, including evidence of English language requirements, by 15 August to be considered for the Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships.
• If you submit an application outside the published deadlines, we may hold it for the next selection round.
• The University assesses applications only after receiving all required documents and referee reports. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
• We recommend submitting your application well before the closing date to allow time for your referees to submit their online reference report.
• Applicants for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) - Melbourne PhD Scholarship must apply by 31 January each year for commencement in the following year.
• 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.

Scholarship application deadlines

You'll automatically be considered for most graduate research scholarships when you apply for your course. No separate application is needed. Some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, separate application methods or earlier internal deadlines. Explore additional available scholarships and check the relevant application timelines.

How to apply

Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility

• Review the Entry requirements tab for the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.

Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor

Before applying, you must have written support from an academic supervisor.

To find a supervisor and a research project, you can:

• Find a research supervisor on Find an Expert – search for researchers with expertise relevant to your proposed research topic and contact prospective supervisors directly.
• Explore research project opportunities on Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available. 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. Follow the instructions provided in the relevant project advertisement.

You can also explore research areas and themes through the faculty’s schools and research institutes.

When contacting a supervisor, include the following documents:

• Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale
• A current CV or resume outlining relevant experience
• A draft research proposal outlining your proposed project
• A sample of academic writing.

Step 3 – Gather your supporting documentation

As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:

• Transcripts: Scanned colour copies of all your higher education transcripts for all tertiary study, completion statements, and grading schemes. 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. If you are a University of Melbourne honours or masters program student, you do not need to submit transcripts.
• Ungraded qualifications: If your previous qualification or thesis subject was awarded on an ungraded (pass/fail only) basis, you must attach a copy of your thesis and the examiners’ reports with your online application. These documents are required to assess the research component of the qualification.
• CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience and any prior research output using the CV template.
• English language evidence: Exemptions may apply. Check the English language requirements page to confirm whether you need a test, then see the Entry requirements tab for accepted tests and scores for this course.
• Referees and referee reports: Contact details for academic or employer referees who can speak to your recent study or work. Notify your referees that they may be contacted by the University before you submit.
• Research proposal: See detailed guidance below.
• Evidence of supervisor endorsement: An email or letter of confirmation from an eligible principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor. Applications without confirmation of supervision will not be considered. See Step 2 above for guidance on finding a supervisor.
• Scholarly writing sample: Prepare and submit a sample of your academic writing (e.g. thesis chapter or research paper) of 3000–5000 words that demonstrates your ability to undertake independent research and communicate effectively.

You will be interviewed by the prospective supervisory team to discuss your proposed research project, academic background and suitability for the program before being supported to submit a formal application.

Preparing your research proposal

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of up to 5000 words. As a general framework, your proposal must present a clearly defined research question, demonstrate the significance of the project, and outline the appropriate methodology and resources required to complete the project. It should also show how the project aligns with the proposed supervisors' expertise and can be completed within the expected course duration.

Step 4 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code DR-PHILART.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• The University assesses complete applications received by the deadline for that selection round.

After you apply

• For details on what happens after you apply – including confirmation, assessment, outcomes, and accepting an offer – see the Offers and Enrolments page.
• Once you’ve accepted your offer, explore the Getting started guides on the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead.

Overview

• Key application dates
• How to apply
• After you apply

Key application dates

This course has two application and selection 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.

The Faculty of Arts accepts applications for Graduate Research degrees commencing in Semester 1 (start-year intake) each year. There is no mid-year intake.

Applicants seeking external funding (for example, government-sponsored scholarships or another organisation) may apply outside the standard rounds if an earlier outcome is needed for their non-UoM scholarship application. We recommend submitting your application at least 2-3 months before the external funding deadline to allow sufficient time for assessment and offer processing.

Application dates

Important notes on applications

• International applicants must submit a complete application, including evidence of English language requirements, by 15 August to be considered for the Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships.
• If you submit an application outside the published deadlines, we may hold it for the next selection round.
• The University assesses applications only after receiving all required documents and referee reports. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
• We recommend submitting your application well before the closing date to allow time for your referees to submit their online reference report.
• Applicants for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) - Melbourne PhD Scholarship must apply by 31 January each year for commencement in the following year.
• 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.

Scholarship application deadlines

You'll automatically be considered for most graduate research scholarships when you apply for your course. No separate application is needed. Some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, separate application methods or earlier internal deadlines. Explore additional available scholarships and check the relevant application timelines.

How to apply

Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility

• Review the Entry requirements tab for the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.

Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor

Before applying, you must have written support from an academic supervisor.

To find a supervisor and a research project, you can:

• Find a research supervisor on Find an Expert – search for researchers with expertise relevant to your proposed research topic and contact prospective supervisors directly.
• Explore research project opportunities on Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available. 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. Follow the instructions provided in the relevant project advertisement.

You can also explore research areas and themes through the faculty’s schools and research institutes.

When contacting a supervisor, include the following documents:

• Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale
• A current CV or resume outlining relevant experience
• A draft research proposal outlining your proposed project
• A sample of academic writing.

Step 3 – Gather your supporting documentation

As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:

• Transcripts: Scanned colour copies of all your higher education transcripts for all tertiary study, completion statements, and grading schemes. 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. If you are a University of Melbourne honours or masters program student, you do not need to submit transcripts.
• Ungraded qualifications: If your previous qualification or thesis subject was awarded on an ungraded (pass/fail only) basis, you must attach a copy of your thesis and the examiners’ reports with your online application. These documents are required to assess the research component of the qualification.
• CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience and any prior research output using the CV template.
• English language evidence: Exemptions may apply. Check the English language requirements page to confirm whether you need a test, then see the Entry requirements tab for accepted tests and scores for this course.
• Referees and referee reports: Contact details for academic or employer referees who can speak to your recent study or work. Notify your referees that they may be contacted by the University before you submit.
• Research proposal: See detailed guidance below.
• Evidence of supervisor endorsement: An email or letter of confirmation from an eligible principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor. Applications without confirmation of supervision will not be considered. See Step 2 above for guidance on finding a supervisor.
• Scholarly writing sample: Prepare and submit a sample of your academic writing (e.g. thesis chapter or research paper) of 3000–5000 words that demonstrates your ability to undertake independent research and communicate effectively.

You will be interviewed by the prospective supervisory team to discuss your proposed research project, academic background and suitability for the program before being supported to submit a formal application.

Preparing your research proposal

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of up to 5000 words. As a general framework, your proposal must present a clearly defined research question, demonstrate the significance of the project, and outline the appropriate methodology and resources required to complete the project. It should also show how the project aligns with the proposed supervisors' expertise and can be completed within the expected course duration.

Step 4 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code DR-PHILART.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• The University assesses complete applications received by the deadline for that selection round.

After you apply

• For details on what happens after you apply – including confirmation, assessment, outcomes, and accepting an offer – see the Offers and Enrolmentspage.
• Once you’ve accepted your offer, explore the Getting started guides on the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead.