Overview

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

Key application dates

This course has two scholarship application rounds per year. Applications for admission may be submitted at any time of the year. However, to be considered for a scholarship, you must submit your application before one of the scholarship deadlines listed below.

Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees and scholarships tab for details.

Important notes on applications

• 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.
• If you intend to apply for a course and then apply for a scholarship from a sponsor external to the Faculty of Science, such as an external government scholarship, you will not be considered for a faculty Graduate Research Scholarship, and you will instead receive an outcome to your application outside of the below-listed timelines.

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.

Upcoming intakes and key dates

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.
• The Faculty of Science offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Agricultural Sciences as well as the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). We recommend that you familiarise yourself with both programs before deciding which is most suitable for you.

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 – filter to researchers available for supervision.
• Explore research project opportunities on Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available.
• Search for your research topics of interest to find and contact prospective supervisors directly.

You can also explore research areas and themes through the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences research areas themes and staff contacts.

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 and publications.
• A summary of your intended research area or a research proposal.

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, completion statements, and grading schemes. If you completed a masters degree with an ungraded thesis, please also provide a copy of your thesis and any examiner reports (if available).
• CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience (including total duration in full-time equivalents) and any prior research output (include copies or links to journal articles, book chapters, etc.). Please use this CV template for your application.
• 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. Academic referees are able to comment on your most recent, relevant study. When you submit your application, your referees will be emailed a link to access the Graduate Research Referee tool, and you will be notified when they submit their reference.
• Research proposal: You must submit a research proposal of up to 500 words that summarises your research topic and objectives, and includes your proposed thesis title. See guidance below.
• Evidence of supervisor endorsement: Use the ‘Evidence of supervisor endorsement’ form as confirmation from your intended supervisor. See Step 2 above.

You will also be required to attend an interview, either after contacting a potential supervisor or after submitting your application. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.

Preparing your research proposal

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of up to 500 words. As a general framework, your proposal should address:

• Research topic: What is your proposed thesis title?
• Aims and focus: What will your research achieve, and what are your research questions?
• Key concepts and theories: What are the academic concepts and theories informing your study?
• Approach and methodology: Outline your methodology and how you'll pursue your research questions.
• Bibliography: Include a list of relevant references.

Step 4 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code MR-PHILAGR.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• If you have submitted a complete application before the closing dates for any round, you will receive an outcome by the relevant date outlined above.
• We encourage you to remain in contact with your supervisor while you await the outcome of your application.

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 scholarship application rounds per year. Applications for admission may be submitted at any time of the year. However, to be considered for a scholarship, you must submit your application before one of the scholarship deadlines listed below.

Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees and scholarships tab for details.

Important notes on applications

• 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.
• If you intend to apply for a course and then apply for a scholarship from a sponsor external to the Faculty of Science, such as an external government scholarship, you will not be considered for a faculty Graduate Research Scholarship, and you will instead receive an outcome to your application outside of the below-listed timelines.

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.

Upcoming intakes and key dates

How to apply

Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility

• Review the Entry requirements tabfor the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.
• The Faculty of Science offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Agricultural Sciences as well as the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). We recommend that you familiarise yourself with both programs before deciding which is most suitable for you.

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 – filter to researchers available for supervision.
• Explore research project opportunitieson Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available.
• Search for your research topics of interest to find and contact prospective supervisors directly.

You can also explore research areas and themes through the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences research areas themes and staff contacts.

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 and publications.
• A summary of your intended research area or a research proposal.

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, completion statements, and grading schemes. If you completed a masters degree with an ungraded thesis, please also provide a copy of your thesis and any examiner reports (if available).
• CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience (including total duration in full-time equivalents) and any prior research output (include copies or links to journal articles, book chapters, etc.). Please use this CV template for your application.
• 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. Academic referees are able to comment on your most recent, relevant study. When you submit your application, your referees will be emailed a link to access the Graduate Research Referee tool, and you will be notified when they submit their reference.
• Research proposal: You must submit a research proposal of up to 500 words that summarises your research topic and objectives, and includes your proposed thesis title. See guidance below.
• Evidence of supervisor endorsement: Use the ‘Evidence of supervisor endorsement’ form as confirmation from your intended supervisor. See Step 2 above.

You will also be required to attend an interview, either after contacting a potential supervisor or after submitting your application. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.

Preparing your research proposal

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of up to 500 words. As a general framework, your proposal should address:

• Research topic: What is your proposed thesis title?
• Aims and focus: What will your research achieve, and what are your research questions?
• Key concepts and theories: What are the academic concepts and theories informing your study?
• Approach and methodology: Outline your methodology and how you'll pursue your research questions.
• Bibliography: Include a list of relevant references.

Step 4 – Submit your application

• Submit your application onlineusing the course code MR-PHILAGR.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• If you have submitted a complete application before the closing dates for any round, you will receive an outcome by the relevant date outlined above.
• We encourage you to remain in contact with your supervisor while you await the outcome of your application.

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 guideson the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead.