NOTE: A new online application form was introduced in April 2026 that includes an integrated referee report process. If you started an application before this date and haven't submitted it yet, we recommend starting a new application using the online form for a smoother experience.
Follow our simple step-by-step application process and turn your research ambition into reality.
Have a question or need help with your application?
Start by selecting the research course that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. Explore the course descriptions to understand the focus and structure of each option:
A PhD is a rigorous, research-intensive degree designed for those seeking to make a significant original contribution to knowledge in their field.
The DMin is a professional doctorate for experienced ministry practitioners, focusing on advanced theological reflection and applied research in ministry contexts.
The MPhil is a shorter research degree that allows you to undertake independent research and demonstrate advanced understanding of existing knowledge.
To be considered for admission into a research course at ACU, you must meet the relevant entry requirements.
You can check the specific criteria for your chosen course in .
Keep in mind that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Your application will also be assessed based on:
Your proposed research must align with the expertise of available supervisors. Reviewing the University's research areas will help you understand the breadth of research strengths available to support your project. Research areas are offered across:
Before submitting your application, you may wish to identify accredited supervisors who are actively researching in your proposed area. If appropriate, you can reach out to discuss your research proposal with them.
Contacting a supervisor before applying is optional. If your application is successful, 91直播 will allocate suitably qualified supervisors to you, as outlined in .
NOTE: If a supervisor expresses interest in working with you, this does not guarantee admission or that they will be assigned to your project. Supervisor availability is assessed as part of the application process.
Learn more about our supervisors
Applications are currently open for prospective research candidates. You may begin your studies before the census date in either Research Term A or Research Term C.
If you are applying for candidature only, you can submit your application at any time. However, we strongly recommend applying at least 12 weeks before your preferred research term begins to allow sufficient time for processing.
If you are applying for both candidature and a scholarship, please refer to the specific application deadline listed on the relevant scholarship webpage and ensure that your completed application, including referee reports, is received prior to this date.
To begin the application process, use the link below to register in our online application system. Once registered, you can start, save and submit applications for your chosen course, and upload the necessary supporting documents.
Please register using an email address you check regularly, as this will be our primary way of contacting you.
NOTE: Our online application system supports both domestic and international HDR admissions. As a result, some automated messages may reference "international.admissions". Please be assured that your application has been correctly received and is being processed as a domestic application-these references do not affect your status or eligibility.
Once registered, to start preparing your application. Your application will capture essential details about your proposed research project, academic background, and personal information. You will need to provide a number of supporting documents, including:
You will need to submit a 2,000-word research proposal in a text-searchable PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
Writing a research proposal can feel overwhelming, but remember perfection isn’t expected. You’re not required to have all the answers at this stage. Your proposal is a starting point, laying the foundation for your research journey and helping us understand your ideas, interests, and potential.
Learn more about the requirements for your research proposal
You are required to nominate two referees who can speak to your academic and research capabilities.
Referee reports are confidential and submitted directly by the referee to the university.
If you're applying for a scholarship with a specific closing date, your referee reports must be submitted within one week of that deadline.
As of April 2026, we have implemented an online application form which includes an online referee report. Please follow the below instructions based on when you began your application.
During the online application process, you’ll be asked to enter the names and email addresses of your referees. Please ensure their email addresses are entered correctly.
Once you submit your application, your referees will receive an email invitation with a link to complete the online reference form. Let them know to expect this email and advise them to check their junk or spam folders if they don’t see it.
It is your responsibility to ensure both referees complete and submit their reports. Your application will not be assessed until both forms have been received.
By logging into your applicant portal () you can:
Regularly checking your portal helps ensure your application progresses without delays.
You’ll be notified once both references have been received, and your application is ready for assessment.
Consider starting a new application which includes the online referee form. Otherwise, please follow the instructions below to organise your referee reports:
It is your responsibility to ensure both referees complete and submit their reports. Your application will not be assessed until both forms have been received.
You’ll be notified once both references have been received, and your application is ready for assessment.
You will need to provide materials that demonstrate your academic background and research achievements. These include:
You will need to provide a certified identification document, such as:
All successful domestic applicants are automatically granted a Research Training Program Fees Offset Scholarship, which provides a tuition fee waiver in accordance with .
If you would also like to be considered for a stipend scholarship (to assist with living costs), indicate this on your application form by specifying the name of the scholarship.
When applying for a stipend scholarship, you must provide any additional information required for that scholarship, as outlined on the relevant scholarship webpage.
You will need to demonstrate English language proficiency if:
You can meet this requirement by providing results from a recognised English language test or evidence of prior qualifications taught in English. Any test or qualification must have been completed within two years of your intended course start date. For full details, refer to , which outlines the English language requirements for HDR programs.
If you are currently enrolled in a research degree at another institution, please upload an official enrolment summary from your current institution. This document should confirm:
You may need to contact the graduate research office at your current institution to obtain this document.
Once you have completed your application and carefully reviewed all details, submit it via your .
Applications are assessed based on the documentation submitted at the time of lodgement. Additional documents cannot be accepted once assessment has commenced, unless specifically requested by the University.
Regularly checking your applicant portal helps ensure your application progresses without delays. By logging into your applicant portal you can:
You'll be notified once all required information has been received and your application is ready for assessment.
We'll now begin assessing your application. There's a lot to review, so please be patient. The process typically takes around two months. You will receive confirmation once your application has been lodged, and we'll notify you of the outcome as soon as possible.
This FAQ section answers common questions about the application process to help you apply with confidence.
Follow these instructions if you want to apply for one of the following research degrees:
You’re a domestic applicant if you’re one of the following:
You are an international applicant if you will need a temporary student visa to study in Australia.
If you are an international applicant, you should visit our step-by-step guide for international research applications.
A research degree is a master's or doctorate that is mostly made up of researching and writing a single thesis.
We also offer postgraduate degrees made up of different units and classes; however, these are known as postgraduate coursework degrees.
If you’re looking to apply for a postgraduate coursework degree, such as a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's by coursework, you should visit our application page for postgraduate students.
You can reach out to the Graduate Research School if you have any questions about the research application process.
A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been officially verified as a true copy. It does not confirm the authenticity of the original document—only that the copy matches the original.
Documents that must be certified include:
To have a document certified, simply take the original document and a photocopy to an authorised person, such as:
The certifier will:
The certified copy must include:
My eQuals is the preferred method for applicants to share academic transcripts when applying for a research degree at ACU. Please use this service if it is available to you.
Scan or photograph the certified copy and email it to the Graduate Research School:
Email: grad.research@acu.edu.au
Mail the certified copy to the Graduate Research School:
ACU Graduate Research School
Level 11, Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building
115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Identifying a supervisor before applying is optional. If your application is successful, 91直播 will allocate suitably qualified supervisors to you, as outlined in .
To discuss possible supervisors, please contact the Faculty Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty to which you will apply for admission:
| Faculty | |
|---|---|
| Faculty Education and Arts | FEA.HDR@acu.edu.au |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | FHS.ADR@acu.edu.au |
| Faculty of Law and Business | FLB.HDR@acu.edu.au |
| Faculty of Theology and Philosophy | ADRes.FTP@acu.edu.au |
You can also browse the research profiles of our accredited supervisors and contact them directly.
Get in touch to learn more about graduate research at ACU
Email: grad.research@acu.edu.auContact us to explore how you could collaborate with our graduate researchers.
Email: grs.partnerships@acu.edu.au