How to Apply

Graduate Research

Quick Links

Considering UTAS? Check out the Graduate Research @ UTAS brochure.

Information for Applicants

Check the Admission Requirements to ensure you meet the entry criteria for a higher degree by research at UTAS.

Application process

Step 1 - Contact a Potential Supervisor in your chosen research area

UTAS will only make an offer of candidature where appropriate supervision and resources are available to support the proposed research project. It is therefore important that you have made arrangements with a supervisor BEFORE the application for candidature or scholarship is submitted.

There are a number of ways that you can find a supervisor within your research area -

Visit the School web page to investigate areas of research strength
Contact the Graduate Research Coordinator for the School within which you wish to enrol
Complete a Keyword search via WARP - Web Access Research Portal

Step 2 - Discuss the Research Project with your Proposed Supervisor/s

You should discuss all aspects of your proposed research project with your proposed supervisor/s before submitting an application form. This discussion may be conducted in any manner that is agreed to by the people involved (e.g. in person, via email, phone, Skype). Topics that should be discussed include:

access to infrastructure and resources,
funding and scholarship support,
space allocation,
supervisory contact,
candidature requirements and timeframes,
expectations in relation to progress and attendance, and
intellectual property issues and any potential implications from these issues.

If you are applying on the basis of substantial sector experience, see the Non-traditional Entry Pathway Guidelines.

Completing a higher degree by research is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It opens doors. Graduates with advanced skills and knowledge, at the forefront of their disciplines are highly sought after by world governments and globalised industries. Before committing to a project you should ensure that you have a clear understanding of what the project entails and what is involved to successfully complete the degree you wish to enrol in.

Step 3 - Arrange your referee reports

The application form requires you to provide the details of two (2) academic referees who are able to comment on your academic background and / or research abilities. UTAS also requests that your referees complete a Referee Report Form (Word 370KB) (PDF 98KB). Before forwarding a copy of this form to your nominated referees, please complete Sections 1 and 2 of the Report - this ensures that your referees know where to send the completed report.

Step 4 - Complete an Application for Admission and Scholarship (Part 1)

Once you have confirmation that a supervisor has agreed to supervise your project, please complete an Application for Admission and Scholarship for Higher Degree Research Candidature (Word 414KB). This application should be completed electronically and emailed to the Graduate Research Co-ordinator for the School in which you wish to enrol.

You should email all requested supporting documentation to the Graduate Research Co-ordinator with your application, however, some supporting documentation (where applicable) must also be submitted to the Graduate Research Office:

transcripts of non-UTAS qualifications (both sides are required)
information relating to any prior incomplete higher degrees by research
evidence of English language ability
proof of change of name
proof of citizenship status
documentation from a sponsoring organisation

Documentation submitted to the Graduate Research Office must be the original document or a certified copy of the original document (a certified copy is a copy of an original document which has been certified as being a true copy by an authorised person). Please ensure all documentation is clearly labelled with your name and contact details.

Step 5 - School Completes School Recommendation (Part 2)

At this point in the process the School completes a School Recommendation on an Application for Admission and Scholarship (Word 106.5KB).

Course and Unit Code Information (Word 584KB)

Step 6 - School Submits all parts of your Application to the Graduate Research Office

Your application, referees' reports and the School's recommendation will be sent to the Graduate Research Office on your behalf. You will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible following checks and processing.

FAQs

When is the application closing date?

Applications are accepted at any time throughout the year.

When should I apply for candidature?

Your completed application for candidature, referees' reports and the School's recommendation should be received by the Graduate Research Office at least 4 weeks before the start date advised in your application.

How long will my application take to be assessed?

The Graduate Research Office will endeavour to finalise the assessment of your application within 4 weeks of the application being received. Please note that this timeframe cannot be guaranteed as a number of factors may affect the time required to complete the assessment (e.g. scholarship funding).

How will I be advised of the outcome of my application?

You will be advised of the outcome of your application via email. It is therefore important that the email address advised in your application remains valid for a period of at least 3 months.

How much are the tuition fees for a higher degree by research?

Domestic candidates are not required to pay tuition fees for a higher degree by research at UTAS. Successful domestic applicants will be offered a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place that is funded by the Commonwealth government. More information about the RTS is available from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE).

International candidates are required to pay tuition fees for each day of enrolment.