Frequently asked questions about research degrees

A research degree is an advanced study program that gives you an opportunity to deeply explore a topic of your choice.

HDR programs at the University of Tasmania include:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Research (MRes)
• Professional Doctorate

A candidate is a student studying a HDR.

An applicant is a person who has submitted, or is in the process of submitting, an application for a HDR.

Please refer to How to apply for instructions.

Before you start the application process, contact one of our researchers to discuss supervision of your research project and to identify research opportunities.

The University of Tasmania has more than 1000 active research staff, including many world leaders in their fields, and are committed to mentoring a new generation of critical thinkers.

Please refer to Research degrees | How to apply for instructions.

Domestic applicants may apply for part-time candidature.

International applicants must check their visa requirements prior to submitting an application for part-time candidature.

The duration of the academic year for HDR candidates is 48 weeks. Candidates are enrolled for 52 weeks of each calendar year and are entitled to 4 weeks leave per year.

During full-time enrolment, a candidate is required to devote at least 38 hours each week (on average) Monday to Friday, and usually during normal business hours on each of those days.

In order to undertake part-time enrolment, a candidate must be able to devote on average at least 19 hours each week towards their study program, where at least one of these days is a weekday during normal business hours. This is required to ensure you make regular contact with your supervisor.

All candidates enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research must submit a thesis for examination in fulfilment of the award for which they are enrolled.

A degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of a thesis prepared under supervision that makes an original, significant and extensive contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant field of study. Students are required to produce a thesis of no more than 100,000 words (Exegesis = 20,000-50,000), with the research representing a significant new contribution to the discipline.

The degree of Master of Research is awarded on the basis of a thesis prepared under supervision that presents the results of original research in a scholarship form demonstrating the Candidate’s knowledge of the research topic and the discipline/s it embraces. Students are required to produce a thesis of no more than 50,000 words (exegesis = 10,000-20,000), that demonstrates their capacity for critical analysis and application of specialist knowledge.

A degree of Professional Doctorate is awarded on the basis of a combination of:

• A thesis of up to 80,000 words prepared under supervision that makes an original, significant and extensive contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant field of study in the context of professional practice; and
• The completion of degree specific coursework as approved by Academic Senate and set out in the applicable University course and unit handbook.

A thesis embodies the results of a candidate's original research and is submitted for external examination against international standards.

An exegesis is a thesis that supports an exhibition or a creative piece of work. It is a critical interpretation or explication of text, a project or creative work. It has a critical part to play in contextualising the research project in the field of enquiry. The exegesis outlines the reasoning behind the research and the underpinning methodology thus explicating the nature and conduct of the research that has underpinned the creation of the performances.

Please refer to our scholarships and fees page for information.

You are considered a Domestic student if you are:

• A citizen of Australia or New Zealand
• A dual citizen of Australia and any other country
• A Permanent Resident of Australia
• Are on a Permanent Humanitarian Visa

You are considered an International student if you are:

• A citizen of any country except Australia or New Zealand
• A temporary resident of Australia
• A permanent resident of New Zealand

Find out more at 'Am I a Domestic or International Student?'

Please refer to our scholarships and fees page for information.

Please refer to How to apply Step 5 for instructions.

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.

Please follow the instructions indicated in your offer and the covering email. This may include making a payment and/or meeting offer conditions.

Your covering email will contain a link to the online application system through which you applied. Login to this system and accept your offer.

If you are an international applicant, upon acceptance of your offer, you will be taken to a Convera payment page. Your quote will be for the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) rate appropriate for you (single, couple, family). Our Admissions Officers have determined the best OSHC for you based on your answers about dependents that will be relocating with you. The current rates of OSHC are available on your offer letter. If you do not believe the rate is correct for your circumstances, or your family will be joining you in Australia at a later date than you, please email us.

You may also be quoted for 50% of your annual rate of tuition fees (see page 5 of your offer letter). This will be included in your quote.

The Research Training Program (RTP) is run by the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Training. RTP has changed the way that the Australian Government supports research funding.

The University of Tasmania will offer an RTP Fees Offset to all domestic candidates, which will offset the total cost of tuition fees for the duration of the course with no extension available.

You qualify for an RTP Fees Offset if you are:

• A citizen of Australia or New Zealand
• A dual citizen of Australia and any other country
• A Permanent Resident of Australia
• Are on a Permanent Humanitarian Visa

There is a legislative requirement that recipients of the RTP Fees Offset must acknowledge the Australian Government’s support in any published materials related to their Higher Degree by Research. This relates to any time, both during and after completion of their Higher Degree in Research. Materials include items such as thesis, exegesis, books, articles, newsletters or other literary or artistic works that relate to their Higher Degree by Research project. The acknowledgement must include the mention of support through an “Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship”.

To be eligible for a RTP Fees Offset Scholarship the University is required to issue domestic candidates with a CHESSN and report this number to the Department of Education and Training. If a domestic candidate already has a CHESSN from a previous study, the number will remain the same.

Please note that domestic candidates are invoiced for the Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) and these fees are not covered by the Research Training Program.

Please see Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) for information.

Domestic candidates are invoiced for these fees directly, unless the candidate has deferred the fees to their HECS-HELP debt. To defer the SSAF please complete a SA-Help form in eStudent before the census date.

International candidates will not receive a SSAF invoice as these fees are included in their annual tuition fees.

The University of Tasmania offers a wide range of competitive, merit-based scholarships for both Domestic and International HDR candidates.

Please refer to our scholarships and fees page for information.

If you were successful in receiving a scholarship, conditions pertaining to the scholarship will be included with your offer.

OSHC is not generally included as part of your scholarship benefits. Please check your offer of enrolment and scholarship conditions for details.

Your payments may take up to 4 weeks from the date of enrolment to commence.

Current candidates may submit a scholarship application at a later stage in their candidature with support from their School. Applications by current candidates will be reviewed as part of a competitive process.

Please contact the Graduate Research Office for a current candidate scholarship application form.

Step 1: Accept your offer of enrolment online, including making any payments or meeting any conditions as noted in your offer letter.

Step 2: The Graduate Research Office will acknowledge receipt of your acceptance. If you are an international applicant, you will be issued with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for the purpose of your visa application.

Step 3: Make an appointment to meet with your supervisor/s on your first day of candidature.

Step 4: On your first day of candidature, complete a Commencement of Candidature form with your supervisor/s and return it to the Graduate Research Office. You should also discuss details about where your desk will be located and obtaining the necessary equipment for your research with your supervisor/s.

Step 5: You will receive confirmation that your enrolment has been processed via email. This notification will include your login advice, if you have not previously studied at the University of Tasmania.

Step 6: Login to iGRad to manage your candidature action dates.

Step 7: Visit the Current Candidates website for information about your candidature. Also refer to instructions on how to enrol in required coursework units.

Domestic candidates undertaking Graduate Certificate in Research (X5A) or Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science (S6O) must complete an eCAF form via eStudent. This is for Government reporting purposes, there are no tuition fees or a HECS-HELP debt incurred by the candidate for X5A or S6O. Domestic candidates are still liable for paying Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF).

Step 8: Organise your Student ID and Access Card. Please take some photo identification and your student identification number (as shown on your letter of offer) when you go to get your card.

Tasmania is renowned for natural beauty, opportunity for adventure and lifestyle. It has access to some of the most spectacular natural heritage listed areas in the world and a dense, fascinating tapestry of geological features.

Tasmania has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer lasts from December to February, with average daily temperatures between 17C-23C. The winter months are from June to August, with average daily temperatures between 3C-11C.

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania and is characterised by waterfronts, markets, boating, shops, parklands, museums and art galleries. Tasmania has an enormous food and lifestyle culture so that you are spoilt for choice with cafes, restaurants, vineyards, wineries and gourmet markets. Some of the most pristine beaches, forests and island attractions are within close proximity to UTAS campuses for you to explore whilst undertaking your research degree.

• Discover Tasmania
• Lonely Planet Tasmania

There are many different types of accommodation options in Tasmania:

• UTAS Accommodation Services provides on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
• Homestay Accommodation is available for English Language Centre students.
• Shared rental housing is popular amongst many students.
• Students with families often prefer private rental housing.
• Buying property can be aided through www.realestate.com.au/buy
• Rental properties are advertised through www.realestate.com.au/rent
• Gumtree is a popular free site for classifieds.
• In Hobart, Springvale Hostel hosts students who are under 18.

Most international candidates will require a Student Visa to study in Australia. If your application for candidature is successful, and you accept your offer of enrolment, you will be issued with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) which is a required document for your Student Visa application.

International Student Support offers guidance, however UTAS staff are not allowed to provide visa advice under Australian law.

Please contact Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for assistance.

Having adequate health insurance for the duration of your student visa is an Immigration requirement, unless you hold Belgian, Swedish or Norwegian citizenship.

Please contact the Australian Government Department of Health for assistance.

You can either purchase OSHC through UTAS (Medibank Private is our health insurance provider) or through another Australian health insurance provider. A question on the application will ask you if you intend to purchase OSHC through UTAS, so we can provide you with an accurate quote.

If you choose the latter option, you will need to arrange this cover yourself and provide evidence of OSHC when accepting your offer of enrolment. Please ensure your OSHC will cover you from 28 days prior to your nominated start date and for a duration of:

• 4 years and 9 months (for a Doctor of Philosophy)
• 4 years and 9 months (for a Professional Doctorate)
• 2 years and 9 months (for a Master of Research)

This is an Immigration requirement to ensure you hold OSHC for the length of your visa.

For more information on how to arrange your own OSHC cover, please contact the Australian Government Department of Health for assistance.

If you wish for your family to relocate to Tasmania for the duration of your degree, please check visa requirements with the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

OSHC will be required for yourself and your family members. A question on the application will ask you if you intend to purchase OSHC through UTAS, so we can provide you with an accurate quote.

Please check visa requirements with the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

You will also need to contact your OSHC provider yourself (including if you purchased OSHC through UTAS) and arrange for your family members to be added to your OSHC. This will incur an additional payment to your OSHC provider.

If you arranged your OSHC through UTAS, please contact UTAS.OSHC@utas.edu.au.

If you arranged your OSHC through another health insurance provider, please contact your provider directly.

The cost of living in Tasmania varies according to your lifestyle and requirements. You will need to have funding for tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover and visa fees, as well as essential living expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Utilities
• Food & groceries
• Medical expenses
• Clothing
• Entertainment & recreation
• Transport
• Textbooks

Part-time work can assist with financial needs, but should not be relied upon to cover full living expenses. International candidates should check their visa conditions for information about undertaking part-time work.

Please see Student Visa Living Costs and Evidence of Funds or contact the Australian Government Department of Health for assistance.

Please see our Entry Requirements for information.

Please contact the English Language Centre for assistance.