How to apply

At UQ, we have made applying for a research higher degree (RHD) as simple as possible. You can apply and commence an RHD any day of the year, simply by following these three steps.

Step 1

Find a potential advisor

As an aspiring RHD student it is likely you already have a particular area of research interest. UQ is home to over 2000 research experts and a growing community of internationally renowned scholars and scientists.  You can define your research interest and search for potential advisors for your research higher degree through these databases:

You can also contact individual Schools and Institutes and discuss your research interests with them. Read about some of our outstanding RHD advisors.

Step 2

Submit an Expression of Interest 

Once you have identified your research interests, and possibly found a selection of potential advisors, you need to complete an Expression of Interest form.  Applicants who wish to conduct research in the Faculty of Health Sciences do NOT need to complete this form.  Please visit http://www.uq.edu.au/health/rhd. 

The School/Institute uses the information provided to make an assessment of your qualifications to undertake a research degree and its capacity to provide you with an advisory team, research facilities, project funds and general infrastructure and support services. On the basis of this Expression of Interest you may be invited to submit an Application for Admission & Scholarship form.  If you have not found any advisors, you can still submit the Expression of Interest form.  If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency.

Where to submit your Expression of Interest
English, Media Studies & Art History  |  History, Philosophy, Religion & Classics  |  
Languages & Comparative Cultural Studies  |  Music
Business  |  Economics  |   Law  |  Tourism
Architecture  |   Chemical Engineering (including the Advanced Water Management Centre)  |  Civil Engineering  |  Information Technology & Electrical Engineering  |  Mechanical & Mining Engineering
Faculty of Health Sciences
Dentistry  |  Health & Rehabilitation Sciences  |  Human Movement Studies  |  Medicine  |  Nursing & Midwifery  |  Pharmacy  |  Population Health
 
Please do NOT complete an Expression of Interest. 
Visit http://www.uq.edu.au/health/rhd 
Agriculture & Food Sciences  |  Biological Sciences  |  Biomedical Sciences  |  Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences  |  Earth Sciences  |  Geography, Planning & Environmental Management  |  Mathematics & Physics  |  Veterinary Science
Education  |  Journalism & Communication  |  Political Science & International Studies  |  Psychology  |  Social Science  |  Social Work & Human Services
Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN)  |  Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB)  |  Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)  |  Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI)  |  The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute

Step 3

Apply for Admission & Scholarship

The full application includes a research proposal which details all the necessary components for a successful RHD candidature, including:

  • The significance of the research question is appropriate to the degree
  • The research methodology is academically strong
  • The expected outcomes are described
  • The research can be completed within 15-19 months (full-time) for an MPhil or 3-3.5 years (full-time) for a PhD
  • The right academic experts are available
  • There is adequate funding and facilities

Once you have developed your research proposal, complete an Application for Admission and Scholarship form and submit it to your School/Institute. This form also requires you to provide supporting documentation including referee reports and an academic CV.

UQ provides a range of competitive, merit-based scholarships for RHD students. To apply, please indicate in section 5 of the Application for Admission and Scholarship form that you wish to be considered for the next scholarship round of these scholarships.

What happens next?

  1. Your School/Institute reviews your application and recommends it to the UQ Graduate School.
  2. The UQ Graduate School makes a decision to admit you as a research student.
  3. If successful, you will receive a formal written offer.
  4. If you applied for a competitive, merit-based scholarship on your application, you will be advised within 10 days of the conclusion of the scholarship round.
  5. Once you have accepted your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). 
    For international students: Once you receive this COE you can apply for a visa and make travel arrangements.

Your application takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks to process after you have submitted to your enrolling School / Institute. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about your RHD application or require assistance at any stage, please contact uqadvantage@gradschool.uq.edu.au.  We look forward to welcoming you to The University of Queensland.

How to apply section

Response to Offer

If you have been made an Unconditional Offer of Admission to Research Higher Degree (RHD) Candidature and/or an Offer of Scholarship Support for Research Higher Degree (RHD) Candidature, you must formally accept or decline the offer(s).

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