How to apply for research courses

You generally need to have completed an honours degree or a masters degree with a significant research component to enrol in a higher degree by research. If you haven’t done either, you may gain entry if you can submit sufficient evidence of prior research training or experience. This is called honours equivalence. 
 
Read about the academic entry requirements for PhD and masters by research and find out how you can build an honours equivalence case based on a masters by coursework or professional experience. 
 
If you’re an international applicant, you also need to meet the minimum English language standard.
 
If you’re not eligible for entry to a higher degree by research, consider the Graduate Certificate in Research. This 6-month pathway course will prepare you for a masters by research or PhD.

You should have some idea of what you’d like to research and a list of potential research supervisors before you apply. Not sure where to start? Find inspiration (and contacts) at your favourite research centre. 

One of your referees must be your previous thesis supervisor. The other can be either another previous supervisor or an employer who can vouch for your research skills. When you’ve lined up two referees, send them the Confidential Referee Report form (DOCX, 71KB) to fill in. 

You can apply to become a research student at any time. 

If you’re a domestic applicant, apply via the Domestic Candidature and RTP Fee-Offset Scholarship page. If you’re international, you can get a Federation agent to help with your application or you can do it yourself via the StudyLink application system.  

You’ll need to include:  

• a 250-word summary of your intended project (with title) 
• academic transcripts and certificates for previous undergraduate and postgraduate study 
• a copy of your Australian honours and/or masters thesis abstract OR a statement of honours equivalency 
• a list of your published work (including all other authors, your role, full publication details and evidence of peer review)  
• a full electronic copy of each of these publications. For books, include full publication details, table of contents and introduction (or full copy). For conference publications, provide details of the date/place/name/organiser.) 
• evidence of any professional research experience outside of formal study and/or expertise related to your planned research 
• copies of your contractual agreement with an outside sponsor or institution (if applicable). 

You’ll also need to supply certified copies (or originals) of the following: 

• a copy of your birth certificate or passport (if you’re an Australian citizen) 
• a copy of your visa and passport (if you’re a permanent resident) 
• a copy of your passport and English language proficiency test certificate i.e. IELTS/TOEFL (if you’re international). 

You must submit a statement of study purpose with your application. This should include: 

• why you’ve chosen the course  
• why you’ve chosen Federation 
• why you’d rather study in Australia than your home country 
• how the course is relevant to your academic and/or employment background 
• how the course is relevant to your future career/education plans. 

Need help with your statement? Email internationaladmissions@federation.edu.au.