Preparing your application

Higher degree study is a major commitment so right from the start we would like to help you clarify your research plans before you complete your formal application.

When enquiring about the potential of an application into our research programs, you will be asked to provide information about your area of research interest. This will not be your final, formal proposal – in the first few months of your candidature you will be guided to develop and present your proposal to a panel. At this stage, however, you need to show that you have put some thought into what you would like to research. You should prepare a research proposal of about 700 words that provides a background to your proposed study and makes a case for its significance and importance. You should use the proposal template when developing your proposal.  You may refer to the  research proposal guidelines if you would like some guidance. If you are not yet clear about your research areas, you may contact your potential supervisor with a list of a few topics that you would be interested in or ask for further guidance.

The proposal you include in your application will provide evidence of your ability to start thinking like a researcher in identifying a relevant research topic and developing a research plan. If your application is approved, you might find that over the following months, your research topic could change – either completely or in small details.

Entry to research programs is very competitive. The more thought you put into your project at this stage, the more likely are your chances of being accepted.

Scholarships

Information on available scholarships can be found on the Research and Innovation Division (RaID) website