HDR Application Process
- How to apply
- Next steps
- HDR Academic Calendar
- Application Deadlines
How to apply
Ready to apply for a research higher degree program at UNSW? The information below outlines the steps you need to follow, including where to find the application form for admission and scholarship, the supporting documents you need to provide.
For instructional videos on how to complete and submit your higher degree research application, please click here, opens in a new window.
To watch the August 2024 GRS Application Information Session, please click here, opens in a new window.
Next steps
I've submitted my application. What's next?
Applications need all mandatory documents before they can be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is submitted in full, with all correct and satisfactory documents, before any relevant deadline.
Applications may take around a week to come through Apply Online to the student system, and longer for documents to be reviewed during high peak periods (eg around scholarship deadlines). Your documents may be rejected if they do not meet UNSW requirements, so it is important you check requirements prior to submission, and then track your application yourself. Be aware that if you submit documents after the deadline, your application may be considered for a later term/scholarship round (if applicable).
- After You Submit an Application
Once your application has come through to the student system, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a UNSW Student ID.
At this stage, you can track your application in your UNSW Apply Online account, and upload any documents you may have missed through your UNSW Apply Online account. It is important that you periodically check your Apply Online account to ensure you can see any updates.
Your application will then be processed, and you’ll receive a formal receipt letter after this. Log into Apply Online to view outstanding documents, if and why your documents have been rejected, and if any new documents are required. You may also be contacted separately by email if there are questions about your application.
If you submit further documents after this time, please allow a week for additional submitted documents to be checked and updated.
Only once mandatory documents have been accepted will your application be sent to your School for processing.
HDR Academic Calendar
The HDR Academic Calendar comprises four terms, which provide flexibility for HDR candidates to reflect the ongoing nature of a research candidature.
Below are the HDR Academic Calendar dates for this year.
Are you already enrolled in a UNSW HDR program? Visit the HDR Hub for the latest information on candidatures, scholarships, events and resources for HDR candidates.
-
Term
New Enrolments Commence
Term Start Date
Term Census Date
Term End Date
Summer Term
13 November 2023
11 December 2023
14 January 2024
11 February 2024
Term 1
1 January 2024
12 February 2024
10 March 2024
26 May 2024
Term 2
15 April 2024
27 May 2024
23 June 2024
8 September 2024
Term 3
29 July 2024
9 September 2024
6 October 2024
8 December 2024
Term
Summer Term
New Enrolments Commence
13 November 2023
Term Start Date
11 December 2023
Term Census Date
14 January 2024
Term End Date
11 February 2024
Term
Term 1
New Enrolments Commence
1 January 2024
Term Start Date
12 February 2024
Term Census Date
10 March 2024
Term End Date
26 May 2024
Term
Term 2
New Enrolments Commence
15 April 2024
Term Start Date
27 May 2024
Term Census Date
23 June 2024
Term End Date
8 September 2024
Term
Term 3
New Enrolments Commence
29 July 2024
Term Start Date
9 September 2024
Term Census Date
6 October 2024
Term End Date
8 December 2024
-
Term
New Enrolments Commence
Term Start Date
Term Census Date
Term End Date
Summer Term
4 November 2024
9 December 2024
23 January 2025
16 February 2025
Term 1
6 January 2025
17 February 2025
13 March 2025
1 June 2025
Term 2
20 April 2025
2 June 2025
26 June 2025
14 September 2025
Term 3
4 August 2025
15 September 2025
9 October 2025
14 December 2025
Term
Summer Term
New Enrolments Commence
4 November 2024
Term Start Date
9 December 2024
Term Census Date
23 January 2025
Term End Date
16 February 2025
Term
Term 1
New Enrolments Commence
6 January 2025
Term Start Date
17 February 2025
Term Census Date
13 March 2025
Term End Date
1 June 2025
Term
Term 2
New Enrolments Commence
20 April 2025
Term Start Date
2 June 2025
Term Census Date
26 June 2025
Term End Date
14 September 2025
Term
Term 3
New Enrolments Commence
4 August 2025
Term Start Date
15 September 2025
Term Census Date
9 October 2025
Term End Date
14 December 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Deadlines
Applications must be submitted by the application deadline for the intended study period (Term), to ensure the acceptance and enrolment processes are completed by the Term Start Dates. Please use the toggles below to find out more about key dates for admission and scholarships.
All mandatory supporting documents listed in the Document Submission Guidelines are required by the application deadline, including satisfactory evidence of having met the UNSW English language requirements.
Enrolment dates
The UNSW HDR Academic Calendar provides a level of flexibility for HDR candidates that reflects the ongoing nature of a research candidature.
The HDR Academic Calendar consists of four terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Summer Term) of approximately three months each. New candidates are expected to enrol by the Term Start Date.
For information on the HDR Academic Calendar, please visit this page.