HDR Application Process

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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.

Fees and costs

All fees and costs related to HDR candidates, international and domestic as well as examples of costs.

Scholarships

Search scholarships that you may be eligible including application deadlines.

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Supervisors

Search for our Higher Degree Research supervisors.

Doctor of Philosophy

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you’ll complete a substantial program of independent and original research in your chosen field of study. A PhD prepares you for a range of careers - from academic to industry and is the highest degree qualification available.

Masters of Research

The Master by Research can be your entry into a research career or an opportunity to build in-depth knowledge that you can apply in the world beyond academia. While shorter than a PhD, this program is still focused on the completion of independent and original research.

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Master of Philosophy

Combining coursework and a thesis, this program will prepare you for multiple professional pathways. It’s also an ideal choice if you have limited research experience and are seeking a pathway into a PhD. 

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Professional Doctorate Program

Undertake a unique doctoral program that combines research with professional practice. A professional doctorate can enhance a a career in research or industry.

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.