Your study options
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Frequently asked questions
You can graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy in just three years. If you’re studying full-time this program will need to be completed within four years. Alternatively, if you’re studying part-time you will have up to eight years to complete your studies.
When studied full-time, our Master of Research can be completed in two years and has a maximum duration of four years.
We know that life, work and study can be a lot to juggle, so part-time study is often available for HDR students.
The Master of Research is a direct pathway into the PhD at UniSQ but there are other options for entering into a doctorate.
Applicants can get approved for a PhD by meeting one of the below criteria:
- An Australian university Bachelor Honours degree with First Class or Second Class Honours (Division A) or equivalent (with a thesis comprising of at least two units).
- An Australian university Masters degree (with a thesis comprising of at least two units) or equivalent.
- Other qualifications and/or experiences equivalent to First Class or Second Class Honours (Division A).
English language requirements
Please view the relevant English language requirements and note that this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements, you may apply to study a university-approved English language program. If you have any questions regarding entry requirements, please contact grs@unisq.edu.au.
Firstly, we’re so glad you’re considering UniSQ – if we’re able to take you on as a student we will! Our ability to accept HDR students depends on the supervisors available within specific fields. To find out if we have someone able to support you in your chosen area of study, search our Expert Finder; more information is available via Find Your Research Topic.
If you can't find a suitable supervisor, please contact the Graduate Research School for assistance. You can apply without listing a supervisor, however this might delay your admission.
Once you’ve found a potential supervisor, please reach out to them via email. Introduce yourself and briefly outline your proposed project – about 500 words will do. All going well, you will then meet with your supervisor and be asked to complete a Preliminary Research Thesis Topic Proposal.
For more information, please contact grs@unisq.edu.au.
An Australian Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship may provide support in one or more of the following ways:
- A RTP Fees Offset Scholarship pays all tuition fees for a domestic HDR student, however, this doesn’t include Student Services Amenities Fee or other student fees.
- A RTP Stipend Scholarship supports the general living costs of an HDR student through fortnightly, tax-free payments for the standard duration of the academic program.
- A RTP Scholarship Allowance assists students with ancillary costs incurred during study. Ancillary costs may include, but are not limited to:
- Standard Overseas Student Health Cover for either the student or the student, their spouse and any dependents.
- Relocation costs.
- Higher Degree by Research thesis printing and academic publication costs.
If you have any questions, please email grs@unisq.edu.au.
Doctor of Philosophy
Studying a PhD is not like other degrees, there are no formal teaching periods or breaks. Students work with their supervisory team to complete their research and set their timelines; they can apply for annual leave as needed. When starting out, you’re able to begin your PhD at one of the eight intakes throughout the year.
Master of Research
The Master of Research is offered in the Trimester academic calendar which provides a great deal of flexibility to allow you to speed up or slow down your studies. It has three intakes throughout the year: Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May) or Trimester 3 (September). You can study in all three trimesters in a calendar year and still have a break (approx. 6 weeks) in your studies over the end of year holiday period.