Graduate Research Degrees and Scholarships at Australian Catholic University

About the opportunity

Graduate research degrees at Australian Catholic University (ACU) enable candidates to pursue independent, high-impact research across disciplines including Education, Health Sciences, Law, Business, Theology, Philosophy, and Computer Science. Applicants can choose from Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs. Key admission options include self-designed projects, scholarship-supported research projects aligned with ACU priorities, Joint PhDs with international university partners, and an Indigenous Knowledges pathway that recognizes lived experience and achievements. Applications are accepted year-round on a continuous basis, with structured intake terms throughout the year for domestic and international students.

Funding and benefits

• Domestic applicants approved for admission automatically receive a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship covering full tuition fees.
• International applicants are automatically assessed for competitive ACU Tuition Fee Scholarships to cover tuition costs.
• Stipend scholarships are available to assist candidates with living expenses during their studies.
• Scholarship-supported research projects offer funding packages combined with structured research topics and industry engagement.

Who can apply?

• Open to domestic applicants (Australian citizens, permanent residents, humanitarian visa holders, New Zealand citizens) and international applicants.
• Applicants must meet specific entry requirements for their chosen degree (PhD, DMin, or MPhil) as set out in Section 5 of the Higher Degree Research Policy.
• Applications are evaluated based on research potential, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, supervisor availability, and referee reports.
• Indigenous applicants may qualify for PhD entry based on demonstrated achievements and lived experience under the Indigenous Knowledges pathway.
• English language proficiency must be demonstrated if prior university studies were not completed in English or in an approved English-speaking country (results or qualifications must be within 2 years of the start date).

Required documents

• 2,000-word research proposal in text-searchable PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
• Academic resume (CV) detailing qualifications, employment, research experience, publications, awards, prizes, scholarships, and exhibitions/performances.
• Copies of completed research (published articles, book chapters, thesis extracts, or research reports).
• Copy of thesis from any previously completed degree along with examination reports.
• Certified copies of transcripts for all higher education study undertaken to date.
• Certified identification document (birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or passport including visa pages).
• Official enrolment summary from current institution if currently enrolled in a research degree elsewhere (confirming program name, start date, consumed load, status, candidature details, and scholarship details).
• Names and email addresses of two academic referees who can submit confidential online referee reports.

When to apply

• Applications are accepted on a continuous, rolling basis year-round; candidates are strongly recommended to apply at least 12 weeks before their preferred start date.
• If applying for a stipend or specific scholarship, completed applications (including both referee reports) must be received at least one week prior to the scholarship deadline.
• International intake start dates: April, July, or October (first date of the chosen Research Term).
• Domestic intake start dates: February, May, August, or November (first workday of the month).

How to apply

• Select a research degree (PhD, DMin, or MPhil) and an admission pathway (self-designed project, scholarship-supported project, Joint PhD, or Indigenous Knowledges).
• Review course entry requirements and English language proficiency requirements.
• Prepare a 2,000-word research proposal and optionally identify or contact accredited ACU supervisors.
• Gather required academic transcripts, identity documents, thesis details, CV, and enrolment summary if applicable.
• Submit an online application via the domestic or international portal and enter contact details for two referees.
• Ensure both nominated referees complete and submit their confidential online referee reports so evaluation can begin.

Additional information

• Research strengths cover Education and Arts, Health Sciences, Law and Business, Theology and Philosophy, and Computer Science and Data Science.
• Contacting a supervisor prior to submitting an application is optional; ACU allocates qualified supervisors upon successful admission.