Postgraduate Research Programs at the University of Sydney

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney provides postgraduate Higher Degree by Research (HDR) options including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Joint PhD, and Master’s by Research / Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programs across various faculties. HDR candidates conduct independent research under academic supervision to produce a thesis or dissertation. Applications are open year-round to eligible domestic and international candidates who demonstrate strong academic achievement and prior research experience.

Funding and benefits

• Domestic students receive an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset covering tuition fees.
• Competitive stipend scholarships providing an allowance for living costs are available based on academic merit and research potential.
• International students can apply for scholarship packages that cover tuition fees, living costs, and relocation support.
• Access to one of the largest research scholarship schemes in Australia.

Who can apply?

• Prior research experience, such as an Australian honours degree, a master's by research, or a master's by coursework with a thesis/dissertation component.
• High academic achievement, typically a bachelor's degree with First Class Honours or equivalent (e.g. WAM of 75+ or Honours Class I WAM >80 at Sydney).
• For PhD entry: a bachelor's degree with first-class honours, a high-standard master's degree with substantial research, or an equivalent qualification demonstrating research capability.
• For Master's by research/MPhil entry: a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours from Sydney or another approved institution, or an equivalent qualification demonstrating research capability.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency according to course requirements.
• Joint PhD applicants must meet PhD entry requirements and sign an individual student agreement after proposal approval.

Required documents

• Finalized research proposal (up to 2,000 words covering objectives and significance).
• Evidence that a primary supervisor has agreed to supervise you (e.g., email confirmation).
• Two referee reports using the official University of Sydney template.
• Official academic transcripts in original language and English translation.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
• Proof of identity (e.g., passport biodata page, Australian birth certificate, or citizenship certificate).
• Statement showing available time for domestic part-time enrolment.
• Course-specific materials if required (e.g., portfolio or audition for Sydney Conservatorium of Music).

When to apply

• Postgraduate research degree applications are open year-round on a rolling basis.
• Most research intakes begin in Research Period 2 (March) and Research Period 3 (July).
• Specific deadlines apply for Research Training Program (RTP) stipend scholarship consideration; applications submitted past the RTP deadline are considered in the subsequent ranking round.

How to apply

• Step 1: Check your eligibility regarding academic performance, research experience, and English language requirements.
• Step 2: Develop a research proposal explaining your research ideas and alignment with potential supervisors.
• Step 3: Find and secure an academic supervisor (except for Sydney Law School and Business School, where you apply first and are allocated a supervisor if accepted).
• Step 4: Submit your application online with all required supporting documentation and complete the additional scholarship form if seeking RTP stipend consideration.

Additional information

• International students must pay a non-refundable application processing fee unless exempt or sponsored, and must obtain a valid student visa.
• Fieldwork involving NSW hospital and education systems requires health and security checks.
• Ethics approvals (Animal Ethics and/or Human Research Ethics) may be required depending on the research topic.