How to Apply/Enrol

Before applying we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the course rules and entry requirements of our Higher Degree Research (HDR) courses located on the Course and Unit Catalogue page under Postgraduate Research.

The steps listed below should assist you with applying for a HDR course.

Step 1: Determine your research topic

As a first step, you should determine your preferred field of study and create a Research Proposal.

Your Research Proposal should be a clear and concise outline of the objectives of your study and the means by which the goals will be achieved. The University looks for research proposals which demonstrate that the applicant has the capacity to translate the ideas into an appropriate research thesis, with potential outcomes appropriate to the level of study i.e. Masters Research or Doctoral.

Your proposal should be presented under headings that provide the following information:

  • Proposed title of the study
  • Summary of the proposed study
  • Purpose of the proposed study
  • Relevant background literature
  • Research questions or hypotheses
  • Definitions of key terms used in the proposal
  • Research methodology
  • Significance of the research
  • Ethical considerations
  • Timetable for the research
  • Anticipated problems and limitations
  • Resources required for the research
  • Bibliography
  • Appendix

The detail under each of these headings would normally be developed in consultation with your potential supervisor or the Whole-of-Institution Information Set of the relevant VCB School.

Step 2: Find an academic school and potential supervisor
Find An Expert

You can use the Find an Expert tool to assist you in locating an appropriate supervisor by searching by name, research area or school.

Find an Academic School

You can identify and contact potential supervisors by visiting the staff pages of each Faculty/School to discuss your Research interests prior to applying for admission.

Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education

Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Targeted Research Areas

The University has identified a number of targeted research areas of priority for HDR Enrolment.

Prospective students are encouraged to identify an area of interest and then communicate with the relevant contact person.

Step 3: Submit a candidature application

Please make sure you download your candidature application to your computer before you start filling it in. Once you have completed your application you can submit your application via the AskVCB portal

Prospective HDR Students

HDR Candidature Application Guidelines

HDR Candidature Application Form

Referee Report

Doctor of Philosophy (Innovation)

(Note: the Doctor of Philosophy (Innovation) is a different course to the Doctor of Philosophy)

Domestic

Domestic Students Candidature Application Guidelines

Domestic Students Candidature Application

Innovation project Prospectus

Referee Report

International

International Students Candidature Application Guidelines

International Students Candidature Application

Innovation project Prospectus

Referee Report

Applying for a Scholarship?

VCB offers a number of different competitive scholarship schemes for postgraduate research students. To find out more about these scholarships, or to apply for a scholarship please visit our Scholarships page.

Step 4: Receive your candidature outcome

Whether you are successful or unsuccessful in gaining Candidature admission, you will be notified via email.

The application turn around time can take up to 6 weeks, if you have not been notified before this time, please contact Research Services to enquire about your application status.

Step 5: Enrol in your HDR course
Domestic Students

After you have received your offer of admission in to your higher degree research course, please complete the online HDR Enrolment Form.

International students

All International Students will need to refer to their offer of admission for the official requirements to study at VCB.

For further information, please contact the International Office.

Step 6: Fee information
International Students

Please refer to International Office's Visa and Fees page.

Domestic Students

All Domestic Students' tuition fees are covered by the Government's Research Training Program. However, you will still be invoiced the Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF).

Contact the HDR Team