How to apply Higher Degree by Research
How to apply for Higher Degree by Research
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Higher Degree by Research (HDR) courses include Doctoral programs (PhD) and research-based Masters programs. Explore your options on the JCU course pages and find your preferred course.
JCU has detailed Higher Degree by Research entry requirements. Ensure that you have read these and are eligible to apply before progressing further.
Once you have selected your preferred degree, refer to the steps below to submit your application.
How to apply
All Higher Degree by Research applications should be submitted through JCU’s Online Application Portal.
Refer to the JCU course pages to determine which Higher Degree by Research offering meets your needs. Check that you meet the entry requirements. Take note of the course code for use in your application.
A Higher Degree by Research application requires several pieces of information. Refer to the list below to ensure you have everything you need.
You will also require a Unique Student Identifier number. If you do not have a USI, you will need to create one before commencing your application.
Click on ‘My Course Applications’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.
Ensure that all your documents have attached properly, and that you have correctly completed every section. The JCU Graduate Research School team will be in touch if further clarification is required.
After your application has been submitted, you will need to send a Referee Reports link to your two nominated referees. They must complete this for your application to progress.
HDR application quick guide
Gather your documentation
Ensure you have everything you need before applying
Apply online
Use the JCU Online Application portal to submit your application
Prepare your referees
Send the Referee Report to your two referees for completion
Information and documentation
You will be asked to provide the following for your Higher Degree by Research application:
A. Project Proposal
You will need to be able to summarise your project idea. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of what you would like to achieve, and how, before progressing.
B. Advisor
Most Higher Degree by Research courses require you to contact and confirm a potential supervisor before you begin your application. If you are proposing your own project, you can select from the list of JCU Higher Degree by Research supervisors.
C. Referees
You are required to nominate two referees within your application. These should be individuals who can provide information about you in an academic or professional context, such as previous research advisors or supervisors, lecturers, teachers or employers.
D. Higher Degree by Research Application Form
Your completed Higher Degree by Research Application Form (DOCX, 69 KB)
E. Transcripts and testamurs
Documents for qualifications that you have completed or are in the process of completing.
F. Proof of your citizenship or residency in one of the following forms:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Visa
G. Current curriculum vitae (CV)
To support your application, you may also wish to provide:
A. HDR Recognition of Prior Learning Application Form:
- Recognition of Prior Learning - PDF format (PDF, 232 KB)
- Recognition of Prior Learning - Microsoft Word format (DOCX, 54 KB)
B. JCU Scholarship Publication Table
C. AIMS@JCU Application Coversheet
D. Details of any cotutelle or external funding arrangements
Apply for a HDR today
Awaiting your application outcome
Once you have correctly submitted all required forms and documents, the Graduate Research School will assess your application.
You may be contacted to provide further clarification or documentation. Please check your emails regularly and respond promptly to any requests. This will ensure that JCU can assess your application efficiently.
The Graduate Research School can assist you with any questions that arise while you await the outcome of your application.
| Call us | Available Telephone |
|---|---|
| Send us an email | grs@jcu.edu.au |
| Schedule an appointment | Locations How to schedule an appointment |
| Drop in consultations | Available Locations |
| Campus locations | Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus Cairns Nguma-bada campus |
We're here to help
JCU has a rich and varied research community. Our friendly team can assist you in finding the right course to suit your goals and are always happy to answer any questions. Contact us to find out more.