Research degree applications
How to apply for a higher degree by research
Applying for entry into a research degree is a process that requires some time and preparation. You need to take these steps to apply:
- Check that you’re academically qualified
- Use our Research Supervisor Connect tool to identify research opportunities and potential supervisor(s)
- Secure a supervisor
- Prepare a research proposal
- Submit your application online.
Please note:
- To complete your application you may be required to provide supporting documentation. All documents submitted must be either original or certified according to the University's guidelines. For more information, download the Certification of Documents Guidelines For All Domestic Applications (PDF 106K)
- Incomplete or ill-prepared applications will take longer to process and may be rejected by the relevant Faculty or School. If you have any questions about preparing your application, ask us.
- Application closing dates vary for each degree/program of study and can be found in the individual course listing page in the 'essentials' column.
Tracking your application
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email along with your personal application number. (If you haven't received this, you should first check your email junk folder.)
Once you have your personal application ID number and your password, you can access and track your application online.
If you have any queries about the application process, please call (02) 8627 8666 (9am-5pm AEST) or email .
If you experience any technical issues, please contact the Student Systems Support by email at .
Are you academically qualified to apply for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?
In general, to be eligible for admission to a HDR, you need to have undertaken a significant research project or thesis in your previous university level studies. For example, the equivalent of an Australian honours degree or masters by research degree or masters by coursework with a thesis component.
Specific entry requirements vary from course to course. You should check the entry requirements for your preferred course by contacting the postgraduate coordinator in the relevant faculty or department. If you are not appropriately qualified, you should consider taking a postgraduate coursework program.
Research Supervisor Connect
Research Supervisor Connect (RSC) is an online tool that enables you to match your research interests to available PhD and Masters research opportunities and supervisors at the University of Sydney.
Securing a supervisor
Contact the potential supervisor(s) you have identified using RSC to discuss your interests. Once you have secured a supervisor for your proposed research, you are ready to progress your application.
Prepare a research proposal
The Writing a Thesis Proposal guidelines are a good starting point for preparing to write your research proposal. You can also contact the relevant faculty for further advice.
Submit your application
Once you have secured a supervisor and prepared your research proposal, you’re ready to submit your application. All applications for higher degrees by research should be lodged online. You need to:
- Search for your program of study in our course listing
- Select the degree you wish to apply for
- Then click on the apply button to begin your application.
- Application closing dates vary for each course. When you go to the course listing, you will find the application closing dates in the right-hand 'essentials' column.
Got a question about entry requirements or the application process for a higher degree by research? Ask us.