How to apply for a research degree or PhD
While undertaking research degrees and PhDs is a rewarding experience, we understand the application process can be overwhelming. To apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, follow these six essential steps.
Have everything ready? Skip ahead to Step 6 and apply for your graduate research degree today.
Check the key dates
You can apply to study a research degree or PhD at Deakin at any time. Before applying, check the intake dates and any relevant scholarship closing dates.
Read the entry requirements
Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, including research ability, minimum qualifications and English language proficiency.
Prepare your proposal
Prepare a brief outline of your proposed research topic, which will help assess if Deakin has the appropriate supervision expertise. If you’ve already contacted a potential supervisor, collaborate with them on this.
Find a supervisor
Identify a dedicated research supervisor in your field and reach out to discuss your research interests. Use our directory to find an expert based on name, faculty, institute or research topic.
*If you're applying to the Faculty of Business and Law, you can skip to step 5, as you will be assigned a relevant supervisor when you submit your application.
Prepare relevant documents
Check the supporting documentation you need, including academic transcripts, a resume, proof of identification and any previous research qualifications.
Apply online
Thoroughly answer all questions in your online application and attach the required documents. Missing information may affect your chances of acceptance.
What happens after you apply?
You will receive a system-generated confirmation email once you have submitted your application. We’ll usually notify you of the application outcome via email within 8 weeks of your complete application being submitted.
Access competitive financial support
We have hundreds of government and university-funded scholarships for research students, providing tax-free support to help you focus on your impactful research.
Research degree key dates
We have a number of different study periods at Deakin. The intake dates for research students in 2025 are:
- Intake 1: 26 February 2025
- Intake 2: 1 May 2025
- Intake 3: 1 July 2025
- Intake 4: 27 October 2025
*If you are an international student undertaking a research degree or PhD with the Faculty of Arts and Education, you can’t commence in intake 1.
*If you are applying for a research degree or PhD with the Faculty of Business and Law, you can’t commence in intake 2.
If you're not sure what faculty or institute you'll be undertaking your research degree with, check the faculty or institute listed on your supervisor's profile.
Research degree scholarship application dates
Are you looking to apply for a research scholarship? The closing dates for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) are as follows*:
- 2025 domestic round 2: closes 9 March 2025 (for mid-year intake)
- 2026 international round: closes 24 August 2025 (for February 2026 intake)
- 2026 domestic round: closes 24 October 2025 (for February 2026 intake)
*These deadlines do not apply to applicants for the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), or the Applied AI Institute (A2I2), who can apply at any time.
Footnotes
Contact us
Join a community of more than 2000 world-leading research experts dedicated to making a difference. Contact us with any questions about research at Deakin.