Research for international students

RMIT University offers postgraduate research programs by thesis or project linked to research centres, industry and organisations in which candidates are employed. International students may also apply for postgraduate research scholarships.

Research programs

RMIT University undertakes innovative research that supports economic and social development. Co-operation with a wide range of industries, enterprises and communities at national and international levels is a major strength of research at RMIT.

RMIT offers a variety of research areas and research approaches:

Research in conjunction with government, industry and university funded research centres.
Supervision by industry and academic supervisors.
Research within the organisations in which students are employed.
Extensive international research networks.

For more information:

How to apply
Research Application for International Students
Tuition Fee Exemption for Dependents of Postgraduate Research Students
Check the research areas and international student programs and fees information.
Go to RMIT University's Research and Innovation web site.
The RMIT international student research brochure is available as a PDF file which can be downloaded using Acrobat and printed.
Details of Research Supervisors by portfolios are as follows:

Email: iResearch@rmit.edu.au

Thesis, project or professional doctorate

Research students can undertake their studies via the following options: by thesis, by project or professional doctorate. Masters and Doctorate research programs are for students who want to pursue their own theories and ideas at a high conceptual level and add to existing knowledge.

By thesis

Master or doctorate

Process: candidates work primarily with academic colleagues and build on relevant documentation in the traditional research model. Coursework is minimal and the focus is on research methods. Supervisors will be academics who are highly regarded in their field. Examination of the thesis is by at least two external, independent, academic experts in the field. International examiners will be included.

By project

Master or doctorate

Process: candidates work on a project located in their workplace or community. Tangible and relevant outcomes for their organisation, profession and community are demonstrated. On enrolment, one or more supervisors are appointed from qualified academic staff at RMIT and possibly from academic and industry experienced associates of RMIT. The supervisor's job is to help students plan and execute their project. The supervisor advises on appropriate research methods and discusses the progress the project.

Contact between candidates and their RMIT supervisor largely takes place online and by correspondence, although supervisors will come to the student's country from time to time.

Architecture and Design: candidates in the project mode work primarily with academic supervisors and build on design knowledge through design research. Coursework is minimal and includes, at least, a course in design research methods. Supervisors will be chosen from within the relevant field. Candidates reproduce a durable visual record of their project and are examined via an exhibition format.

By professional doctorate

Process: the project is commonly an individual one, supervised in the traditional way, though often with a second supervisor or consultant from the profession or industry. No more than one third of the program is by coursework. RMIT offers Professional Doctorates in Fine Arts, Business Administration, Education and Psychology.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are offered to international students who are planning to study or are currently enrolled at RMIT University.

Australian Government International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (Endeavour IPRS) are provided by the Australian Government, and are available for Masters by Research or Doctorate (PhD) students undertaking quality research in RMIT’s areas of research specialisation.

The University's International Scholarship Program (ISP) provides a range of opportunities for current and commencing students. The ISP allocation includes tuition fee scholarships and living expenses. New scholarships will also be awarded to students, generally for the duration of the program study.

More information can be found on the international students scholarships webpage.