How to prepare your application for a research program at RMIT
Step 1
Choose your program
Step 2
Identify your research project
Step 3
Costs and scholarships
Step 4
Prepare your application
2024 research scholarships
Applications for scholarships commencing in 2024 are now open.
It is expected that successful applicants will commence in March 2024.
Scholarships are awarded through a highly competitive process. It is therefore important that you make sure you read and understand the advice provided to prospective applicants about ensuring their application is competitive. You will find this information further down the page under Costs and scholarships - eligibility.
All scholarship applicants must provide evidence from an academic member of staff that they agree to supervise your research when submitting an expression of interest.
If you intend to apply for one of these scholarships, it is recommended that you start the application process without delay and submit your expression of interest as soon as possible.
Expressions of interest received from International applicants after 20 September 23 and Australian and New Citizens and Australia permanent residents after 2 October 23 will not be considered for a 2024 scholarship. Applicants who would like to be considered for a Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS), must also complete the VCPS Expression of Interest form at the same time.
Choose your program
RMIT offers both PhDs and Masters by Research degrees across a range of disciplines.
On average, the duration of a PhD is three to four years (or equivalent part time). A masters by research usually takes two years full time (or four years part time). International applicants on a student visa must enrol full time.
For applicants from Vietnam, the details are on the How to apply page for Vietnam.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for admission to an RMIT University research program, you must:
- Satisfy the University’s entry requirements for research programs (see below); and
- International applicants must also meet the minimum English language requirements.
To be successful you must demonstrate capacity to conduct independent research. Places are also subject to academic supervisor and resource availability, as well as suitability of the proposed research.
A note on sanctioned countries
If you live in a sanctioned country, please apply early to allow for your application to be reviewed with respect to applicable sanctions.
Masters by Research
The minimum requirements for admission to a masters by research program are:
- a bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full time (or part time equivalent) academic year. The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Training and Development (ADVC RT&D) or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of Credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.
Doctor of Philosophy
The minimum requirements for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program are:
- a bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full time (or part time equivalent) academic year. The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
- a master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full time (or part time equivalent) academic year with an overall distinction average or a master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the ADVC RT&D or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of Distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a High Distinction is 80% or higher.
Identify your research project or research area
Applicants have the opportunity to align with a diverse range of exciting research projects or research areas, spanning a variety of critical research areas.
The process allows us to then align the best supervisor with your desired area of interest, which ensures you will be supported by the most appropriate expert in the field.
We offer a diverse range of projects and research areas from each of the RMIT schools and centres. You can browse current offerings to align with here.
When you apply online:
- to the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, you register your interest in up to three available projects applicable to the program for which you are applying for admission. You must also submit a statement indicating why you are interested in joining the projects you nominate.
- to the College of Business and Law, you select one research area and submit your own research proposal aligned to that research area.
- to the College of Design and Social Context (all social sciences, humanities and creative arts), you select one research area and submit your own research proposal aligned with that research area.
It is important to take note of the College and the program to which you are applying and provide this information accordingly.
Propose your own research topic
Applicants to schools that do not have research projects available must propose their own research topic.
Similarly, applicants who are fully funded through an arrangement with an external sponsor may propose their own research topic.
When you propose your research topic, you must make sure it is aligned with at least one of RMIT’s identified research strengths which are largely defined through the University’s Enabling Impact Platforms.
It is also highly recommended that you review the research strengths in each school.
You should also look at the research interests of the University’s researchers.
When you propose your research topic, you are required to provide a research proposal that outlines the research you expect to undertake as part of your research degree.
Please observe the guidelines that the School of Graduate Research provides when writing your research proposal.
If you important to ensure that your application is submitted to the school where your potential supervisor is located. Further details regarding Research programs is available via Study with us.
Costs and scholarships
See below for the fee structure for your Masters or PhD. We also offer scholarships to support candidates financially while they undertake research projects.
Costs and fees
Fee information - local applicants |
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen your place is automatically funded by the Research Training Program (RTP) by an RTP Fee Offset scholarship Local candidates are not required to pay tuition fees for the maximum duration of their program.This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Master by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time). |
Fee information - international applicants onshore |
International onshore HDR fees Fees information for international candidates studying at RMIT's Melbourne campuses. |
Fee information - international applicants offshore |
International offshore HDR fees Fees for international candidates studying PhD and Masters by Research offshore with RMIT. |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) | The student services and amenities fee is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience at RMIT. While international candidates are liable to pay the SSAF annually, from 1 January 2021 domestic research candidates will also be required to pay for the SSAF annually. |
Scholarships
Scholarship types |
There are two basic types of stipend scholarship that are made available through the research scholarship rounds. These are: Stipend scholarshipsInternational tuition fee scholarships
Scholarship applications from international applicants are automatically considered for both a stipend and the Tuition Fee Offset Scholarships. RMIT Vice Chancellor's PhD ScholarshipApplicants who would like to be considered for a Vice Chancellor's PhD Scholarship must also complete the VCPS Expression of Interest form. RMIT Indigenous HDR ScholarshipIf you identify as an Indigenous Australian, you are eligible to apply through the RMIT Indigenous HDR Scholarship category. Please note, these scholarships are subject to candidates registering with the Ngarara Willim Centre, RMIT’s dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students RMIT Research Equity ScholarshipAdditional scholarship consideration is given if you are affected by a Disability or long term medical condition. If applying for this scholarship category, you are required to provide a detailed statement of your circumstances indicating how your past academic achievement has been affected by your condition. You are also required to attach to your application evidence of your condition from a health practitioner, by the scholarship closing date. |
Other research scholarships |
Please also check the range of scholarships made available through funded projects. |
Eligibility |
Applicants for an RMIT research scholarship must:
Additionally, international applicants must meet English requirements by the advertised scholarship application deadline. Competitive SelectionScholarships are awarded on the basis of a competitive selection process that ranks applicants according to their academic achievement, research outputs and relevant professional experience. Priority is given to applicants who:
Additionally:
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Terms and conditions |
See the HDR Scholarship Terms and Conditions for more information. |
Prepare your application
The application process |
The process has two stages:
The EOI gathers just enough information about you for the University to assess your eligibility and consider the research you will undertake as part of your research program. Creative practice schools may want to see your portfolio and interview you. The school to which you are applying will contact you if this is the case. If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to complete and submit the rest of your application. It may take up to four weeks for an outcome on your EOI, so make sure you submit your EOI well in advance of when you expect to commence study. |
| Application Types and deadlines | Admission to research program only:
Admission to research program and scholarship:
Scholarship only:
You must submit your application by the advertised scholarship application deadline. |
I want to transfer to RMIT from another University |
To apply:
Transfers with remaining periods of candidature of less than 12 months are only approved in exceptional circumstances. If admitted, you will be asked to complete the RMIT milestones such as Confirmation of Candidature or the Mid-Candidature Review. You may be exempt from completing these milestones at RMIT if you can provide evidence that you have already completed these milestones and they are deemed equivalent to the standard of milestones completed at RMIT. |
Required documentation checklist |
Applicants are required to provide scanned and where applicable certified copies of the following with their expression of interest
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I am already enrolled in a research degree at RMIT and want to transfer to another research degree |
To apply:
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I intend to complete my study as part of a CRTA |
Collaborative Research Training Agreements (CRTA) – Cotutelle Agreements and Collaborative PhD Agreements Joint PhD partnerships involve co-enrolment and supervision of HDR candidates leading to a joint award, or awards, from both partners. RMIT Collaborative PhD partnerships involve partner organisation hosting and co-supervising RMIT research candidates with single enrolment in the RMIT PhD. |
Frequently asked questions
General questions
Under normal circumstances and if not applying under a Collaborative Research Training Agreement (CRTA), international candidates would typically be required to be in Australia to undertake a research program. Because of Australia’s current travel restrictions, Although due to the current travel restrictions, it would be dependent on the research program you were applying for, the scope of the project and the relevant school as to whether an offshore commencement is feasible, with the view of travelling onshore when travel restrictions are lifted.
We recommend speaking to the academic staff at the relevant School regarding offshore commencement.
General information about fees for research programs can be found on the RMIT Research programs website. Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will receive a Research Training Program (RTP) place. Under the RTP tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government, so you will have full exemption from tuition fees. RTP places are very competitive and are granted on the condition that all annual progress requirements are met. RTP candidates are also required to complete within the allotted full-time or part-time duration of their program.
International candidates can use the programs, intakes and tuition fees database to find the international student tuition fees for specific programs. For other important fee information for RMIT international students please visit the Tuition fees site.
The School of Graduate Research team are not involved in the travel exemption process and do not provide supporting documentation, assess eligibility or submit applications on behalf of candidates. You may request a letter of support from your Senior Supervisor as a supporting document to the application. The letter should outline the alignment of the research to the national interest. There is no guarantee the exemption will approved and RMIT does not determine the outcome. Please refer to the following website relative to travel restrictions and exemptions and for information on how to apply.
Admissions questions
The first step is to check that you meet RMIT’s research entry requirements. RMIT admits applicants based on their demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research. All applicants for research programs must meet the minimum entry requirements. Please follow the links to entry requirements for local and international students.
If you are an international applicant, you will also be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. If you are from a country that is not on the list of countries recognised by RMIT as English-speaking you will need to provide official evidence of proficiency in the form of test results. The required level and types of evidence accepted are outlined here.
The admission selection process has two stages:
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Stage 2: Application
The EOI gathers just enough information about you for the University to assess your eligibility and consider the research you will undertake as part of your research program. If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to complete and submit the rest of your application for admission. For detailed guidance on the application process please refer to the preparing your appication tab on this page. All applications must be made via the application portal.
You may apply at any time for admission to RMIT research programs. We recommend that applicants set the commencement date on their application no earlier than two months from the submission of their EOI to allow time for the application to be processed. If you are applying for a specific research project, you are expected to submit your EOI and full application by the advertised deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant School to make a preliminary enquiry about the availability of supervision and an acceptable research topic prior to submission of an application. You may refer to our website Find RMIT Researchers. You can also search College and School HDR contacts where you can find the contact information for the HDR Coordinator within your area of interest.
The statement of interest is a personal statement detailing your interest in the nominated project(s). We do not offer a form or a template for this statement as applicants are required to write their statements via paragraph structure and upload them as PDF. The statement of interest could include your motivation for undertaking postgraduate research, the reason you are interested in the project(s) and why the project is suited to you.
RMIT admits applicants on the basis of their demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research. All applicants for research programs must meet the minimum entry requirements. Please follow the links to entry requirements for local and international students.
Applicants are required to provide scanned and where applicable certified copies of the following with their expression of interest:
- CV
- Complete transcripts for all academic qualifications
- Research proposal or statement of interest in an available research project
- A letter of financial guarantee if you are an international applicant being sponsored to come to RMIT to complete your research degree.
Yes, you can apply before completing your program. Where you are accepted (pending your final results), we will make a conditional offer. That is, the offer is conditional on you completing your current degree (and, in some cases, receiving particular grades).
If you have already accepted your offer, we will need to request the deferral on your behalf. To defer your offer, we require written approval from the Senior Supervisor and the Delegated Authority of the School. A deferral is not guaranteed and will depend on supervisor availability, the requirements of the research project and when research methods subjects are available. If approved, you will be issued with a new offer of admission that you’ll need to accept. Typically only 2 deferrals are permissible, up to a maximum of 12 months from the original intake period.
It is very difficult to provide an exact timeframe as different Schools have different processes. For example, some Schools like to interview applicants. If this is the case, then the process takes longer. We work hard to get you an outcome as quickly as possible and where possible this happens within about 4 weeks.
