How to Apply/Enrol

Before applying for a Doctorate or Research Masters degree, whether as a new or continuing UNE student, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the course rules and entry requirements of our Higher Degree Research (HDR) courses located on the Course and Unit Catalogue page under Postgraduate Research.

The steps listed below should assist you with applying for a HDR course.

Step 1: Explore Research Options at UNE 

As a first step you should explore what study options are available at UNE and determine your preferred field of study.  We encourage prospective research students to explore the websites for each school to learn more about our supervisors and their research interests.

Find an Academic School/Potential Supervisor

You can identify and contact potential supervisors by visiting the staff pages of each Faculty/School to discuss your Research interests prior to applying for admission.

Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education

Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Step 2: Create a Research Proposal

Your Research Proposal should be a clear and concise outline of the objectives of your study and the means by which the goals will be achieved. The University looks for research proposals which demonstrate that the applicant has the capacity to translate the ideas into an appropriate research thesis, with potential outcomes appropriate to the level of study i.e. Masters Research or Doctoral.

Your proposal should be presented under headings that provide the following information:

  • Aims of the proposed research project
  • Background to the study
  • Research question and rationale for the project
  • Project methodology and theoretical grounding
  • Significance of the project including expected outcomes
  • Resources and timeline to complete the project
  • Reference List

The details of the Research Proposal can be refined once you have a supervisory team in place.

If you are planning to study an Higher Degree by Research (HDR) in Creative Practice, you should refer to the HDR Research Proposal - Creative Practice and include it with your application.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest

After exploring the opportunities for study in a particular area and creating a Research Proposal, you are encouraged to complete the Expression of Interest form and submit to the relevent school, it will then be forwarded to suitable academic staff who will contact you discuss your interest in postgraduate research.

You can expect to receive a response regarding your Expression of Interest form within 14 days from submission.

If the School that you wish to apply to does not appear above, please move straight to Step 4: Submit a Candidature Application.

HDR Coordintors and School Support Contact List

A list of the HDR Coordintors and School HDR Support Officers can be found here.

Step 4: Submit a Candidature Application

Once you have received a successful outcome from the Expression of Interest you can complete the candidature application.

Please make sure you download your candidature application to your computer before you start filling it in. Once you have completed your application you can submit your application via the AskUNE portal

Prospective HDR Students

HDR Candidature and Scholarship Application Guide

HDR Candidature Application Form

Referee Report

If you require an application form with screen reader capability, please contact the Graduate Research School.

Applying for a Scholarship?

UNE offers a number of different competitive scholarship schemes for postgraduate research students. To find out more about these scholarships, or to apply for a scholarship please visit our Scholarships page.

Step 5: Receive your Candidature Outcome

Whether you are successful or unsuccessful in gaining Candidature admission, you will be notified via email.

The application turn around time can take up to 6 weeks, if you have not been notified before this time, please contact the Graduate Research School via https://hdr.custhelp.com/ to enquire about your application status.

Step 6: Enrol in your HDR Course
Domestic Students

After you have received your offer of admission in to your higher degree research course, please complete the online HDR Enrolment Form (a link to this form has been provided in your Offer of Admission).

International students

Once you arrive at the Armidale campus, the first thing you should do is present yourself to the International Office (PDF Map or Interactive Map, Location C30) with your passport and Offer of Admission to ensure your identity, they will be able to assist you with completing the HDR Enrolment Form.

For further information, please contact the International Office, and refer to our Getting Started Guide.