International HDR Online

Advance your research career with UNE from wherever you live. Our distance (external/offshore) HDR option is available to international candidates in selected disciplines that do not require on campus facilities or specialist infrastructure. You’ll be fully connected to your supervisory team and UNE’s digital research community—without relocating to Australia. International HDR tuition fees are discounted for external/offshore candidates – a 25% fee reduction applies.

Who this option is for

• International applicants who will remain outside Australia for all or most of their candidature
• Disciplines that do not require access to UNE laboratories, clinics, animal facilities, specialist equipment, or secure on site datasets
• Self-directed researchers with reliable access to the resources, field sites, and networks needed to complete their project from their home location

Examples of suitable areas

• Business, management, marketing, HR
• Education and professional learning
• Law, humanities, languages, social sciences
• Social work and public policy
• Theoretical computer science, information systems (non-lab based)
• Mathematics, statistics, philosophy
• Environmental studies and geography where fieldwork can be conducted locally and does not rely on UNE equipment

Typically not suitable

• Lab-based biological and chemical sciences
• Clinical and allied health disciplines requiring clinics or simulations
• Animal science where on-campus facilities are essential
  Note: Final suitability is determined by the supervisory team and School, based on your project’s resourcing and risk profile.

What “distance (external/offshore)” means at UNE

• You are enrolled in an HDR degree
• You reside outside Australia and engage online with all aspects of candidacy
• You access UNE’s digital library, research training, candidature management system, and student support remotely
• You may undertake approved fieldwork, following UNE ethics and safety requirements
• Important: If you wish to hold a student visa and live in Australia, distance mode is not appropriate. Student visa conditions usually require on-campus study in a CRICOS-registered mode and limit the amount of online study. Seek advice from UNE International and the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Your supervision and research community

• Dedicated primary supervisor and at least one co-supervisor, with regular, scheduled online meetings
• Online confirmation, progress reviews, and pre-submission seminars
• Access to workshops and webinars for methods, writing, statistics, and research integrity

Digital resources and support

• 24/7 digital library access, including databases, journals, eBooks, interlibrary services, and research guides
• Research software access where licensing permits
• Online training in research methods, data management, and scholarly communication
• Academic language and learning support tailored to HDR
• IT service desk and candidature administration support via the Graduate Research School

What you’ll need to succeed off-campus

• A project that can be completed without UNE’s on-campus facilities
• Reliable high-speed internet and a secure working environment
• Local access to any necessary field sites, archives, participants, or datasets
• A data management plan that covers storage, security, backups, and any cross-border data transfer issues
• A clear schedule for supervision meetings across time zones
• Where relevant, approvals for local site access, permits, or collaboration agreements

How to apply

1. Identify potential supervisors and discuss your project concept and mode of study (external/offshore)
2. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents
3. Submit your online application as an international external candidate. Further process and full details can be found at: HDR Programs and How to Apply/Enrol

Fees and scholarships

• International HDR tuition fees are discounted for external/offshore candidates – a 25% fee reduction applies
• Scholarships are not normally available for offshore candidates
• Tuition fee reductions/discounts and project-funded support may be available in specific disciplines
• Check current UNE scholarship terms carefully and discuss with your prospective supervisor before applying

Short research visits to UNE

• Some projects benefit from short, intensive campus visits for training, access to collections, or milestone activities
• UNE can provide invitation letters to support appropriate temporary visa applications for approved research visits
• Any on-campus period must align with visa and enrolment conditions and be approved by your School

Quick check: Is distance right for you?

• My topic does not require UNE laboratories, clinics, animal facilities, or specialist equipment
• I can access required data, sites, or participants from my location
• I have a clear supervision plan that works across time zones
• I understand the visa implications of offshore vs. onshore study
• I’m comfortable engaging fully in an online research community

Ready to explore your HDR by distance? Contact the UNE Graduate Research School to discuss your project’s suitability, supervision options, and the best pathway for you.