APPLICATION ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE RESEARCH STUDENTS

To be eligible for consideration of admission to a research degree at ANU, you must already have an Australian bachelor degree with at least upper second-class honours (first class honours is usually required) or equivalent, or a Graduate Diploma or Master degree with a significant research thesis component, and there must be a supervisor or convener at ANU willing to accept you as a student.

There are five main steps you need to follow in order to submit a complete application:

Step 1: Expression of interest	Step 2: Application	Step 3: Scholarship
Step 4: Accommodation	Step 5: Childcare

Step 1: Expression of interest

Visit the ANU website to determine if ANU offers research in your chosen area and identify the relevant Graduate Research Field for you. Email the Graduate Research Convener for advice about the preapplication process for your Graduate Research Field (some areas require a short description of your proposed area of research as an 'expression of interest' and a summary of your academic qualifications - including grades - other areas require additional information). Do not submit a research proposal at this stage.

If you are advised there is a supervisor or convener interested in your application you may proceed to a full application. Please note that you should only complete a full application if you are advised that there is a supervisor available in your area. Should you apply without this endorsement, it may mean that your application is unable to be given priority to be processed further.

Step 2: Application

You will apply for and enrol in a research degree program based on the location of your prospective supervisor. You may need to ask your prospective supervisor or convener to provide you with the research degree program code for your application form.

Research applications are made directly to ANU either online or by downloading and submitting hard copy forms: 

• Online - International applicants will be required to pay a A$75 application processing fee.
• Download hardcopy form - International applicants will be required to pay a A$100 application processing fee.

On your application form, please indicate your proposed supervisor or the convener who has indicated an interest in your application. Before submitting your application to ANU, please arrange for your referees to complete the required information and submit it direct to the University.

You are required to meet our English Language Requirements before you can be accepted for admission. Unless your previous tertiary-level studies were undertaken in English in (for example) Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, you will normally have to sit for either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS - overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL - 570 with TWE 4.5). Some programs may require higher scores.

Once you have submitted your completed application (including all supporting documentation), your application will be processed and assessed. Please note that if you are also applying for a research scholarship, your application may be held over until the next available scholarship round. If you have any questions about your application for admission and where it is up to, you can contact the ANU Admissions Office (please remember to quote your application identification number in any correspondence with the Admissions Office):

• Email: admiss.app@anu.edu.au
• Phone: +61 2 6125 5594

Step 3: Scholarship

To apply for a graduate research scholarship you may need to submit additional application forms.  You must indicate on your admission application form whether you still wish to be considered for admission if your scholarship application is unsuccessful. You should talk to your nominated supervisor about any other source of funding you might access, and advise the University regarding any external funding applications you have made.

If you are applying for mid-year entry to a research program, your chances of obtaining scholarship funding from the University may be greatly diminished, depending on your area of research. If you wish to be considered in the main scholarship round please refer to admissions for closing dates.

Research students are allowed to work at most 20 hours per week. This will generally not cover living expenses and tuition fees and we strongly advise you to ensure that you will be able to meet the cost of living.

If you are an international student please note that international graduate research scholarships are only awarded to outstanding students (e.g. ranked in the top 5% of applicants) and are extremely competitive.

For full details including application forms and deadlines for both domestic and international students go to ANU Scholarships

Step 4: Accommodation

Information about accommodation options is available from University Accommodation Services. If you want to access accommodation on campus you should apply at the same time that you apply for admission to your research degree, as there is a shortage of accommodation places and the demand is very high.

ANU Halls and Colleges are not suitable for students who are married and/or have dependents — if this applies to you , then you should obtain advice from University Accommodation Services about other accommodation options. This advice should be sought at the same time as an application for admission to your research degree.

The University Accommodation Services website provides information on external accommodation options in Canberra. Demand for all accommodationin Canberra, whether on-campus or elsewhere, is very high. Do not arrive in Canberra without confirmed accommodation.

Step 5: Childcare

ANU staff and students have access to a number of childcare centres. Demand for childcare at ANU is high - if you want to access childcare services at ANU, you should apply at the same time as you apply for admission to your research degree.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.