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Australia's leading centre for research on Asia and the Pacific, CAP brings together a unique community of disciplinary, area and public policy based scholars.

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The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific has an international reputation for high quality research and a rich history of leading pioneering research on the region. Our research disciplines are consistently ranked amongst the highest in the world and we are often recognised as the leading institution in Australia where scholars can study these fields.

Application process

Find out more.

ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) offers two research degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The PhD, in which almost 400 students are currently enrolled, is a three to four year research degree requiring the production of an 80-100,000 word thesis. Most students are required to undertake some preparatory course work in their first year. All research students work closely with an academic supervisor and a panel of advisors. The College offers PhD and MPhil research supervision in a wide range of disciplines from the humanities and social sciences.

Areas of research

Anthropology

Access world-class experts who will inspire your research in social and cultural anthropology. Our diverse faculty maintains a program focus on theoretically informed, ethnographic fieldwork in the Asia-Pacific region.

Archaeology and natural history  

Engage with the cultural complexity and environmental diversity of the Asia Pacific region with archaeology and natural history. Your research will develop your understanding of the origins and trajectories of cultural and environmental change through time. 

Asia Pacific Security 

Our research expertise and reputation in Asia-Pacific security spans across the vital strategic relations between the United States, China, India and Japan; the four regional flashpoints including the Korean peninsula, Taiwan, and the East and South China Seas; global strategic challenges including nuclear proliferation and maritime security; transnational security challenges and cooperation; and the nexus between economic and security issues. Our research in these areas informs our understanding of key strategic challenges and defence priorities in the Asia-Pacific region, and Australia’s place in the region. 

Asian studies  

Examine the rich and complex history of Asia, and its growing global importance, through a broad range of disciplines and geographical expertise, giving you the most comprehensive range of research options on Asia in Australia, and arguably, the world.

Democracy and Elections 

Our researchers have expertise on the political and social dynamics of all major states in Asia and the Pacific, including China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. Our scholarship includes award-winning contributions in the areas of electoral systems, political party development, clientelism, populism, religious and environmental politics, women’s leadership, political economy, corruption, regime change, and conflict and conflict resolution. 

Deal with the key global trends of our time, with a focus on economic development in China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and other Asia Pacific economies.

Environment and Resource Management 

Investigate a wide range of environmental and resource management issues that affect the Asia and Pacific region, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, natural hazards and disasters, the social and environmental impacts of development and more. 

Geopolitics and Diplomacy

The geostrategic environment in the Asia-Pacific has grown increasingly more complex. New organisations, with regional and sub-regional groupings are becoming more active and external players such as China and Indonesia are much more visible in regional affairs. Our research on geopolitics and regionalism addresses the drivers of, and trends in, regional politics and diplomacy covering themes such as soft power and public diplomacy, political economy, Pacific diplomacy, and non-state actor diplomacy. Researchers also investigate some of the most pressing development issues in Pacific Island countries including relationships between state structures and capabilities, society and societal transformations, and governance in the Pacific. 

Gender, Cultural and Media Studies

Your research will connect insights on the transformations of gender and sexuality in Asia and the Pacific from a range of disciplines including anthropology, history, language, literature and media studies. 

Examine deep processes of change in Asian and Pacific societies, covering ancient civilisations, the turbulent encounter of these societies with the West and the promises and threats of the recent past. 

Human Security

In recent years, human security problems and issues have gained increasing attention on global and regional security agendas as well as in Australia’s foreign policy. The research profile of our academics cuts across global and regional affairs in the areas of urbanisation, global migration and forced displacement, child rights and protection, gender-based and domestic violence, women’s economic empowerment, health security, and artificial intelligence. 

International Relations

Explore nuclear disarmament, the role of global institutions or world peace. We offer you a keen insight into the realm of global politics with a unique focus on the Asia Pacific region.

Law and Society

Draw on pragmatic and policy-oriented solutions to complex issues. Investigate a wide variety of topics related to justice, security, and more. 

Linguistics

With one of the largest concentrations of linguists anywhere in the world, and over 50 years of experience documenting little-known languages, we have the capacity to support your research on more than 2,000 languages of the Asia and Pacific region.

National Security Policy

Our program aims to develop internationally recognised security specialists with outstanding research skills. Choose from 19 multidisciplinary fields ranging across the security of regions and states, cyberspace, terrorism, potential futures and the challenges faced by policymakers. 

Pacific Studies

Pacific Studies is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the islands of Oceania and the Pacific diaspora. Our scholars explore important historical and contemporary issues, and critically examine the ways in which the region has been framed, constructed and represented. 

Political Science

Engage in cutting edge research on Asia and Pacific politics with world-leading experts and understand the region’s political diversity — from durable one-party regimes such as China, to the sprawling democracies of India and Indonesia, or the tiny microstates of the Pacific. 

Public Policy

Develop your expertise in political science, public administration, economics, geography, anthropology or area studies, and become a leading practitioner who has real impact in today’s complex world of policy challenges. 

Undertake regulatory research by promoting the interests of social justice, fairness, human rights or economically sustainable development, grounded in a number of fields including anthropology, criminology, environmental studies, gender studies, law, psychology and more. 

Strategic Studies

Develop research that provides insight, imagination and judgement on understanding the history of conflict, the complexity of the global strategic environment, Australia’s place in it, and the utility and application of armed force in international affairs.

Application process at a glance

Self Assess

You need to have completed an undergraduate or master degree in a discipline relevant to your area of proposed research. For undergraduate degrees your result should be First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (First Division). If you have a master degree, rather than an honours degree, you will need to show that it had a research component. If you don't have a master or honours degree you may be able to apply on the basis of professional work experience. You will also need to have academic referees to support your application.

Most students who are successful in their application for admission to a research degree are in the top 5-10 per cent of their class in their previous degree.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic There are no tuition fees for students from Australia or New Zealand citizens enrolling in a higher degree by research for the first time. Their research training costs are met by the Australian government. You can apply for a  Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)  to cover your living expenses but there are only a limited number of scholarships available. The closing date for applications if you want to be considered for a scholarship is 31 October to commence by the following March. Occasionally, scholarships are available for mid-year entry by August.

International International students are required to pay  tuition fees . A very small number of scholarships is available to cover fees. There is also a very small number of scholarships to cover  living expenses . Only the most outstanding international applicants will receive these scholarships. We strongly encourage you to investigate other funding options before submitting your application. The closing date for applications if you want to be considered for  ANU scholarship  is 31 August to commence by the following March.

Find a supervisor

One of the most important steps in making an application is to identify a potential supervisor. Your application will only be successful if there is an academic in the College who is willing to supervise your research project.

The best way to identify some potential supervisors is to search the ANU  Researchers Database . You can search for researchers by name, discipline, country or other key word.

You can also find out about potential supervisors, and their research interests, by browsing the websites of the Schools located in the College of Asia and the Pacific.

• School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet)
• School of Culture, History & Language

The  CAP Student Centre  may also be able to help you identify a potential supervisor if you have difficulty finding one.

Make contact

Once you have identified a potential supervisor (or perhaps two or three) you should make contact with them, well in advance of making your application..

Potential supervisors will expect you to send a 2-3 page outline of your proposed research, along with a Curriculum Vitae that includes details of your academic performance.

The academic staff member will let you know if they are interested in discussing your proposal further and developing it into a full application. Normally there are several email exchanges, or telephone discussions, with a potential supervisor before a final application is submitted.

If the person you contact is not interested in your research they may be able to suggest other potential supervisors and will often forward your details to colleagues who may be closer to your area of research.

If you are having trouble making contact with your potential supervisor, please get in touch with the  CAP Student Centre  

Submit application

Applications for research degrees at ANU are made online . To view the list of research degrees available you may navigate to the ANU  Programs and Courses  website and filter programs by 'Research' and 'College of Asia and the Pacific'.

If you need any additional advice on completing your application please contact the  CAP Student Centre  .

Applications can be submitted at any time during the year, but if you want to be considered for a scholarship the closing dates are (31 August for international students or 31 October for domestic students). Scholarship recipients must commence by 31 March of the following year.

Here are a couple of important pieces of information that will help you in filling the application form.

• For Academic Group select “College of Asia and the Pacific”
• For Program Code select the code which relates to the relevant School (see table below)

Crawford School of Public Policy - 9540 PhD - 8540 MPhil - NSC code: 9850 PhD

School of Culture, History & Language (CHL) - 9050 PhD - 8050 MPhil

Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs - 9510 PhD - 8510 MPhil

School of Regulation, Global Governance (RegNet) - 9560 PhD - 8560 MPhil

E  [email protected]

P  1800 620 032 (within Australia)

P  +61 2 6125 7257 (outside Australia)

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Research in biomedical science & biochemistry covers biochemical and molecular biological research into a range of biological systems. We offer research projects in a range of biological systems, which involve fundamental investigations and applications of molecular, physiological, cellular, developmental and genetic processes in animals, plants, micro-organisms and viruses.

Studies cover the experimental disciplines of molecular biology, biotechnology, cell biology, genomics, microbiology, genetics, immunology, virology, parasitology, and entomology. The areas in which research is carried out include macro molecular structure and function, cell structure and function, membrane biology, proteomics, functional genomics, molecular and cellular immunology and microbial genetics. These utilise modern techniques and strategies, with biotechnology and genomics being areas in which the pace of discovery has been exceptionally rapid. A number of research groups have also incorporated commercialisation into their research programs with applications in plant and animal disease and development.

We draw on the broad spectrum of expertise and facilities of Canberra's large and distinguished biological and biomedical research community. This creates a dynamic and well resourced program, including multiple seminar series, courses and specialist expertise and facilities encompassing a broad spectrum of biology. Consequently, students have access to the University's well equipped laboratories, which include protein and DNA analysis facilities, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance facilities, microarray facilities, electron microscopy flowcytometry, histology, and an x-ray crystallography laboratory.

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PhD and MPhil applications in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

CASS HDR (Higher Degree by Research) programs

Graduate research degrees are available in more than 20 disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences within the College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS). Students who wish to undertake a graduate research program at ANU can do so through either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

Depending upon your research field, the major component of both research programs is usually a substantial written work (‘thesis’) which investigates a particular subject or issue. A research student works independently under the direction of a primary academic supervisor who forms part of a supervisory panel of academic staff (PhD candidates will have at least three panel members; MPHIL candidates will have at least two).

Prospective students are expected to have an agreed supervisor for their proposed projects before they make a formal application to a CASS research program. See Areas of Research below.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD degrees are expected to submit their thesis for examination within four years (full-time study), or up to eight years part-time. A standard-format thesis is about 80,000 words, and makes a substantial contribution to the relevant scholarly literature, and demonstrates how their research relates to their discipline. It is also possible to submit a PhD in an alternative format (such as a composition, exhibition or other creative work) or by publication upon approval by your supervisory panel and School or Centre. School of Art and Design students normally produced a thesis by creative work (a combination of written exegesis and exhibition).

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Program duration for MPhil degrees is up to two years full-time and up to four years part-time. An MPhil thesis is normally limited to 60,000 words.

Applications

College schools and centres sit under two research schools: the Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) and the Research School of Humanities & the Arts (RSHA).

Each research school has its own PhD and MPHIL programs – the program you apply for depends on the location of the academic staff member who has agreed to supervise your thesis. (See Areas of Research below.)

PhD Programs:

9520XPHD Doctor of Philosophy RSSS

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/9520XPHD

9552XPHD Doctor of Philosophy RSHA

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/9552XPHD

MPHIL Programs:

8520XMPHIL Master of Philosophy RSSS

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/8520XMPHIL

8551XMPHIL Master of Philosophy RSHA

Details and Application: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/8551XMPHIL

Areas of Research

Visit the Higher Degree Research page to browse areas of research within CASS. The College also supports interdisciplinary research through the Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Research (ICCR) Program.

Schools and Centres hosting HDR candidates within the College:

Research School of Humanities & the Arts (RSHA):

School of Archaeology and Anthropology

School of Art & Design

School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics

School of Music

Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS):

Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research

Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies

Centre for Social Research and Methods

School of Demography

School of History

School of Philosophy

School of Politics & International Relations

School of Sociology

Minimum entry requirements

Admission to a Higher Degree by Research requires you to have completed an Honours degree at H2A level or above, or equivalent prior studies, such as a Master’s degree that includes a significant research component. Generally it is a requirement that you have completed your tertiary studies in the discipline in which you are planning to do research. Please note that exceptions to this can be made with relevant approvals.

Please also refer to the ANU English Language Policy .

Commencement

You can apply at any time throughout the year and commence at any time throughout the year (except the end of year University close down period). Please note that deadlines apply for those wanting to be considered for scholarship, as listed below. If you are successful in gaining a scholarship, your scholarship conditions may state that you must start by a particular date. For the main domestic and international scholarships rounds the deadline to commence your program (if successful in gaining a scholarship) is the 31st of March in the following year. If you apply to commence between 1 January and 31 March, please select the Summer session, not Semester 1. This is because many HDR courses run during the Summer session, and you need to be enrolled in the Summer session to take those courses. 

The College requires research students to complete postgraduate/research coursework (the equivalent of one semester full-time study) as part of their degree. Coursework may include training on research methods, ethics and other topics as deemed appropriate by your supervisory panel and School/Centre.

Students enrolled in Higher Degree Research programs are expected to be in attendance for the duration of the program (full-time is 40 hours per week and part-time is 20 hours per week) unless approval is given by the Delegated Authority for the student to be an external PhD degree candidate. On campus candidates will be expected to physically attend ANU as a full time student for 18 months or for a part time student for 24 months. Periods of absence on fieldwork, conference attendance, or in pursuit of the program at another institution do not count towards this attendance period. External candidates must spend a minimum of 4 weeks (consecutive or non-consecutive) per year of the program at ANU.

External candidates must note their periods of time in residence at the ANU in their Annual Reports. The written approval of the appropriate Delegated Authority is required for any variation to these attendance requirements. If you intend on applying to be externally based you should discuss this option with your proposed supervisor (Chair of Panel) and should also note this in your application for admission. Once enrolled, to gain formal approval to be externally based you will need to complete the Application for External Attendance in Research Program .

Preparing for your application

Research proposal.

To be considered for the PhD or MPhil program, prospective students must submit a research (or thesis) proposal for review. When contacting potential supervisors or Graduate Research convenors they will most often expect that you have already prepared a draft research proposal. The proposal is often utilised as an indicator to assess the quality and originality of your ideas, your skills in critical thinking, the projects feasibility, and how the research fits within the School or Centres current research focus and supervision capacity.

The length of the proposal required varies between different Schools and disciplines. As a guide you should aim for between 2 and 5 pages. On advice from your potential supervisor or Graduate Research Convenor you can adjust your initial proposal to fit within the School or Centres guidelines.

Please note that your initial research proposal should be viewed as a starting point or work in progress. In your first year of candidature your research proposal will most often be refined such as through: detailed literature reviews, coursework courses completed, supervisors and other academic colleagues.

In writing your research proposal you should consider:

• The field of research or topic of investigation
• Your primary research objective or central research question to address
• The value of your research and the contribution it will make to your field
• The context and background of your research
• Your research strategy and methods

What should I include in my thesis proposal?

• Title: A precise and informative description of the project. Avoid acronyms and phrases such as "A study of . . ."
• Abstract: A summary of the proposed research (approx 300 words) that includes the key research question or hypothesis, the rationale for the research, and the method to be employed in the study
• Aims & significance: A clearly focused statement of the overall purpose of the proposed research (i.e., why is it important?)
• Research questions and/or hypotheses: the questions that the proposed research will address and/or the hypotheses that will be tested
• Literature review: A preliminary review of the key research that has already been carried out in the field and identification of the gaps in the literature that the proposed research aims to fill
• Methodology: An explanation of what type of data will be required to answer the research questions or test the hypotheses and how the data will be collected and analysed
• Timetable: An indication of how the research will be carried out over the duration of a full-time (3 years for PhD, 2 years for MPhil) or part-time (6 years for PhD, 4 years for MPhil) candidature
• Resources: An indication of the funding that will be required over the course of the candidature (e.g., for fieldwork) as well any special materials or training that may be necessary for the successful completion of the project
• Institutional fit: A statement on why CASS is an appropriate 'home' for the project and an indication of potential supervisors/advisors
• Bibliography: A list of references cited in or relevant to the proposal

Finding a supervisor

Identifying a potential primary supervisor is an important part of any graduate research application. Browse the  Researchers database  to find and contact a potential supervisor to support your application. In most cases the School or Centre location of your potential supervisor will determine which School or Centre within CASS you will reside in.

Please note that once you have found a potential supervisor, any offer of supervision will be subject to you being formally offered admission to the program and meeting any conditions (if applicable).

Application Queries

If you have any technical difficulties when applying you should contact the Admissions Office:

Domestic enquiries | International enquiries

After you have completed your application, the normal timeframe for an outcome is six to eight weeks. If you are applying for an ANU administered scholarship, in order for us to prepare your application as best as possible you should try to aim to submit your application well in advance of the final closing deadline (2 to 3 weeks prior to the deadline). If you are applying for an externally administered scholarship such as the Endeavour Awards, you should apply well in advance of your deadline (try to leave at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the deadline).

Scholarships

Admission and ANU administered scholarships for HDR degrees are applied for together in the one application for admission (an online form). If you are interested in being considered for an ANU administered scholarship you should indicate this in the relevant sections of the application.

In order to be eligible to be considered for a scholarship you must have the equivalent of H1 honours (first class honours). The Scholarship ranking process is very rigorous, each applicant must first be internally ranked and recommended by their School or Centre for the Scholarship round. Then a central College HDR Scholarship round committee assesses and ranks each applicant. Many criteria are taken into account such as the applicants:

• Academic record (including GPA)
• Research Proposal
• Referee reports & questionnaires
• Publications
• Prizes, Awards and Scholarships
• Relevant professional experience
• English language competency
• Ranking relevant to others in the graduate research field or discipline area

Following this there is often a University level ranking committee that ranks applicants put forward by the College to reach a final ranked list of applicants.

Information on scholarships is available at the  ANU Apply online portal

Domestic students

Domestic research students at ANU are covered by the Fee Offset scholarship offered under the Australian Government Research Training Program ( AGRTP ) where the cost of your tuition is paid by the Commonwealth Government.

Research students are required to pay other associated costs such as the Services and amenities fee .

International students

Information on Fees is available at the ANU Apply online portal . 

HDR transfers

If you are currently undertaking an PhD or MPhil at another Australian university, you will still need to apply to ANU as normal. If you are given an offer of admission before you can be enrolled you will need to provide the following:

• Your program commencement date and withdrawal date (if already withdrawn)
• A statement of your RTS (or AGRTP) consumption to date (in EFTSL - Equivalent Full Time Student Load).
• Dates and durations of any periods of leave (other than recreational leave).
• Whether your enrolment was full or part-time.

Please note these details can be obtained from your university administration.

So we can determine your eligibility for Scholarships please advise if you have been in receipt of any Scholarships under your current (or previous) Higher Degree by Research programs (such as an APA scholarship). 

Please also note that before you can enroll at ANU, the enrolments office will also require Proof of withdrawal from your current University. You can provide this information to us once you have received an offer letter from ANU.

Contact us 

For further information, assistance or enquiries please contact us at: [email protected] .

Research School of Chemistry ANU College of Science

• PhD & MPhil

Graduate research is essential to count as a fully trained chemist, since practical laboratory/project experience is considered an integral part of chemistry education. During graduate research, you work on your own, apply your skills in a research project and practice stating and solving scientific problems.

Degree programs

Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an intensive research degree that normally takes between two and four years of full-time study (or equivalent) to complete.

Master of Philosophy

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) normally takes between one and two years of full-time study (or equivalent) and is designed for students who require an advanced research qualification.

More information

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Find a RSC supervisor for your research degree.

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Our research areas include biological chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical & theoretical chemistry.

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The College of Science Research Office is passionate about enabling research excellence at the ANU.

We offer a researcher-focused service working collaboratively with our clients to identify research opportunities, facilitate the submission of proposals, and provide focused support through all stages of a grant life cycle. We are committed to providing the research community with the highest level of quality service to enable stellar research advances.

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This section contains information on selected opportunities of particular interest to the College of Science research community.

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Contact details of Research Management.

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This section contains information on Fellowship opportunities and Research Awards/Prizes of particular interest to the College of Science research community.

How to apply for funding

A guide on how to find funding, and the services the College Research Office provides on application review and ANU grant submission procedures.

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Once ANU and your funder have signed your research contract and an account has been created, you may begin your project. Your funder may expect you to meet certain milestones and provide specific deliverables and reports.

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This section contains links to generally useful tools and resources for researchers and Research Office staff.

Notice of Intent

Please complete this short form once for each application you intend to submit.

Successful Grant Library

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Industry grants

Work with industry to solve their big challenges, and harness university and industry partnerships to create change.

International grants

Foster high quality international collaborations. And seek funding from the United States government, European and United Kingdom Research Councils, and other international organisations.

Funding Information for Students

This section provides guidance on research funding applications submitted by or involving students.

ANU Funding Portal

The Funding Portal is a '1-stop shop' that outlines what you need to consider or do at each stage of your project.

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Higher degree by research students (HDR) checklist

Congratulations on your candidature as a higher degree by research (HDR) student, and welcome to ANU! Starting a research degree can be a confusing time, especially if you are new to ANU. This checklist is designed to help you navigate the first six months of your research degree.

Before you arrive

Sign up for the next week-long induction event for new HDR candidates run by ANU Researcher Development. All new HDR candidates are expected to attend.

Email [email protected] for more information on this event. 

Your first two weeks

• Get in touch with your local HDR Administrator by sending them an email or visiting your relevant student office. Your HDR Administrator can help you find your desk, connect to internet and printing networks, and guide you through any necessary paperwork.
• Get in touch with your HDR Convenor. This will be a member of the academic staff in your school who convenes your HDR cohort. Ask them if there are any upcoming induction events for new students in your college.
• Pay your services and amenities fee
• Visit Student Central during opening hours with a form of government ID (driver’s licence, passport) to get a student card .
• Read the latest HDR Update  newsletter. This newsletter advertises all kinds of opportunities and communities at ANU.
• Find and bookmark your college's policies and guidelines page. You don't need to know all the rules, but it is important to know where to find them when you need them.
• Arrange an informal meeting or coffee with your supervisor. Your first meeting can just be a casual conversation, but you should also try to schedule another meeting to establish your expectations of each other in the supervision relationship .
• If you have a disability, medical condition or will be a recognised primary carer during your time at ANU, you can visit Access & Inclusion to discuss the support you can receive during your studies. This is a free and confidential service.

Your first three months

• Complete the Research Integrity Training course. This online module is compulsory for every ANU HDR student.
• Familiarise yourself with research ethics requirements  and discuss with your supervisor any ethics approval that you may need.
• If your research includes statistics, experimental design data management or statistical modelling, discuss with your supervisor whether you should book in for free consultation with the Statistical Consulting Unit .
• Meet with your supervisor to discuss the finalisation of your supervisory panel.
• Complete your first annual plan . You should do this in discussion with your supervisory panel. This is a really useful way to plan your research activities for the coming year.
• Check with your HDR Convenor if there is any compulsory coursework you must complete as part of your degree.
• Have a look at all the other research training opportunities available throughout ANU and start to identify what might be relevant to you. The ANU Researcher Development Team send out useful links regularly through HRD Update  newsletter.
• Familiarise yourself with the milestone reporting that you will be asked to do throughout your degree. Many aspects of research degree administration vary between colleges, but progress reports are submitted online via ISIS , so log in and have a look around.
• Familiarise yourself with the ANU Library online and take advantage of their training and resources .

Your first six months

• Meet all your panel members individually to discuss their roles in your research project.
• Get involved in ANU events , communities and clubs . Research clearly shows that students with good social connections are more likely to successfully complete their degree, so taking some time to go to talks, seminars and social gatherings in your School is essential in becoming part of your intellectual community.
• Familiarise yourself with the Research Awards Rule and HDR policies . These are the legislation and policies, procedures and guidelines that govern all higher degree by research programs at ANU. Knowing exactly what is expected of you as a candidate, and what you can expect from ANU is essential in setting yourself up for a successful candidature. 

What to do if things go wrong

Higher degree by research can be a challenging time for a lot of students. There are lots of places you can go for help if things go wrong. Your supervisor should be your first point of call, or you can contact your HDR Convenor or HDR Administrator for general advice. ANU also offers a range of support services to help you stay on track:

• The Dean of Students can provide confidential advice if you have a concern related to supervision.
• The University Counselling Centre are highly experienced at working with HDR candidates. They offer private sessions and workshops to help you deal with a range of issues mental health issues including stress, confidence issues, balancing family and work commitments, adjusting to living in a new location, motivation issues, and relationship advice.
• As an ANU student you also have access to a range of programs and services that aim to help you maintain your health and wellbeing . 
• The Graduate Research Office (GRO) is the central HDR Student Administration Office for ANU and can provide advice and assistance if you are experiencing issues to do with your candidature. 

Quick guide to administering your degree

Understanding the administrative aspects of your candidature will help you effectively manage your program. Take some time to familiarise yourself with key elements of your candidature:

• All candidates must comply with the rules and guidelines stipulated by the Research Awards Rules .
• All ANU staff and students are obliged to comply with the ANU Code of Conduct , which provides guidelines on identifying and resolving issues of ethical and professional conduct.
• All candidates must comply with expected academic performance .
• All candidates may apply for research program leave including personal leave, medical leave, maternity leave, and other absences.
• Find information on relevant scholarships and awards .
• Information on changing conditions of candidature (full time/part time loads or internal/external).
• Find information on withdrawing from candidature .
• Find information on termination of candidature .

You can find more information on ANU administrative processes under the Program Management page.

Related links

• Researcher Development
• Services & amenities fee
• HDR Update- latest edition
•     ANU Student Life 
•     Send email

ANU PhD Scholarship

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About this scholarship

This is a stipend scholarship offered by ANU Colleges to Higher Degree by Research candidates. It is normal for recipients to undertake study on a full-time basis, however, in accordance with strict criteria, the scholarship can be awarded for part-time study for Domestic candidates only. International scholars must undertake study on a full-time basis.

Payments made fortnightly

Payments made for 3.5 years

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

Student types

Student levels

Selection bases

Ongoing eligibility

Extension duration

Field of study

Eligibility.

These scholarships are available to potential and current students who:

• are domestic or international students; and
• have applied for admission to a PhD or Professional Doctorate by Research program; and
• have a Bachelor degree with first-class honours (some Colleges may consider students with upper second-class honours), or a Master degree with a research component or equivalent from a recognised university.

Additional information

How to apply, reference documents, further information.

• Scholarship for 3.5 years
• Travel and removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to commence their research program
• Thesis allowance
• Dependant Child allowance (International students only)
• Paid medical and parental leave

No application is required specifically for this scholarship as all eligible candidates will be considered. Applications must be complete at the time of submission, including all supporting documentation and referee reports, in order to be considered in the scholarship ranking process.

Application Deadline

In order to be considered for an ANU PhD scholarship, in the main round of scholarship offers, applicants are required to apply for admission by the deadlines below. Once you have applied for the program, all eligible applicants will be automatically considered for the ANU PhD scholarship

Deadlines for scholarship rounds

• ANU PhD Scholarship (1872023) (PDF, 223.4 KB)
• Previous ANU PhD Scholarhsip (7372018) (PDF, 397.27 KB)
• ANU PhD Scholarship conditions of award (International student) (PDF, 218.59 KB)
• ANU PhD Scholarship conditions of award (Domestic student) (PDF, 138.55 KB)
• ANU PhD Scholarship - Conditions of Award 2023 revisions (PDF, 188.69 KB)

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to make contact with the relevant Graduate Studies Convener or a prospective supervisor, prior to lodging an application, to discuss the proposed research topic and related matters.

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