Whether you want to explore a topic that interests you in-depth, create new knowledge or become an expert in your field, a Higher Degree by Research at Flinders will help you to make a difference.
At Flinders you’ll be supported and mentored by specialist supervisors as you undertake your nominated research project. With the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Masters by Research, you can choose the one that best suits your needs, and eligibility.
Flinders at Tonsley and Online
20 June 2023 5-7pm (ACST)
Interested in taking your studies to the next level and pursuing a PhD at Flinders? Explore how you can study a Higher Degree by Research – whether that be a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Masters by Research.
Dr Reem Alothmany - Saudi PhD Business graduate
Entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must check admission requirements for your chosen degree.
A range of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships are awarded on academic merit and research potential.
You can enrol in a Higher Degree by Research at any time. Follow our six simple steps to prepare your application.
The expected duration for a ‘standard’ PhD is three years full-time equivalent, during which time you will receive expert supervision and submit a thesis for examination. The thesis must make a significant original contribution to knowledge in the particular field of research, such as, the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.
Research areas
This 6-12 month degree is available to individuals who have already generated a range of high-quality publications that form a substantial contribution to knowledge, that is, publications completed prior to the commencement of the degree. As a general guide, this would be at least six to eight clustered first-author publications, as a minimum.
Applicants must have spent at least three years following conferral of their PhD entry qualification substantially engaged in the practice and study of the discipline or related discipline.
During candidature, the student will undertake a short program of work culminating in a thesis comprising a contextual statement and including the body of published work accumulated prior to acceptance into candidature.
Add an international perspective to your PhD experience, enhance collaboration and access world-leading research through a cotutelle doctoral degree. This course is undertaken jointly at Flinders University and an international higher education institution, spending a minimum of 12 months at each. Experience:
This degree is up to two years of full-time study. You undertake a supervised research project, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis must make a significant contribution to knowledge in the particular field of research.
Higher Doctorate
Three higher doctorates are available at Flinders University:
Application for a Higher Doctorate is available to individuals who have published a substantial body of work after the conferral of their doctoral degree that demonstrates a significant advance in knowledge in the relevant field or inter-disciplinary scholarship.
This 3-6 month degree is available only for full-time, online study.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers, search our frequently asked questions or browse the categories from our knowledge base.
To apply for HDR entry you need a university degree including a postgraduate qualification equivalent at least to AQF 8 or 9 with a significant research component. However, entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must review the specific admission requirements for your chosen HDR.
The projects for HDR ‘research only’ study are often flexible in terms of when you can start but your approved supervisor will confirm the start date. For international students, study can start any time during the year in which your application has been successful, provided your visa has been arranged.
Australian Government or Flinders University Research Scholarship applicants must submit your applications for both admission and scholarship by the closing date to begin the following year.
External study means that your usual study location is outside of South Australia. To determine if you can study externally, you will need to discuss details of your proposal with your potential supervisor. At the time of the assessment of your HDR application, your potential supervisor will also need to complete a HDR Application for External Status form.
NB International students intending to come on-shore after international travel restrictions are lifted must choose ‘internal’ not ‘external’ in your application.
Yes, it is possible to undertake a HDR on a part-time basis for domestic or external international students. You are required to select that option in your application. As a part-time student you are expected to study for 18–20 hours per week (that is half of the full-time expectation). If you are also working full-time, you may be asked for confirmation from your employer that study release will be made available to you.
You will need to lodge an application. Visit the How to Apply page for more information. When lodging your application, please also include the following information:
If you are a domestic student, please be aware that Flinders University will liaise with your current institution about your Research Training Program fee offset entitlements.
All applicants must meet the required English language proficiency requirements for HDR candidature.
Tuition fees are listed in the annual Postgraduate Degrees Course Guide. The International Centre’s website has information about fees, living expenses, annual health cover and visa expenses.
The Research Training Program (RTP) is a Commonwealth government scheme that provides domestic students with a RTP tuition fee offset.
Citizens of some countries are required to apply through a Flinders University Education Agent. When you register to apply for a course, you will be notified if this is the case.
You will not need to apply through an Education Agent if you are already onshore in Australia, or if you will study online only and will not come to Australia (this includes applicants to the Master of Clinical Education by Research, PhD by Prior Published Work, and Higher Doctorates (Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Science).
If you experience issues finding an Education Agent in your home country, please contact the relevant Flinders International Recruitment team member. Notify them you are a Higher Degree by Research applicant and what issue you are experiencing, so they can assist with your application.
Watch the Interim Dean of Graduate Research explain this and more.
Flinders University nutrition and dietetics alumnus and PhD candidate, Chad Han, shares his journey and what he loves about his career and research.
Flinders PhD supervisors explain their HDR supervisory style and the benefits of working with students to solve world problems.
Years of travelling and working in health care settings around the globe opening the eyes of PhD student Anne Mette Adams to a world of opportunity in health and care research.
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind," are the inspiring words that Flinders PhD student and accredited dietitian Morgan Pankhurst has chosen to live by.
A passion for exploring treatments for the often debilitating hearing condition tinnitus led this dedicated international student to continue his research journey with Flinders.
After reviewing this website and the FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, please complete the form. Ensure you provide details about the Reason for your enquiry in the text box 'Other'.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.
If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:
If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.