Check your eligibility

Qualification requirements

To apply for Higher Degree by Research entry, generally, you need a university honours degree* or a postgraduate qualification with a significant research component.

*This is normally an additional one-year post-Bachelor degree or a fourth year in a Bachelor degree and it includes a significant research component. This is not normally a degree awarded ‘with Honours’ based on GPA that does not include a research component.

Entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must check Admission requirements for your chosen degree:

• Doctor of Philosophy - an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8) such as a postgraduate qualification which includes a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study in which you achieved at least Distinction grade (75%). Evidence of equivalent research experience may be considered, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) - Also read Course Application Guide on the Course Information Page.
  
• Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Published Work (‘PPP’) - Also read Course Information Page.
• Master of Clinical Education by Research - Also read Course Application Information on the Course Information Page.
• Master of Health and Clinical Research – Also read Course Application Information on the Course Information Page.
• Master of Arts - Research
• Master of Business - Research
• Master of Engineering - Research
• Master of Laws - Research
• Master of Science - Research
• Master of Surgery - Research
• Thesis by exegesis and artefact – read Creative Arts HDR application information/ Thesis Presentation Information

If you hold specific international qualifications and you require advice about whether they meet the academic entry requirements, please email intladmissions@flinders.edu.au

Pathway to HDR study

Direct entry into a PhD is dependent on the strength of your research background. Applicants may be offered enrolment into a Master by Research with an opportunity to transfer to a PhD if appropriate progress is demonstrated.

If you don’t meet the HDR academic entry requirements, consider applying for a Flinders Graduate Diploma in Research Methods in the College of Business Government and Law, the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, or the College of Medicine and Public Health. This course will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of, and skills in, research methods for your chosen discipline area as a pathway to HDR study.

The Master of Health and Clinical Research is a 1.5 year pathway to PhD study in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The Master of Clinical Education by Research is also a 1.5 year PhD pathway in the College of Medicine and Public Health.
 

Transfer your HDR to Flinders

If you wish to transfer your current HDR enrolment to Flinders University, you will need to lodge an application. Visit How to Apply for details.

When lodging your application, please also upload the following information:

• Evidence of work completed to date and a ‘completion plan’
• A statement from your current university of your enrolment details and progress/ milestones completed, including EFTSL (Equivalent Full-time Student Load) consumed;
• Details of any scholarship held.

Please be aware that Flinders University will liaise with your current institution about your Research Training Program fee offset entitlements and that your prior candidature will count towards Flinders candidature.