How to apply

Application dates

See HDR course application opening and closing dates (PDF)

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible (no later than 10 to 12 weeks before your intended start date) to allow time for the pre-visa assessment process as well as for scholarship deadlines, if applicable. Visa processing times depend upon various factors.

If you are applying for a scholarship through Flinders you must check the scholarship closing date as you will need to lodge an application for HDR admission first and separately.

For the standard PhD and Masters by Research, you can start any time during the year but the preferred commencement date is the beginning of semester 1 or 2. For an HDR coursework degree, you must be admitted prior to the start of the first required topic. See Flinders University key dates.

Prepare your application

Some countries require you to apply through an Education Agent. You will be notified if this is the case when you register to apply for a course.

Before applying for HDR admission either directly or through an agent, make sure you have all of your supporting documentation in order. A well-prepared application is considered favourably when the university is assessing you for HDR admission.

Follow these steps:

Step 1

Confirm your eligibility – you will only be considered if you can show you meet all of the entry requirements. Evidence of academic, GTE and English language requirements must be included as part of your application. You will need to submit certified original true copies of all documents with your application.

If you do not meet HDR academic entry requirements you may wish to consider applying for our pathway program, the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods.

Step 2

Confirm an academic staff member has agreed to supervise your HDR project – Present a confirmation email/letter from your proposed supervisor, presented as a single pdf entitled ‘(SURNAME) Supervisor confirmation’.

Step 3

Prepare a research project outline. Present as a single pdf entitled ‘(SURNAME) research outline’.

Step 4

Prepare a research experience statement. Present as a single pdf entitled ‘(Surname) experience’.  

Step 5

Prepare your academic transcripts, grading key and degree certificate. Present as a single pdf entitled ‘(SURNAME) transcripts’. Please note, Flinders University transcripts are not required. 

Step 6

Confirm any additional requirements for your course - review the course rules and course information page to confirm what is required.

Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) applicants must download and complete this Additional Information form and then upload it to their online application.

Please note: individual pdf file size is 8MB max. To reduce the size, open the pdf document and save as new document using the “Adobe PDF Files, Optimised” function.

If you need assistance completing your application find an agent in your country.

Submit your application – apply online

Once you have completed the steps above, you can submit your application.

What happens after applying? 

Flinders University will send you and your agent an email within 2 working days confirming that we have received your application. The email will contain your reference number and contact details. You should take special note of the Flinders University Application Reference Number as you will need to quote this in any correspondence while the application is being assessed. All future correspondence should be uploaded via the online application.

Applications are considered on an individual basis and academic qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience are all taken into account. Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Flinders International will advise you of the outcome of your application for admission to a higher degree by research by email.

If you receive an Offer of Admission you will need to Act on your offer. Once your acceptance has been finalised, we will send you instructions about how to enrol. 

If you have also applied for a scholarship you will be advised separately of the outcome by Student Finance and Scholarships Services. If you are not awarded a scholarship, you must still act on your offer of admission by either accepting, declining or deferring. If you wish to defer your offer, you may apply to defer for up to one year only.

Once you have applied, your application will be assessed. Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.