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.

1. Graduate Diploma in Research Methods exclusive to Flinders University
2. Coursework Masters with a research component of at least one full semester achieving an average grade of Distinction (75%) or better for the research component, or significant research publications. Please note some Coursework Masters are full-fee paying.
   
3. The Master of Health and Clinical Research is a pathway to PhD study in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

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:

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

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.