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Applications for research candidature are welcome all year and there are three important steps for you to take before you apply:

1. Check your eligibility for a scholarship.
2. Ensure that you meet academic entry requirements.
3. Find a supervisor.

Scholarships 

If you are applying for a scholarship, the closing date for scholarship applications is 31 October for Australian and New Zealand citizens, and 30 September for international students. Please note that some research programs also have specific commencement dates.

Local students (Australian citizens or permanent residents and New Zealand citizens) can download an application form from the Research scholarships page.

International students should refer to the La Trobe International website for application information and to download a copy of our international students research brochure.

Academic entry requirements

Masters by Research

A Masters by Research degree is typically of one to two years duration and requires students to demonstrate competence in conducting a supervised research project.

Candidates for a Masters degree by Research must submit a thesis that makes a contribution to knowledge in an approved area. The thesis would not normally exceed 50,000 words.

For admission to a Masters by Research degree, applicants must have completed a Bachelor degree with Honours from La Trobe University or another recognised university or educational institution. The Honours degree should normally have been completed at the level of H1or H2A or equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B may be considered in some instances.

Professional Doctorates

Professional Doctorates have both coursework and research components. They enable students to develop their professional practice skills to a high level.

Candidates for a Professional Doctorate by Research submit a major thesis (not more than 75,000 words) which is a substantial and original contribution to knowledge of direct relevance to the profession, in addition to completing coursework subjects.

Candidates for a Professional Doctorate by Coursework submit a smaller thesis (not more than 50,000 words) which is either an original or substantial contribution to knowledge of direct relevance to the profession, in addition to completing coursework subjects.

Candidates for the Professional Doctorate will normally have completed a Masters degree or Bachelor degree with Honours (H1 or H2A) at La Trobe University or another recognised university and have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Candidates are also required to provide evidence of research expertise.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is a research degree normally of three to four years duration. A thesis based on original investigations is presented to external examiners and must be considered a substantial and original contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant field of study. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words.

Candidates for the PhD will normally have completed a Masters degree or Bachelor degree with Honours (H1 or H2A) from La Trobe University or another recognised university.

Finding a supervisor

You will need to nominate a potential academic supervisor/s before submitting your application.

To do so, please consult faculty or school websites to identify staff and their areas of specialisation. You should then contact the relevant faculty or school to ascertain their availability for supervision.