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How to apply for a research degree
Join Victoria's #2 university for research quality
Apply now to jump-start your research career, collaborate with top researchers and access Deakin’s world-class facilities.
Apply in six steps
Choosing a research degree or PhD at Deakin is an exciting next chapter. We know the application process can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through every step.
Find a research degree or PhD
Explore our degrees by interest area to find the right research degree or PhD for you. Please note that some courses are not available to international applicants (H803, H821, H860, H861, H801).
Search graduate research degreesCheck entry requirements
Review the requirements for your degree, including research capability, minimum qualifications, English language proficiency and visa criteria.
Learn more about entry requirementsFind a supervisor
Once you’ve checked the entry requirements for your degree, you’ll be ready to identify a research supervisor in your field. Use our directory to find an expert by name, faculty, institute or research topic.
If you're applying to the Faculty of Business and Law, you will be assigned a relevant supervisor when you apply.
Learn more about research supervisionExplore key dates and scholarships
You can apply for a research degree or PhD at Deakin at any time throughout the year, but be sure to check the key intake dates and scholarship deadlines first.
Check important application deadlinesPrepare relevant documents and your research proposal
Check the supporting documentation you need, including academic transcripts, a resume, proof of identification and previous qualifications.
You’ll also need to prepare a research proposal , which will help assess if Deakin has the appropriate supervision expertise. If you’ve already contacted a potential supervisor, collaborate with them on this.
Apply online
Create a ResearchPoint profile and enable Two-Factor Authentication. Log in to apply, explore opportunities and track your progress.
International applicants for the Master of Research (Business) must submit their applications via StudyLink Connect, while domestic applicants must apply through the Deakin Application Portal.
Need help with your application?
Our Research Admissions and Scholarships team is ready to assist with anything related to ResearchPoint – from updating your application details to answering questions about the process.
Key intake dates
You can begin your studies at any time throughout the year, subject to approval from the faculty you’re applying to. However, we recommend aligning your commencement to one of the four main intake dates to ensure access to orientation programs and support services.
The main intake dates for 2026 are:
- Intake 1: 25 February 2026
- Intake 2: 1 May 2026
- Intake 3: 1 July 2026
- Intake 4: 27 October 2026
Intake dates for 2027 will be announced in early 2026.
If you are an international student undertaking a research degree or PhD with the Faculty of Arts and Education, you can’t commence in intake 1.
If you are applying for a research degree or PhD with the Faculty of Business and Law, you can’t commence in intake 2.
If you're not sure what faculty or institute you'll be undertaking your research degree with, check the faculty or institute listed on your supervisor's profile.
Scholarship application dates
Are you looking to apply for a research scholarship? The opening and closing dates for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) are as follows:
- 2026 domestic round: opens 20 January 2026, closes 13 March 2026
- 2027 domestic round: opens 6 July 2026, closes 25 October 2026
- 2027 international round: opens 6 July 2026, closes 23 August 2026
These deadlines do not apply to applicants for the Institute for Frontier Materials, the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation, or the Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative, who can apply at any time.
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