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Research degree entry requirements
Be prepared for success
Understand the entry requirements for your research degree or PhD before you apply, including English language and visa requirements for international applicants.
Entry requirements by degree
Each research degree has specific entry requirements to ensure that you are prepared for the expectations of postgraduate study.
To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate your research capability and hold relevant qualifications from a recognised tertiary institution, usually completed within the last five years. If your qualifications are older, you can still qualify by submitting a portfolio of recent research or professional experience.
For detailed qualification guidelines, refer to the Australian Qualifications Framework.
You need to have completed a degree at level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, with a minimum overall grade equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70%.
The qualifying degree must be in the relevant area and include a research component, equivalent to 25% of the final year’s full-time study.
The research component must include a dissertation or equivalent assessed outputs with a minimum achievement grade equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70%.
You need to have completed a degree at level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, with a minimum achievement grade equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65%.
The qualifying degree must be in the relevant area and include a research component, equivalent to 25% of the final year’s full-time study.
The research component must include a dissertation or equivalent assessed outputs with a minimum achievement grade equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65%.
Meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a masters degree in the same discipline as the proposed research thesis with a minimum achievement grade equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65%; or
- completion of a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline as the proposed research thesis with a minimum achievement grade equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70% for third-year units; or
- completion of the pre-clinical component of the Doctor of Medicine (or equivalent degree) at the postgraduate level.
Apply for a research degree
Ready to take the next step? Find everything you need to apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD – key dates, supporting documents, scholarships and fees and how to connect with a research supervisor. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Entry requirements for international applicants
If you are an international applicant looking to complete your research degree or PhD in Australia, there are some important requirements you need to be aware of.
English language requirements
If your first language isn't English, you’ll need to show proof of proficiency.
Deakin’s requirements follow the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) standards and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Accepted test scores and their minimum requirements can vary depending on the program and level of study.
Find more details about entry requirements on the research degree or PhD course pages.
Visa requirements
The Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications for entry to Australia. If you plan to study at Deakin, you'll need to:
- obtain a student visa (primarily Subclass 500)
- be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course on campus
- maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies.
Studying a PhD in Deakin’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Initiative helped me further my skills in artificial intelligence and I’m excited to apply this knowledge to create a better, more sustainable society.
PhD in artificial intelligence
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