Higher Degree by Research

 Note: EOIs will not be reviewed until after the open date and this process can take up to two weeks.

*Onshore international applicants only (onshore in either Australia or New Zealand and able to travel to an approved CDU campus)

What is an EOI?

Prospective international HDR candidates are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the HDR team before being invited to apply for admission. An EOI includes the following: 

• Expression of Interest (EOI) Application Form (PDF, 201.74 KB)
• Copies of academic transcripts and award certificates of your post-secondary qualifications (ie. Bachelor and Master degree)
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including details of publications
• A brief research proposal (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages) on the research you would like to do, including details about specific methodological techniques

Email these to HDR Support at hdrsupport@cdu.edu.au. 

Scroll up to find out more about the deadline for EOI and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Application.

Once submitted, your EOI will be reviewed and if you are deemed to meet the minimum course entry requirements, we will invite you to submit an application.

Please note: An invitation to submit an application for admission does not guarantee admission to a higher degree by research at CDU. For more information on Honours equivalence and documentation (e.g. copies of publications), see HDR - Candidate Recruitment, Admission and Enrolment Procedures.

After receiving an invitation to apply, the next step is finding a potential supervisor. You will need to obtain the supervisor’s confirmation in writing. A copy of email communications will be sufficient.

Check the projects and supervisors listed on the CDU Research web portal. Each researcher's profile indicates if the researcher is listed on our supervisor register and is eligible to supervise HDR applicants. Click on your specific research area from the left tabs on the web page to meet our supervisors.

Applications to CDU must be submitted online. The process is simple; all you need is a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started the application, you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

Higher Degree by Research degrees are categorised to either low-cost or high-cost fields of education.   These costs are determined upon approval for an offer of admission. Applicants can select either low-cost or high-cost during the application process. There is no difference in the entry requirements or documents required for a full application.

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Required documents 

The online application process allows you to attach the relevant documents to your application. Forms are listed below:

• Invitation to apply (EOI approval email from CDU Global)
• Completed online application form through Studylink, including referee information
• Certified copies of all post-secondary qualification documents such as transcripts of results, award certificates, grading systems, and English translations, if required
• Proof of English language proficiency – please visit our Entry Requirement page for more information: https://www.cdu.edu.au/international/how-apply/entry-requirements
• Copy of passport showing personal and visa details
• Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Application Forms (Combined)
• Existing Research Output form (HDR37) - For any additional publication, please fill a form for each publication and attach a copy of the first page of each publication
• Detailed CV / Resume with a list of publications
• 2X The referee report form (PDF, 64.87 KB) should be completed and sent by your referees directly to the University at Research.Degrees@cdu.edu.au
• A well-written Statement of Purpose (Single) or Statement of Purpose (Family)
• Supervisor’s confirmation in writing (e.g. email correspondence)
• Other supporting documentation, if applicable

If you require further assistance, please contact CDU Global.