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Research and Innovation

Future Research Students

Choose CDU for your research degrees
  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes

    The Good Universities Guide 2023 ranks CDU as a leader for postgraduate employment outcomes

  • Be supported by a research scholarship

    Available to domestic and international students

  • An elite 'Rising Star' challenger university in the Class of 2030

    According to Times Higher Education

Research degrees

Charles Darwin University offers a range of Higher Degrees by Research for graduates, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (MRes). We deliver high-quality research training for emerging scholars to undertake independent research in your area of study.

PhDs and MRes can be undertaken at all CDU Colleges and the Menzies School of Health Research. Study and work in the context of our regional focus, which prioritises the complex issues facing Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

 

PhD and MRes at Charles Darwin University

The main difference between a PhD and MRes is the duration of the study, length of the thesis, and level of originality.

 

Doctor of Philosophy

Master by Research

Minimum duration

Two years full-time or four years part-time.

One year full-time or two years part-time.

Maximum duration

Four years full-time or eight years part-time, from your start date.

Two years full-time or four years part-time, from your start date.

Thesis length

Maximum of 100,000 words.

Maximum of 50,000 words.

Time commitment

40 hours per week for a full-time student.

20 hours per week for a part-time student.

40 hours per week for a full-time student.

20 hours per week for a part-time student.

What is the cost of a research degree?

Domestic students

Domestic candidates incur no fees if they complete their degree within the allocated time. Candidates may also be eligible to receive a living allowance, often worth about $28 700, while they complete the research project. Learn more about domestic scholarships.

International students

International candidates often pay fees to undertake a research degree at CDU.  However, if their record is especially strong, they might receive a fee waiver or even an additional living allowance, often worth about $28 700, while they complete the research project.  Learn more about international scholarships.

Check your eligibility

To decide which applicants to accept, the University considers the academic qualifications, research experience, and other characteristics of the candidate and research proposal. 

The following table presents more information about eligibility.  Typically, applicants tend to be eligible to enrol in a:

  • PhD if they have completed at least one semester of research activity at an Honours or Masters level and achieved a distinction average--or completed equivalent activity
  • Masters by Research if they have completed at least half a semester of research activity at an Honours or Masters level--or completed equivalent activity
Information to read Contents
Specifies in detail how the University evaluates who is eligible
Offers recommendations on how to become more eligible to receive an offer or a scholarship

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Research scholarships

Domestic students

International students

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