Research Training Program (RTP)

Overview: 
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic record (e.g., high GPA) in a Bachelor’s, Honours, or Master’s degree with relevant research experience: 

• Master by Research applicants must have completed at least half a semester full-time equivalent (FTE), or 20 credit points, of research activity at AQF Level 8 or above in a relevant course. 

• PhD applicants must have completed at least one semester FTE, or 40 credit points, of research activity at AQF Level 8 or above in a relevant course. 
   

Evidence: 
Academic transcripts, official translated documents, grading system details, copies of theses, official unit and course outlines etc 

Notes:  

• AQF = Australian Qualifications Framework: Home | AQF 

• CDU’s grading system and international grade conversion information is available here: Grades | Charles Darwin University 

• Qualifications where results are ungraded will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

• All academic transcripts and theses must be officially translated into English prior to submission. 

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to clearly demonstrate: 

• Which units from their degree/s involve research and their weighting. 

• The grading system used at their institution. 

• The level and length of any thesis or dissertation. 

• Evidence that a unit meets the definition of research where the unit name is ambiguous eg “Project” 
   

If a thesis is submitted, CDU must be able to evaluate its quality based solely on the documentation provided. CDU will not retrieve information from institutional websites or external sources. 

Overview: 
Successful applicants will typically demonstrate recent, high-quality, peer-reviewed research publications, as first author or co-author. Non-Traditional Research Outputs (NTROs) may also be considered where they align with recognised discipline-specific standards. 

Evidence: 
Applicants must provide a direct link to the published output or an electronic copy of the output as well as evidence of quality and impact of the output, such as: 

• For traditional publications: 

1. Journal/conference rankings (e.g. Scimago, CORE)
2. Publisher details
3. Evidence of peer review
4. Full Reference including DOI link
5. Evidence of publication

• For NTROs (e.g. creative works, exhibitions, performances): 

1. Documentation of research significance (e.g. exhibition catalogue, artist statement)
2. Evidence of public dissemination (e.g. press, online promotion, programs)
3. Discussion with intended supervisor to confirm alignment with disciplinary research norms 

Notes: 

• Focus on quality over quantity — listing many outputs without justification will not strengthen an application. 

• Applicants should submit up to four (4) outputs (including NTROs) that best demonstrate research excellence. 

• Outputs must be supported by clear evidence of quality, impact, and relevance to the discipline. 

• Older outputs (more than 10 years old) may be considered less competitive and could be excluded or scored lower unless a strong case is made for their continued significance. 

• If unsure whether older outputs are stronger than more recent ones, applicants may submit up to six (6) outputs for consideration. However, only the top four will be scored. 

• Only outputs that have been formally accepted for publication (i.e. have passed peer review and received a formal acceptance letter) or are already in press or published will be considered. Outputs that are still under review, in revision, or submitted but not accepted will not be assessed.