Trying to wrap your head around how PhD programs work? We don’t blame you. Sometimes it feels like you need a PhD just to figure out how to get a PhD.
So, with a little help from our academics and some UQ PhD candidates, we’ve broken down the application and preparation process into 10 manageable steps:
- Make sure you’re eligible
- Choose your topic
- Find your PhD supervisors
- Write your PhD proposal
- Look for PhD scholarships
- Plan your study schedule
- Determine if you'll continue working during your PhD
- Gather required documents and apply online
- Get accepted
- Prepare yourself for success
Let’s discuss how to get a PhD in Australia – from choosing your topic to submitting your application. Just keep in mind that some of this information is specifically about how to apply for a PhD at UQ. It’s still a useful guide in general, but the PhD application process may vary at other Australian universities.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To be considered for a PhD program, you’ll need at least one of these:
- a bachelor’s degree with honours or standalone honours degree, achieving IIA (second class, A division) honours or higher; or
- a research master’s degree (like the Master of Philosophy) or a coursework master’s degree that includes relevant research experience; or
- an approved degree, plus evidence of at least 2 years of relevant research experience.
If you don’t currently meet any of these criteria, consider how you might accrue some research experience prior to applying for your PhD. For example, you might be able to start with a Master of Philosophy and then progress into a PhD. Or perhaps you could complete an independent research project for your business, industry or government to build your research portfolio.
2. Choose your topic
Whether you’re diving deeper into a familiar subject or branching out into a new area of interest, you’ll want to settle on your PhD topic sooner rather than later. Finding a niche that sparks your curiosity is important for ensuring you’ll stay inspired during the 3+ years ahead.
Keep in mind that you generally have 2 options here. You can complete a PhD by:
- joining a proposed/advertised research project in an area that interests you
- proposing your own project that aligns with your specific goals.
3. Find your PhD supervisors
Choosing the right people to guide you through your PhD might just be the most crucial step in the process. This is also where things can go quite differently depending on whether you’re a current student at the university where you want to do your PhD.
If you’re a current student, there’s a fair chance you’ve already met or even studied under the academic who will become your primary supervisor. You’ve got the inside scoop on who teaches which courses at the uni, and you may already have an idea of whose personality and teaching style would suit you well.
If you’re approaching your PhD from outside the uni, you’ve got a bit of extra research to do. But as an aspiring PhD candidate, a little extra research is unlikely to deter you. By shortlisting and contacting prospective supervisors based on their areas of interest and existing projects, you can narrow down your options and find the best match.
4. Write your PhD proposal
Check with your supervisor to see if they require a formal PhD proposal (most will, but not all). If so, with their guidance, it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Even if your supervisor doesn't explicitly ask for one, a PhD proposal is a valuable document for outlining the scope of your research and giving your project its initial momentum – so it might be worth writing one either way.
5. Look for PhD scholarships
Dedicating yourself to research sometimes means sacrificing your income in the short term, though it can lead to more financial security in the long term. To help support yourself during your studies, you can apply for PhD scholarships and funding.
These scholarships sometimes have specific deadlines, so make sure to take note of these and adjust your projected study plan accordingly.
6. Plan your study schedule
To complete your PhD within the standard 3.5-year* timeframe, you'll need to be organised with a clear project plan.
*In special cases, you may be able to request an extension of your tuition for up to 4 years, but that is the maximum time allowed for a PhD.
Part of this planning phase will be determining how soon you can start your research. At UQ, you’ll be commenced from the start of one of our 4 research quarters:
- January – March
- April – June
- July – September
- October – December.
Expect to begin your research as soon as you have completed your onboarding activities.
You should submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to the research quarter when you’re hoping to start your PhD or in the scholarship round aligned with your proposed commencing research quarter (this may be even earlier than 12 weeks prior).
7. Determine if you'll continue working during your PhD
Some PhD candidates continue doing part-time or casual work while completing their research. However, this isn't easy and may not be feasible in most cases; it takes serious time-management skills to juggle any kind of job alongside a full-time PhD.
So, carefully consider whether you’d like to keep working in some capacity or commit your attention fully to your research. It may help to weigh up how much your PhD will cost, as well as your expected living expenses while you study, against how much you’ll receive from your scholarship.
8. Gather required documents and apply
It’s time to jump online and do the official application process. Aside from your research proposal, you should also prepare to provide your:
- academic CV
- academic transcript
- degree certificate(s)
- English language documents (if needed)
- ID (such as a passport)
- two references / letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your research experience.
9. Get accepted 🤞
It can take up to 12 weeks to get a response to your application, but hopefully the anxious wait will all be worth it. Either way, you’ll get a notification from the application portal to let you know the outcome.
When you receive your offer letter, make sure to read it carefully and follow the instructions provided to accept your offer and get your research started. You should also contact your supervisor to let them know you’ve gotten the offer – they’ve likely been just as anxious as you have!
Upon acceptance into the PhD program, you’ll be expected to start in the research quarter noted on your offer letter. If your circumstances have changed, you can notify us and you may be able to delay commencement and start in the following research quarter instead, but you won’t be able to defer more than once.
What if my application isn’t approved?
It can be disappointing to have your PhD application rejected, and due to the large number of applications, you may not receive detailed feedback. We suggest speaking with your nominated supervisor. They may be able to provide ideas to enhance your CV and help you decide whether it’s worthwhile reapplying. After all, you may have just been part of a particularly competitive application period – and there are only so many PhD scholarships that can be awarded.
10. Prepare yourself for success
We know you’ve already got what it takes, but there are some skills and attributes you could cultivate or practise to make your upcoming journey a little smoother. While you’re waiting for the outcome of your application, you could set some time aside to work on developing the traits and habits that will help you succeed as a PhD candidate.
Once all these pieces come together, you’ll be on your way to starting your research journey. We can’t wait to see the discoveries you’ll uncover, the results you’ll achieve and the impact you’ll make with your PhD.
