Our highly-ranked research program features world-renowned faculty, interdisciplinary research, and a spirit of collaboration. Both the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are advanced research-focused degrees that produce high-quality original research under the supervision of world-class researchers and intellectual leaders.
Programs
A 2-year program of research with the School of Engineering to produce a thesis.
A 4-year program of research with the School of Engineering to produce a thesis that makes a significant contribution to the field
Applying
ANU is ranked among the world’s most prestigious universities and is recognised for setting the standard in education and research on matters that will have an impact on advancing society and the world in which we live. Our graduates become the innovators and leaders of the future. For these reasons, admission to one of our research programs is competitive and most successful applicants are in the top five to ten percent of their class in their previous degree.
Pre-application
In applying for research study at the ANU School of Engineering you should identify a research area and a potential supervisor within the School of Engineering with whom you may like to work. Potential supervisors are listed within each cluster on the ‘People’ page.
*Note: Regardless of the quality of the application, you cannot be accepted into an ANU Engineering research program without having the support of an ANU Engineering researcher willing to supervise you.*
When contacting potential supervisors it is important that you provide information relevant to your application, including a current CV and a brief research proposal. Our researchers are internationally recognised and receive many expressions of interest. If the potential supervisor is interested in speaking with you further, he or she will contact you by email. Please be patient as many of our researchers are extremely busy and have regular international travel, so there may be a delay in responding to your request. If a supervisor agrees to support your application, you may proceed to submit a formal application.
Formal application
If you believe you meet eligibility requirements and you have secured the support of a research supervisor, you may then submit a formal application for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) through the ANU application portal. Please see the ANU Postgraduate application advisory page for more information.
Documentation
A complete application includes:
- an application submitted through the ANU application portal.
- a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé.
- a research proposal.
- colour copies of all transcripts and completion certificates of prior study, with official English translation if the original document is not in English.
- three complete referee reports (referees are nominated through the application portal).
- if we receive an incomplete application, ANU will contact the applicant and give 30 days to provide the outstanding documentation. If required documentation is not provided, the application will be denied.
We recommend submitting your application at least two weeks prior to scholarship application deadlines to give your referees time to provide their references for you.
Scholarships
More information about the scholarship rounds can be found here: Research scholarship information
ANU has two central scholarship application rounds per year. Central Scholarships include the Australian Government Research Training Program and University Research Scholarships. Your application must be complete by the relevant closing date for your application to be considered.
Round 1 domestic
The closing date for the main domestic scholarship round is 31 October each year, for research students commencing the following year by 31 March.
Round 1 International
The closing date for the international main round is 31 August each year, for research students commencing in the following year by 31 March.
Round 2 (international and domestic)
The College holds an additional research scholarship round that closes 15 April each year, for research students commencing in the same year by 31 August.
Additional awards
Enrolled ANU School of Engineering Postgraduate Research students automatically receive generous financial support from the School for professional development activities (such as travel to conferences to present their work, and a PC/laptop for their work). There are also additional funding sources for enrolled students, including:
- Vice-Chancellor’s Travel Grant - Higher Degree Research
- ANU College of Systems and Society Dean's Travel Grant Award (subject to availability)