Application and Assessment for Candidature
Applicants for admission to a higher degree by research complete a combined candidature and scholarship application form and submit copies with supporting documents. All applicants should read the application form instructions and note the requirements for appropriately certified supporting documentation. Application forms and instructions are available for collection in person from the Higher Degree Research Office. Alternatively they can be downloaded from the website at www.research.mq.edu.au/students. International student enquiries should be directed to the Higher Degree Research Office’s International Officers at hdrint@vc.mq.edu.au
When application forms are received, an initial assessment is made of existing academic qualifications and of supporting documentation to ascertain eligibility for entry to the degree. Acknowledgment of receipt of the application and a request for further supporting documentation is sent to applicants. Applications are forwarded to the relevant Department or Division only when the full supporting documentation is received. Divisions return the application to the Higher Degree Research Office with a recommended decision after consideration of eligibility, and assessment of the availability of appropriate supervisors and facilities in the Department. Applicants are notified of the outcome of the application in writing. Successful applicants are informed of enrolment and commencement arrangements when they accept an offer of candidature.
Applications for admission from domestic students are processed in a series of rounds leading up to the appropriate enrolment period. Closing dates are subject to variation but are generally scheduled with a first round closing date in late October and a last round closing date in late January for first half year enrolments. Enrolment applications received after this date continue to be assessed with the support of the Division. For second half year enrolments, there is a first round closing date in late May and a last round closing date in late June. Full details of closing dates and other important dates for prospective students are listed on the Higher Degree Research Office website.
Applications from international students are processed continuously throughout the year.
Assessment of Qualifications Gained Overseas
In order to rank all applicants against a common standard of assessment, the University refers to the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) Country Education Profiles for the assessment of qualifications gained at overseas institutions. Additional background information on specific institutions and degrees is sought from the National Recognition Information Centre for the UK (NARIC). These guidelines provide a comparison of the overseas qualification against the Australian system of education. Please note that failure to provide adequate documentation such as full transcripts of all tertiary studies may delay the processing of your application. Full details of any relevant research theses are essential.
Candidates are encouraged to apply to NOOSR for an individual assessment of qualifications, particularly if the general guidelines do not cover the individual qualifications. Applicants should include the NOOSR written assessment with the enrolment application. Other documentation of achievements as appropriate, should be forwarded with the application to assist in the assessment. It is recommended that all applicants also have preliminary discussions about the intended research with an academic staff member in the proposed area of study prior to making an application for admission.
NOOSR
Comparative Assessments Section NOOSR
GPO Box 1407
Canberra, ACT 2601
Phone: 1800 020 086 (Freecall, except mobiles)
Email: noosr@dest.gov.au
Website: www.dest.gov.au/noosr