Applications to FedUni HDR programs must be made in accordance to the method outlined on the FedUni website and include the evidence identified on the HDR Application Form or they will not be considered. Applicants should discuss the following with a potential supervisor aligned to their intended research::

i)                 The process of applying to FedUni, and

ii)                An appropriate research topic.

Applications for admission to candidature will be accepted at any time of the year.

Academic and English language entry requirements for admission to HDR candidature at FedUni are detailed in Higher Degree by Research Candidate Selection Policy.  Where an applicant does not meet standard academic entry requirements, the applicant will be required to establish a case for honours equivalence. 

Applicants must demonstrate that they have previously undertaken research and generated outputs equivalent to an Australian-honours level program in terms of both quantity and quality.  This will require an applicant to have:

The research produced must include publications or a minor thesis of at least 12,000 - 15,000 words, be equivalent to a first-class or second-class honours (upper division) for entry to a PhD, or second class honours (lower division) for entry to a Master's Degree.

Applicants can support their case by providing evidence of awards or prizes based on research outcomes and evidence of involvement in the production of refereed publications or other appropriate research outputs.  The application should include copies of papers, a statement of the applicant's contribution to the paper(s), and detail of the type of publication and evidence of peer review.

The following guideline can be used to determine whether the quantity of research training is sufficient to meet entry requirements in terms of honours equivalence.

Where a course-work degree is two years (240 credit points) or 18 months (180 credit points) or equivalent, applicants need to demonstrate that at least 75 credit points were for courses related to research, including a minor thesis of at least 12,000 words that has been examined by internal or external examiners.

The applicant should provide information on all undergraduate and postgraduate study undertaken, together with transcripts, including detail of the weight (credit points) of any research or research-related components of the course(s).  Where an overseas qualification is listed, an assessment of the comparability of the qualification with Australian qualifications by an independent source will be undertaken.

Where research has been undertaken in the course of employment, or other research-related activity, the following evidence can be used to make the case that the quantity and quality of research is sufficient to meet entry requirements:

The Letter of Offer of Admission to Candidature must as a minimum include

Where a candidate does not return the acceptance within the required timeframe as indicated in the Letter of Offer to Admission to Candidature, their offer of candidature will lapse.

The Offer of Admission to Candidature will include requirements set by the School or Chair, RHDC that a candidate must undertake to confirm their candidature. Schools should include any additional requirements on the School section of the HDR Application Form. Additional requirements are subject to the approval of the Dean Graduate Studies.

Schools may apply to the Academic Board via RHDC to create special or reduced entry requirements for a cohort of students entering a Higher Degree by Research program. HDR candidates who enter FedUni via a Designated Cohort will be required to complete all milestones and progress requirements within the described timelines as stipulated in the Candidature Management Policy. Once approved, applications for entry to a designated cohort will be accepted for a period of 12 months.

Federation University postgraduate programs by coursework which include a research component may meet the requirements for honours equivalence. Subject to satisfactory completion of required courses, graduates of these programs are deemed to meet honours equivalence and are therefore eligible for an offer of probationary candidature in a Higher Degree by Research program.

Graduates of these programs must meet entry requirements for honours equivalence as follows:

Entry to PhD: Equivalence to H2A or above with an average score in research-related courses of 70% or more (GPA 6, Distinction average).

Entry to Masters: Equivalence to H2B or above with an average score in research-related courses of 60% or more (GPA 5, Credit average)

To make a case for honours equivalence for a nominated program, the following process should be followed: