International

How to Apply

Postgraduate Research Programs

Please follow the steps below to apply for a Master's by Research, Professional Doctorate or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Closing Date
Please note that if you are applying for a La Trobe Postgraduate Research Scholarship, Fee Remission Research Scholarship and/or an Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, your application must be received by 30 September to undertake study the following year.

If you are not applying for a scholarship, there is no closing date for applications*. However, you will need to allow sufficient time for the processing of your application and your visa arrangements.

*Note: Doctor of Psychology (Professional Doctorate) applicants.
Applications for admission to this program close on 30 September of the year prior to the year in which you wish to undertake study. In addition to the application steps below, prior assessment of your academic qualifications is required by the Australian Psychological Society and applicants are also required to nominate two professional referees. Applicants for the Research Doctor of Psychology must, before lodging a formal application form, discuss their plans for candidature with Professor Glynda Kinsella. Please refer to Instructions for Psychology Applicants (pdf 77kb) or visit the School of Psychological Science website for further information.

STEP 1

Check that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements

Check that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements needed for entry into postgraduate research at La Trobe University.

Please refer to our entry requirements page and note that your previous studies must have included a significant research component.

STEP 2

Check that you meet the English language proficiency requirements

Check that you meet the requirements for English language proficiency.

Please see our English language requirements page for details.

STEP 3

Select a research area and program

Select a research area and program that interests you.

Please see either our research programs page OR the relevant brochure (see Downloads...).

For further information on La Trobe University’s research strengths, you may also wish to refer to the individual faculty websites and, in particular, School/Department websites.

STEP 4

Make contact with a potential supervisor

It is necessary that you identify a potential academic supervisor at La Trobe University before submitting your application. To do so, please consult Faculty, School or Departmental websites to identify staff and their areas of specialisation.

Should you experience any difficulties in locating a potential supervisor, you may ask for assistance by emailing a short (300 word) synopsis of your research proposal and a brief summary of your academic background to: iporesearch@latrobe.edu.au.

STEP 5

Complete the application form

You can apply directly to La Trobe University by downloading and completing the Postgraduate Research Application Form (see Downloads...). Additional Academic Referee Report Forms are also available.

Before completing the form, please read the application instructions carefully. Section C of your application requires you to submit a research proposal. This guide to Writing a Research Proposal may assist you (see Downloads...).

OR

Alternatively, you may prefer to contact one of La Trobe University’s many overseas representatives who can assist you with the application process and visa arrangements.

STEP 6

Send your application form to
La Trobe International

Send a copy of the application form, all supporting documentation, and the A$80 non-refundable application fee to:

La Trobe University
La Trobe International
Victoria 3086
Australia

STEP 7

Your application will be assessed

La Trobe International will check that your application is complete and forward it to the Faculty and Higher Degrees Committee for assessment. Please note: this process may take up to twelve weeks.

All applicants will be advised as to whether their application has been successful. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from La Trobe University with instructions on how to accept.

STEP 8

Accept your offer

Accept your offer by sending your acceptance, together with payment for your first semester and Overseas Health Cover, to La trobe International.

STEP 9

Confirmation of enrolment and visa arrangements

La Trobe University will then send you a pre-departure kit, including an electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCOE) and our Pre-Departure Guide containing valuable information about studying and living in Australia.

You can use the electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCOE) to arrange your Student Visa.

Please note that for some countries the Australian government requires an additional pre-visa assessment.

STEP 10

Planning your arrival

It is now time to begin planning your arrival in Australia. Please refer to the Pre-Departure Guide for information on La Trobe University services such as temporary accommodation, airport reception and our Welcome Festival orientation program. This information is also available on our pre-departure pages.

Content Approved by: Director, La Trobe International
Page maintained by: Communications Coordinator (Web)
Last Updated: 11 September, 2008