Apply to transfer to Master of Engineering by research

As current Master of Engineering (coursework) students at La Trobe, you have an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation into a topic of your choice by transferring into the Master of Engineering by research degree.

• you will have the opportunity to strengthen your analytical skills and gain insights in your chosen field of study, which will position you well for senior roles in the tech industry, consulting firms, and beyond
• as a graduate research candidate, you will benefit from the full suite of research development opportunities offered by the Graduate Research School’s Research Education and Development (RED) program
• you may transfer directly into the Master's by research degree at the 6-month mark, after completing 60 credit points in the first semester, and be in a position to graduate with a globally recognised Master's degree in around 18 months.
• with a Master's by research degree you will have a competitive edge if you decide later to apply for a doctoral degree.

Applications for the 2026 mid-year round are now open. APPLY NOW using the dedicated Pathways to Master's by research application form.

• Candidature offers will be conditional on your school’s support and on completing 60 credit points in the first semester of full-time enrolment (or equivalent) with a weighted average mark of 70 or above. Your school may choose to set a higher WAM requirement and this would be included on your conditional offer.
• If you receive a conditional offer, ensure you accept by the date listed in your offer letter.
• If you are successful, the Graduate Research School will enrol you in the Master of Engineering (research), normally effective from 10 August 2026. Candidates are required to commence during the period 1 - 31 August 2026.
• You will be provided with progress milestones.
  • These will be a Mid-Candidature review (3 months from commencement), Pre-Submission review (12 months from commencement) and an Expected Work Submission Date (14 months from commencement).
  • Your Expected Work Submission Date can be postponed up to your Maximum Candidature Date (18 months from commencement).
• Please note -
  • international candidates will need to self-fund the tuition fees for the time enrolled in the Master of Engineering by research degree.  Tuition fee scholarships or reductions awarded in a coursework degree cannot be transferred to a research degree.
  • domestic candidates will have their tuition fees in the Master of Engineering by research covered by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset scholarship for up to 18 months full-time.

The transfer process is outlined below:

Date	Stage
Monday 2 March 2026	Applications open. Apply now!
Monday 16 March 2026 2:00 -3:00pm	Any questions? Join our dedicated Zoom drop-in session to speak to the Graduate Research School team about the pathway transfer
Tuesday 31 March 2026	Applications close
End of May 2026	Conditional candidature offers are sent
Response require-by date indicated in your offer letter	Acceptances due
Wednesday 1 July 2026	The official release of results
End of July 2026	Students notified if conditions of the offer have been met
Monday 10 August 2026 (unless otherwise specified on your offer letter)	Pathways transfer students commence in the Master by research